The United Corpus Christi Chamber Foundation is proud to announce the participants selected for Leadership Corpus Christi Class 55, a dynamic group of emerging and established leaders representing a diverse range of industries, organizations, and experiences across the Coastal Bend.

Since its founding in 1972, Leadership Corpus Christi has served as the region’s premier civic leadership development program, equipping individuals with the knowledge, relationships, and perspective needed to make a lasting impact in our community. Through immersive experiences, meaningful conversations, and hands on learning opportunities, participants gain a deeper understanding of the opportunities and challenges shaping Corpus Christi and the Coastal Bend.

Following a highly competitive application process that attracted nearly 90 applicants, the individuals selected for Class 55 were chosen for their demonstrated leadership potential, commitment to community engagement, and desire to help shape the future of our region.

• Samantha Baldwin, Corpus Christi Police Department
• Aaron Barnby, U.S. Navy
• Tina Canary, Youth Odyssey
• Kathleen Cooley, Doctoral Student
• Paul Creacy, Del Mar College
• Patrick Dooley, ExxonMobil
• Madelynn Duque, United Corpus Christi Chamber of Commerce
• Darcy Esparza, Hilliard Law
• Marissa Ford, Hurb’s Burgers  
• Pedro Garcia, Corpus Christi Army Depot
• Christina Gonzalez, Workforce Solutions Coastal Bend
• Maria Graciano, Family Counseling Services
• Kitty Hommer, South Texas Botanical Gardens & Nature Center
• Deborah Lawler, USS Lexington
• Heather Loeb, NAMI Greater Corpus Christi
• Nicole Nelson, CLK Architects & Associates
• Christopher Paul, Coastal Bend Council of Governments
• Roland Perez, Turner Ramirez Architects
• Laura Allison Ramos, Law Office of Laura Allison Ramos
• Christopher Reyes, AG|CM
• Angela Rhoden, Corpus Christi Medical Center
• Crystal Ridgley, Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi
• Priscilla San Miguel, Quantum Power Group
• Jeremy Sirio, Corpus Christi Regional Transportation System
• Elyse Suckley, Buccaneer Commission
• Kellie Summers, Keller Williams Coastal Bend
• Emily Tittle, Port of Corpus Christi
• Trent Wagner, Corpus Christi Independent School District
• Jennifer Wright, Corpus Christi Downtown Management District
• Jorge A. Zamora Jr, Driscoll Children’s Health System

As Class 55 begins its leadership journey, participants will spend the next ten months exploring critical community topics including education, economic development, diversity, government, quality of life, and servant leadership. Along the way, they will build meaningful relationships with one another and with community leaders across the Coastal Bend.

Behind every successful LCC class is a dedicated team of alumni volunteers who help guide the experience, plan sessions, mentor participants, and ensure the program continues to deliver meaningful impact. We are grateful to the following LCC graduates who have committed their time and talents to serve on the Class 55 Steering Committee:

Steering Committee Leadership

• General Chair: Carla Green, RLA Accounting Firm | Class 43
• Chair-Elect: Tim Acosta, HDR Engineering, Inc. | Class 51

• Brenda Christmas, Select Safety Services LLC | Class 53
• Teysha Doughtery, WinSupply | Class 50
• Jeffrey Kane, Law Office of Jeffrey Kane | Class 38
• James Kunau, J Kunau Enterprises | Class 43
• Julian Lopez, Texas A&M University Corpus Christi | Class 47
• Aimee Masi, Group One Real Estate | Class 51
• Cecilia Orozco, City of Corpus Christi | Class 53
• Arcilia Padron, Oak View Management Group | Class 54
• Gabrielle Salcido, Prosperity Bank | Class 52
• K. Lyndsey Shinn, U.S. Navy | Class 50
• Grace Welply, Cenikor Foundation | Class 54

The Steering Committee plays a vital role in shaping the participant experience and carrying forward the legacy of one of Texas’ longest running leadership programs. Their commitment ensures that each new class is equipped to become informed, engaged, and impactful leaders for our community.

As we welcome Class 55, we also celebrate the more than 1,600 graduates who have completed LCC over the past five decades and continue to serve in leadership roles throughout the Coastal Bend. Together, they represent a powerful network dedicated to strengthening our community through service, collaboration, and civic engagement.

Please join us in congratulating Leadership Corpus Christi Class 55 and the Steering Committee members who will help make this the next Best Class Ever!