Mark Scott, John Marez
2025 CB to DC Trip Chairs
The United Corpus Christi Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce our 2025 Trip Chairs and Issue Team Chairs, local leaders dedicated to driving meaningful policy outcomes for our region. The CB to DC Advocacy Trip will take place September 14-16 and will include meetings with elected officials and federal agencies. The issue teams advocate for pro-growth policies at every level of government, ensuring our region stays competitive, connected, and ready for the future.
Each team focuses on a core set of issues with direct impact on business, workforce, infrastructure, and quality of life across the Coastal Bend. Meet the leaders and learn what’s on the agenda for the year ahead:
Mark Scott, Corpus Christi City Council Member At Large
Mark is President of San Jacinto Title Services in the Coastal Bend Region where he manages operations and business development for the largest locally owned title business in the region.
John Marez, Nueces County Commissioner Precinct 3
John is the Executive Director of the South Texas Water Authority, which provides dependable water supplies to residents in central Kleberg County and western Nueces County.
Below are the issue teams and their priorities.
⚓ Ports, Trade & Logistics
Chair: Gustavo Barrera, President & CEO, IBC Bank Corpus Christi
Team: Lauren Pinkston (Port of Corpus Christi), Sarah Tindall (CCREDC), Nelda Olivo (Port of Corpus Christi)
Mission: Advance infrastructure funding and policies that strengthen the Port of Corpus Christi, streamline trade and logistics, and improve regional freight connectivity.
2025 Priorities:
- Secure $21.7M in FY25 USACE dredging funds
- Support RAISE, INFRA, and PIDP grants
- Promote I-69 and I-14 development for freight and military logistics
Key Committees: House Transportation & Infrastructure | Senate Commerce, Science & Transportation
🚗 Mobility, Infrastructure & Tourism
Chair: Brook Kaufman, President & CEO, Visit Corpus Christi
Team: Dan Suckley (American Bank), Meredith Darden (Visit Corpus Christi), David Leo (Pape-Dawson Engineers), Aaron Munoz (CCRTA), Johnny Philipello (Buc Days), Rita Patrick (CCRTA)
Mission: Invest in regional transportation, connectivity, and tourism to drive economic growth and access.
2025 Priorities:
- Secure Airport Improvement Program funding for CCIA
- Support RTA grant for hurricane readiness and warehouse relocation
- Advance I-69 and I-14 for regional logistics
- Promote environmental education and eco-tourism
Key Committees: House Transportation & Infrastructure | Senate Commerce & Interior Subcommittees
🛡️ Defense & National Security
Chair: Kyle Hogan, COO, Port Corpus Christi
Team: Luis Buentello (Cheniere Energy), Kresten Cook (South Texas Military Task Force)
Mission: Protect and grow Corpus Christi’s military footprint by investing in CCAD, NASCC and USCG improving quality of life for service members, and strengthening community-military partnerships.
2025 Priorities:
- Secure funding for CCAD Phases 5–7 and future aircraft platforms
- Fund infrastructure and QOL upgrades at NASCC (childcare, housing, runways)
- Position installations for future missions (UAVs, FLRAA, tilt-rotor)
- Demonstrate strong local support and past investments
Key Committees: House & Senate Armed Services | Homeland Security Subcommittees
💼 Entrepreneurship & Small Business Growth
Chair: Moses Mostaghasi, Owner, Coastal Bend Lots
Team: Mark Scott (City of CC), Justin Hedrick (Coastal Bend Lots), Lisa Kennedy (Simmons Bank), Cindy Barrera (Frost Bank)
Mission: Promote small business success through capital access, procurement reform, and regulatory relief.
2025 Priorities:
- Expand access to capital for startups and growth-stage businesses
- Streamline small business participation in infrastructure contracts
- Push back on unfunded mandates that burden employers
- Advocate on trade, tariffs, and tax policies that impact small firms
Key Committees: House & Senate Small Business Committees
🎓 Talent & Workforce Access
Chair: Bert Quintanilla, Development Director, Elevate 361
Team: John LaRue Jr. (TAMUCC), Kelly Miller (TAMUCC), Carol Scott (Del Mar College), Hope Rangel (United Chamber), Natalie Villarreal (Del Mar College), Ann Vlach (Education 2 Employment Partners), Jaime Barrera (TAMUCC)
Mission: Build a skilled workforce through training, career pathways, and smart immigration solutions to address labor shortages.
2025 Priorities:
- Increase Perkins CTE and WIOA funding
- Expand Pell Grants for short-term credentials
- Support UAS research at TAMU-CC
- Expand J-1, seasonal, and high-skill visas
- Fund workforce housing through HUD’s CDBG and HOME programs
Key Committees: House Education & Workforce | Senate HELP Committee
💧 Water, Land & Natural Resources
Chair: Matt Garcia, Director of Community Relations, TXOGA
Team: Dan Suckley (American Bank), John Marez (Nueces County)
Mission: Advance resilient water infrastructure and protect local control over natural resources.
2025 Priorities:
- Secure federal funds for desalination and alternative water supply
- Support WRDA 2024
- Advocate for permitting reform for water infrastructure projects
Key Committees: House Natural Resources | Senate Energy & Natural Resources
🔧 Industry & Innovation
Chair: Callie Walker, Public and Government Affairs, Gulf Coast Growth Ventures
Team: Darcy Schroeder (Valero), Roland Barrera (City of CCTX), Bob Paulison (Coastal Bend Industry Assoc.)
Mission: Champion energy independence, industrial growth, and advanced manufacturing to keep Texas competitive.
2025 Priorities:
- Reform NEPA and streamline permitting
- Expand LNG exports and energy infrastructure
- Support additive manufacturing at CCAD
- Oppose restrictions on domestic energy development
Key Committees: House Energy & Commerce | Senate Energy & Natural Resources | House Science, Space & Technology
🌊 Environmental Stewardship & Coastal Resilience
Chair: Sharon Murphy, Executive Director, Coastal Bend Air Quality Partnership
Team: Sarah Anderson (City of CCTX), Sheldon Schroeder (Fresch Architects)
Mission: Advance balanced, science-driven environmental policy that protects our coastline and supports long-term economic resilience.
2025 Priorities:
- Support the Sea Turtle Rescue Assistance Act
- Preserve current ozone and PM2.5 standards
- Promote voluntary EPA partnerships over new mandates
Key Committees: Senate Environment & Public Works | House Natural Resources
These volunteer leaders are key to shaping the Chamber’s advocacy in Washington. Their work ensures that Corpus Christi remains a region of opportunity, innovation, and strength.
To learn more about our policy agenda or to join us in Washington DC, contact Ginny Cross, VP of Government and Community Relations at ginny@unitedcorpuschristi.org. or visit: https://www.unitedcorpuschristi.org/cb-to-dc/
Leave a Reply