Board Members & Staff
Our Team
The board members and staff of the Center for Health Empowerment in South Texas are united in their commitment to advancing the organization’s mission and goals. Representing diverse sectors and areas of expertise, this team works collaboratively to promote health equity and empower communities across the region.
2025 Board Members
Dr. Adriana Rocha Garcia
Center for Health Empowerment in South Texas
President and CEO
Dr. Lyssa Ochoa
The SAVE Clinic
CEO and President
Center for Health Empowerment in South Texas
Chairman of the Board
George Hernandez
University Health Systems
CEO (retired)
Center for Health Empowerment in South Texas
Vice Chair
Henry B. Gonzalez III
Jefferson Bank
Director of Board
Center for Health Empowerment in South Texas
Secretary
Michelle Lugalia-Hollon
Alamo Community College District
Chief Strategy Officer
Center for Health Empowerment in South Texas
Treasurer
Jordan Ghawi
Southwest Texas Regional Advisory Council (STRAC)
Chief Strategy Officer
Center for Health Empowerment in South Texas
Executive Committee Member
Dr. Salvador Hector Ochoa
Texas A&M San Antonio
President
Center for Health Empowerment in South Texas
Executive Committee Member
Dr. John Pham
UIW School of Osteopathic Medicine
Chief and Dean Academic Officer
Center for Health Empowerment in South Texas
Executive Committee Member
Phyllis Viagran
City of San Antonio
Councilwoman
Center for Health Empowerment in South Texas
Executive Committee Member
Gene Rodriguez
City Council District 4
Director of Policy
Center for Health Empowerment in South Texas
Executive Committee Member
Rodolfo Aguilar
Council District 3
Community Representative
Ed Banos
University Health System
CEO
Dr. Lynne Cossman
UT San Antonio
Dean of College for Health, Community and Policy
Louis Escareño
Louis Escareno P.C.
Attorney
Dr. Andrea Guajardo
Bexar County
Director of Preventative Health and Environmental Services
Dr. Lawrence Harkless
UT Long School of Medicine
Professor Emeritus UT Rio Grande Valley
Dr. Claude A. Jacob
City of San Antonio, Metropolitan Health District
Health Director
Sandra Martinez
Methodist Healthcare Ministries
Vice President
Mario Obledo
San Antonio Food Bank
Chief of Goverment and Public Affairs
Javier Paredes
StudioMassivo
Principle
Dr. Judith Rendon
Council District 4
Community Representative
Jeanne Russell
Cast Schools
Executive Director
Dr. Gerardo Soto
Harlandale, ISD
Superintendent
Dr. Roberto Treviño
Social and Health Research Center
Founder South Alamo Medical Group (SAMG)
Rebecca Viagran
South Texas Business Partnership
President and Chief Executive Officer
Staff Members
Yolanda G. Lopez
Center for Health Empowerment in South Texas
Management Assistant
Alberto L. Garcia
Center for Health Empowerment in South Texas
Operations Assistant