Cecilia Garcia-Akers, Foundation President
Dr. Hector's daughter, Cecilia, is passionate about and committed to preserving and educating others about the legacy of Dr. Hector and its relevance today. She is an experienced fundraiser and has a strong working relationship with both Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi and her alma mater, the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, both of which will be involved in the scholarship process. She also provides personal interviews, lectures and other speaking engagements to further Dr. Hector's message.
Phone: (210) 415-5396
Email: [email protected]
Barbara Baggerly-Hinojosa, Vice President
Barbara Baggerly-Hinojosa, Ph.D. is a Graduate of Our Lady of the Lake University with a Ph.D. in Leadership Studies. In addition, she holds an Associates of Arts degree in Education from McLennan Community College, Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies from the University of Texas-Pan American, and a Master of Arts in Educational Supervision from the University of Texas-Pan American. Dr. Baggerly-Hinojosa is a resident of Mercedes, TX in the Rio Grande Valley. Dr. Baggerly-Hinojosa has over 20 years experience in education, has held positions such as Classroom Teacher, Dean of Instruction, Campus Principal, Public Information Officer, Parent/Community Specialist, and Director of Migrant Education. Dr. Baggerly-Hinojosa’s experience in education and public service will greatly enhance our Foundation Board.
Jim Akers, Treasurer
Jim, Cecilia's husband, has a long history of executive management experience including human resources, budgeting, cash flow analysis and strategic planning. Jim is responsible for researching, organizing and disseminating educational information, fact checking website management and assisting with fundraising.
Phone: (210) 508-0824
Email: [email protected]
Barbara Canales
Barbara Canales was born and raised in Corpus Christi, TX. She is the great niece of Dr. Hector P. Garcia. She graduated from Ray High School as valedictorian, and earned a full scholarship to the University of Texas at Austin. Barbara received her Bachelor of Science degree in Petroleum Engineering in 1989, and Doctor of Jurisprudence degree from the University of Houston in 1992. In 2004, Barbara formed Canales Exploration LLC, a gas and oil exploration company. Barbara has served on multiple boards including the Development Board of the University of Texas Austin, Texas A&M Corpus Christi Foundation Board, Texas State Aquarium Board, South Texas Institute of Arts, and the Corpus Christi Port Authority. The Dr. Hector P. Garcia Memorial Foundation is honored to have Ms. Canales as a Board member.
Curtis Clark
Curtis Clark is presently Asst. Vice President, International Bank of Commerce, Corpus Christi. Curtis has been and currently a member/officer of numerous organizations in Corpus Christi.
He is Vice President of Coastal Bend Boys and Girls Club, past Vice Chairman of Corpus Christi International Airport Board of Directors, past Vice President Harold C Kaffie Middle School PTA. Currently, Vice President of the Corpus Christi Crime Control & Prevention District Board, 2nd Vice President H. Boyd Hall Branch Chapter 6168 NAACP, United Corpus Christi Chamber of Commerce Champions Chairman, and Vice President Corpus Christi Black Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors while representing CC Black Chamber of Commerce to the Corpus Christi Regional Economic Development Corp. Curtis is also a proud Military Veteran serving in the U.S. Navy from 1996-2001. We are proud to have Curtis as a Board member.
Nelly Garcia Blow, D.O., Geriatrician
CHRISTUS Spohn Hospital – Shoreline
Dr. Garcia Blow was born and raised in Brownsville, Texas. She completed her medical school at the University of North Texas Health Science Center/ Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine. She then completed her Family Medicine Residency and Geriatric fellowship at CHRISTUS Spohn Hospital -Memorial. Dr. Garcia Blow is board certified in family medicine and geriatrics. She now practices in Corpus Christi providing geriatric consults for older injured patients at CHRISTUS Spohn’s Level II Trauma Center.
Dr. Garcia Blow’s passion is education and improving the lives of our coastal bend communities. She serves on the American Heart Association and is the chair of Hypertension Collaborative aimed at improving blood pressure control in our area. Dr. Garcia Blow also serves as the chair of the medical subcommittee for the Nueces County Opioid Taskforce which is focused on education, prevention, and intervention to tackle the opioid crisis that has affected our area as well as the entire nation.
Larry Elizondo
Mr. Elizondo has proven himself a valued leader in the Corpus Christi community with professional accomplishments such as successfully managing over $668 million of public funds, and maintaining an outstanding record while serving the largest employer in Corpus Christi. Larry is an adept negotiator and critical thinker, and has extensive knowledge of industry and government regulations. These skills have allowed Larry to serve the citizens of Corpus Christi in many capacities including serving on a number of boards for organizations such as the Coastal Bend Community Blood Center, the American Heart Association, the Del Mar College Foundation and many others.
The Dr. Hector P. Garcia Memorial Foundation is honored to have Larry serve on its Board of Directors.
Moses Estrada
Moses Estrada is a graduate of Robstown High School and attended Del Mar College. He proudly served his country in the US Army and worked for Southwestern Bell until his retirement. He owned and operated a real estate office in Kingsville for twenty years and presently is a real estate investor. He has actively served his community by participating in several organizations including the Dr. Hector P. Garcia AGIF of South Texas and is the Commander of the Dr. Hector P. Garcia Founders Chapter. Under his leadership, the organization is in its fifth year of awarding scholarships to high school seniors and veterans in Nueces County. Moses is o-organizer of the Dr. Hector P. Garcia State Holiday celebration in Corpus Christi, Texas.
Mark Roach
Mark Roach was born in Corpus Christi, TX and graduated from Aransas Pass High School, and Texas A&M University-College Station with a degree in Accounting in 1975.
He was a founding charter member of Coastal National Bank in Aransas Pass, and served as a founding director from 1982-1990. In addition, Mark served as the Municipal Court Judge in Aransas Pass and was on the bench from 1992 to 1995. In 1995, he opened a branch location for Dealers Electrical Supply in Corpus Christi. Mark has extensive civic experiences that include a former member of the Lion’s Club in Aransas Pass, and as a former Religious Education instructor for 15 years at St. Mary’s Star of the Sea Catholic Church in Aransas Pass. He currently serves as Chairman of the Board of Associated Builders and Contractors of Texas (Austin), the Texas Department of Licensing & Regulation Electrical Advisory Board (Austin), the Board of Directors of Associated Builders and Contractors-Texas Coastal Bend Chapter in Corpus Christi and on the Planning and Zoning Commission for the City of Portland.
Skyler Howell
Skyler Howell, from Weslaco, TX is our newest member of the Board of Directors.Skyler is pending graduation from UTRGV in 2025 with a degree in Entrepreneurship. He is experienced in leadership, Political Science, and Government. He is very active in the Mercedes Chamber of Commerce as the Executive Director. Skyler was instrumental in securing a proclamation from the City of Mercedes to honor Dr. Hector P. Garcia each September during Hispanic Heritage Month. We welcome Skyler's activism, energy and his ability to organize to achieve positive outcomes.