By McAllen Chamber of Commerce
The McAllen Chamber of Commerce in partnership with The McAllen Economic Development Corporation invites the public to “Meet Your City Leaders”, a City Commissioner panel from 12-1 p.m. on May 4, 2023, at the McAllen Chamber of Commerce.
The panel includes incumbent Rodolfo “Rudy” Castillo (District 4), Victor Sebastian “Seby” Haddad (District 5) and Jose “Pepe” Cabeza de Vaca (District 6). All candidates were invited. Candidate Javier Salazar will not be in attendance.
McAllen Chamber Chairman-Elect Jim Darling will MC the panel during the Government Affairs Council meeting. Those running for seats will discuss current city challenges and what their plans are if elected May 6.
The event is open to the public. Lunch will be available. Limited seating. Those interested must RSVP with Director of Public Policy & Government Affairs Gerry Garcia at (956) 682-2871 or email ggarcia@mcallenchamber.com
“We would like for our community to have the opportunity to meet the City Commissioners and meet the leaders who make decisions that impact their businesses and everyday lives,” Garcia said. “Those in attendance will also have the opportunity to ask questions.”
City Commissioner Candidates
Rodolfo “Rudy” Castillo was born in McAllen and is a self-made entrepreneur. His businesses include Bucks Surplus Trailers and Equipment, RGV Western Boots, Unique Thrift Store, and Oro Ropa Usada. In 2022, Castillo was selected by a special election to serve the remaining term of Commissioner Tania Ramirez. Commissioner Castillo is now running for re-election and is the only candidate with an opponent.
Victor Sebastian “Seby” Haddad was born in Baltimore, MD but raised in McAllen. Haddad graduated with a bachelor’s of computer information system from St. Edward’s University. After receiving his diploma Haddad spent two years in New York City working as a post-production audio engineer before moving back to the Valley. Haddad has a 14-year career in banking and is Senior Vice President and Commercial Lender for Lone Star National Bank. Haddad handles a $75 million loan portfolio with over 200 local and small business clients that has generated more than $100 million in local financing and capital needs. He has been part of numerous small business ventures in the lifestyle and restaurant industry with investment in real estate development, software and tech industry.
Jose “Pepe” Cabeza de Vaca was born in McAllen. Cabeza de Vaca graduated from McAllen Memorial High School and attended Universidad de Monterrey in Monterrey, Mexico. He was President and CEO of Social Life News Magazine from November 2004 until he sold the company in 2018. Since 2015, Cabeza de Vaca has served as the Assistant Chief of Staff at Hidalgo County Precinct 1. His volunteer work includes serving in the McAllen Planning and Zoning Board as Chairman, American Cancer Society Advisory Board, and Valley Alliance of Mentors for Opportunities & Scholarships (VAMOS). He is a former member of the South Rotary Club and the McAllen Centennial Rotary Club. Cabeza de Vaca has received numerous awards including the 2011 Texas Businessman of the Year by the Texas Association of Mexican American Chambers of Commerce, 2010 Humanitarian of the Year Award by the American Red Cross, U.S. Congress Special Congressional Recognition of outstanding and invaluable service to the community and 2009 Top 5 Small Business Award by the McAllen Chamber of Commerce, among others.
