General Counsel for DHR Health, one of the largest freestanding physician-owned hospitals in the country with over 5,500 employees. I lead the legal department and provide comprehensive legal services to DHR and its affiliates. My expertise spans from health law, graduate medical education, litigation, contract negotiation, compliance, employment/labor, health equity, ADA compliance, ERISA, Title IX, risk management, business organizations, and governance. I am board certified in personal injury trial law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization and hold certifications as a mediator, arbitrator, FINRA Arbitrator, and litigation management professional (CLMP).In addition to my role at DHR, I serve as a Municipal Judge and State Magistrate for the City of McAllen handling hearings, issuing warrants, and reviewing bond reductions. My career includes over two decades in the US Army & US Army Reserves (1999-2019), retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel and having served as Military Judge towards the end of my career. I also served as a State District Judge for the 139th and 398th State District Courts and am retired under the judicial retirement system. My service has been recognized with honors such as the Ethics Award, FBI Director’s Award, and recently with the Leadership, Service & Public Interest Award from Loyola University Chicago School of Law.I am deeply committed to healthcare, veterans’ issues, higher education, public service, and community development. My previous roles include serving as a Regent for the University of Texas System (2013–2019), a Commissioner on the Governor’s Texas Military Preparedness Commission (2009–2013), and as a board member for various professional and charitable organizations. I have spoken on legal topics nationally and internationally in Spain, Mexico, and Portugal. I am licensed in Texas and Illinois, fluent in English and Spanish, and a certified Spanish interpreter for the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and DHR Health.