Paco Sanchez Leads a New Chapter for the RGV Partnership

This February, the Rio Grande Valley Partnership (“RGV Partnership”) announced Paco Sanchez as its new President and CEO. Established in 1944, the RGV Partnership is a business-led regional nonprofit focused on advancing economic development, advocacy, and collaboration across Cameron, Hidalgo, Starr, and Willacy Counties. The organization brings together business leaders, elected officials, and community stakeholders to address shared regional priorities and promote long-term economic growth.

Sanchez carries two decades of legislative experience in the Texas House of Representatives, having served as Legislative Director for State Representative Armando “Mando” Martinez and, most recently, as Chief of Staff for State Representative Oscar Longoria. In addition to his public sector experience, he also worked for Hinojosa Law, PLLC. He is a graduate of Donna High School, holds an undergraduate degree from the University of Texas at Austin, and earned his law degree from the University of Houston Law Center.

“I’m excited and honored to join the Rio Grande Valley Partnership as their new President and CEO. From my first day in the Legislature, the RGV Partnership has been the Valley’s voice for the business community at the state and federal levels,” said Sanchez. “From hosting the RGV Legislative Tour to spearheading RGV Days in Austin and RGV2DC, the RGV Partnership drives the economic engine of the Valley. With a renewed focus on legislative advocacy, enhancing member benefits, and our new RGV Connect initiative, I look forward to collaborating with stakeholders across the Valley to strengthen our region’s influence.”

The RGV Partnership is known for the RGV Legislative Tour, hosting state senators, representatives, and key staff members in the Rio Grande Valley to learn about the region and promote its legislative priorities during each state legislative session. In the lead-up to the 90th Legislative Session next year, the RGV Partnership will gather ideas and community input for the tour through its new RGV Connect initiative.

Each RGV Connect session will focus on the RGV Partnership's pillar issues. The first session, held at Mission’s Center for Education and Economic Development, highlighted “Transportation and Trade,” and featured moderator Ron Garza of UT-RGV and panelists Walker Smith (Port of Harlingen Authority), Maricela Gonzales and Dr. Jesus Reyna (City of Donna), and Pete Sepulveda (Cameron County). The conversation touched on infrastructure investments and needs at our ports of entry, as well as how the surrounding transportation systems impact our economy. The next RGV Connect Session will be held in Brownsville in April and will discuss water.

“The RGV Legislative Tour is the signature event of each session, and thanks to the leadership of our Board of Directors and Chairwoman Amanda Saldana, the RGV Partnership is preparing early by gathering community and stakeholder input through the RGV Connect initiative. The ideas gathered during these work sessions will inform the Partnership’s legislative agenda and help us promote the Rio Grande Valley’s regional priorities next session and beyond,” said Sanchez.

You can learn more about the Rio Grande Valley Partnership, RGV Connect, and even their RGV2DC visit scheduled for June 10-12, 2026, at rgvpartnership.com or by following the RGV Partnership on social media.