Texas Border Business
Texas Border Business
The Rio Grande Valley Partnership has named Paco Sanchez as its new President and CEO, selecting a longtime legislative professional to lead the business-focused regional organization as it prepares for the next state legislative cycle.
The Partnership announced that Sanchez “brings two decades of legislative experience in the Texas House of Representatives,” where he served as Legislative Director for State Representative Armando “Mando” Martinez and, most recently, as Chief of Staff for State Representative Oscar Longoria. In addition to his government work, Sanchez was a Litigation Specialist for Hinojosa Law, PLLC, handling commercial litigation and personal injury cases.
A graduate of Donna High School, Sanchez earned an undergraduate degree from the University of Texas at Austin and later received his law degree from the University of Houston Law Center.
During his legislative career, Sanchez “played a key role in the passage of numerous state laws related to transportation, infrastructure, water resources, agriculture, health care, disaster management, higher education, international trade, and economic and workforce development,” according to the announcement. He has also worked with communities throughout the Rio Grande Valley to enhance residents’ quality of life and partnered with stakeholders to advance regional priorities and economic growth.
“I’m excited and honored to join the Rio Grande Valley Partnership as their new President and CEO,” Sanchez said. “From my first day in the Legislature, the RGV Partnership has been the Valley’s voice for the business community at the state and federal levels.”
He added, “From hosting the RGV Legislative Tour to spearheading RGV Days in Austin and RGV2DC, the RGV Partnership drives the economic engine of the Valley. With a renewed focus on legislative advocacy, enhancing member benefits, and our new RGV Connect initiative, I look forward to collaborating with stakeholders across the four-county region to strengthen our region’s influence.”
The Rio Grande Valley Partnership describes itself as a “business-led, regional non-profit organization focused on advancing economic development, advocacy, and collaboration across Cameron, Hidalgo, Starr, and Willacy Counties.” The group brings together business leaders, elected officials, and community stakeholders to address shared regional priorities and promote long-term economic growth.
Among its signature efforts is the RGV Legislative Tour, held during each state legislative session. The program hosts state senators, representatives, and key staff members in the Rio Grande Valley to learn about the region and promote its legislative priorities.
Ahead of the next legislative session, the Partnership plans to gather ideas and community input for the tour through its RGV Connect initiative. Each work session will focus on major policy areas, with the first meeting scheduled for February 28 in Mission and centered on transportation.
“The RGV Legislative Tour is the signature event of each session, and the RGV Partnership is preparing early, gathering community and stakeholder input through the RGV Connect initiative,” Sanchez said. “The ideas gathered during these work sessions will inform the Partnership’s legislative agenda and help us promote our region’s priorities during session and beyond.”
