Advisory Council

Jon Barela is the CEO of the Borderplex Alliance. Since 2016, he has led the organization’s efforts to strengthen regional collaboration, investment, and growth across the U.S.-Mexico border. He previously served as New Mexico’s Economic Development Cabinet Secretary, advancing export growth and job creation. An attorney and former small business owner, his experience spans public service, law, and corporate roles, including Intel and the New Mexico Attorney General’s Office. He holds degrees from Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service and Georgetown Law.

Robin Busse joined the U.S. Consulate in Ciudad Juárez as Consular Chief in October 2024 and is currently Acting Principal Officer. A member of the United States Foreign Service since 1999, he has held consular and leadership roles across Latin America, Europe, and the Middle East. He studied at the University of Wisconsin and earned a master’s from Georgetown University. Before joining the State Department, he worked in small business development in Eastern Europe.

Laura Butler began her finance career in 2002 at Wells Fargo, rising to National Small Business Vice President in 2013. In April 2021, she became Executive Director of Pioneers 21. She founded the P21 Venture Mentoring Service, licensed by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and expanded programming to include pitch competitions, workshops, and internships. In 2023, she received the Woody & Gayle Hunt Fellowship from the Aspen Institute and continues to advance entrepreneurial ecosystems and access to capital.

Ivette Camacho-Brito is Director of Public Affairs at BRP, leading government relations and stakeholder engagement across Latin America, with a focus on Mexico and Brazil. She represents the company with government institutions and business groups. She holds a degree from Tecnológico de Monterrey and a diploma from Universidad Iberoamericana, and is known for strengthening partnerships that support growth and innovation.

Denisse Carter is the Economic Development Director for Doña Ana County, with over 16 years of experience in public administration, contract management, and economic development. Based in Las Cruces, NM, she is known for her data-driven approach to attracting investment and supporting sustainable growth. Denisse holds certifications from the Georgia Institute of Technology and the University of Miami. Her work focuses on incentive analysis, contract compliance, and labor market research to strengthen regional economies.  

Julio Chiu is the founder and former CEO of Seisa Group, a global provider of medical device services. A pioneer in leveraging the El Paso–Ciudad Juárez region for regulated manufacturing, he founded Seisa Medical in 1983. The company has grown into a vertically integrated provider serving leading global firms. He serves on advisory boards for Bancomext and BBVA Compass, and leads CANIETI’s northern branch. He holds degrees from the University of Texas at El Paso and the University of Rochester.

Martín Flores is the Executive Director of Asociación de Maquiladoras A.C., where he has led efforts since 2013 to strengthen the competitiveness of the export manufacturing sector in northern Mexico. He holds an MBA in Human Resources and a bachelor’s degree from the Universidad Autónoma de Ciudad Juárez. His work focuses on fostering collaboration between industry, government, and the community to support sustainable growth and innovation.

Cinco Houghton is a mortgage lending professional with Cadence Lending Group, specializing in personalized home financing solutions.

Mauricio Ibarra Ponce de León was appointed Consul General of Mexico in El Paso in 2019. He has been a member of the Mexican Foreign Service since 1998. He previously served as Director General for North America at the Secretaría de Relaciones Exteriores, overseeing political, border, and security affairs with the U.S. and Canada. His diplomatic career includes postings in Albuquerque, Washington, and Canada. He holds degrees from the Universidad Iberoamericana and Columbia University.

Victor Ito serves in Market Development at Texas Gas Service, supporting business recruitment, expansion, and economic development initiatives. He works with commercial and industrial clients to align energy infrastructure with growth strategies, helping facilitate development projects and regional investment opportunities.

Leila Melendez is CEO of Workforce Solutions Borderplex, where she leads regional talent development and workforce initiatives that support economic competitiveness in the Borderplex region. A native of El Paso, she is a recognized community leader focused on education, workforce alignment, and economic opportunity.

David Panko manages Foreign Trade Zone No. 68 for the City of El Paso at El Paso International Airport, overseeing international trade operations and strategic development. He leads programs that support global commerce, including air cargo initiatives, trade expansion, and partnerships that enhance the region’s economic competitiveness.

Christian Perez is the Executive Vice President and Director of the El Paso–Ciudad Juárez office at CBRE, specializing in industrial brokerage along the U.S.–Mexico border. He relocated to El Paso in 2002 to join a CBRE affiliate and transitioned to the company’s corporate office in 2010. He leads projects across the region and is among the most active industrial brokers on the border.

Roberto Ransom serves as the Director of Economic Development at El Paso County, contributing to public initiatives that support community development and regional growth. His work focuses on advancing programs and partnerships that strengthen local services and quality of life.

Lisa Rosendorf is Chief Communications & Government Affairs Officer at El Paso Water, where she leads communications, government relations, and public outreach efforts, including oversight of the TecH2O Center. She brings extensive experience in public affairs and strategic communications, including prior leadership at Los Alamos National Laboratory and work supporting corporate and government relations for major organizations.

Alan Russell, co-founder, Chairman, and CEO of Tecma since 1986, has built the company into a leader in nearshore solutions in Mexico, overseeing more than 70 facilities. With 37 years of experience, he supports binational business and community initiatives, serving on multiple boards. He has led organizations such as the Chamizal Foundation and founded the International Amigo Airsho. He has been recognized for leadership, environmental efforts, and contributions to aviation education.

Mirella Tamayo is Assistant Director at the City of El Paso Economic Development Department, where she leads initiatives that promote job creation, business growth, and investment attraction. She oversees programs supporting local and international companies while strengthening the city’s economic base. Her work emphasizes collaboration across public and private sectors to enhance El Paso’s competitiveness and support long-term economic resilience.

Kelly Tomblin is President, CEO, and Board Member of El Paso Electric Company, with more than 30 years of global experience in the energy sector. She has led initiatives in strategic planning, smart grid technology, electric vehicle infrastructure, and renewable energy expansion. Previously, she held leadership roles at INTREN, Jamaica Public Service Company, Engie, and FirstEnergy. She holds an MBA from New York University and a law degree from West Virginia University.

Juan Acereto Cervera is a Mexican businessman and diplomat with extensive experience in the private and public sectors. He has held leadership roles in business, government, tourism, and international relations. Since 2019, he has represented the Municipal Government of Ciudad Juárez in binational affairs, leading international relations initiatives focused on diplomacy, economic development, trade and tourism promotion, cultural exchange, and border security. He previously served at the Consulate General of Mexico in El Paso and as Undersecretary of Tourism for the State of Sinaloa.

Rolando Pablos is a prominent businessman, attorney, and public servant with extensive experience in government, economic development, and international affairs. He served as the 112th Secretary of State of Texas, where he oversaw state elections, international relations, and business development initiatives. He has also held leadership positions in Texas government and economic development organizations, bringing valuable experience in cross-border relations, trade, and regional growth.

Dr. John S. Hadjimarcou is the Dean of the Woody L. Hunt College of Business at The University of Texas at El Paso and a distinguished academic with extensive experience in higher education, business, and international marketing. His academic work focuses on marketing strategy, international business, and cross-cultural consumer behavior. Through his leadership at UTEP, he is committed to advancing academic excellence, strengthening industry partnerships, and promoting economic development and business opportunities throughout the Paso del Norte region.