TITLE: Congratulating Manuel M. Vela on his retirement as associate vice president and chief operating officer of the Texas A&M University Higher Education Center at McAllen.

SUMMARY: Congratulating Manuel M. Vela on his retirement as associate vice president and chief operating officer of the Texas A&M University Higher Education Center at McAllen.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, Manuel M. Vela is retiring as associate vice president and chief operating officer of the Texas A&M University Higher Education Center at McAllen on May 31, 2025; and WHEREAS, Since joining HECM in May 2023, Manny Vela has been instrumental in establishing new positions for the center, developing and strengthening community partnerships, and completing a master plan strategizing the long-term growth of the campus; he previously served as the president and chief executive officer of Valley Baptist Health System; and WHEREAS, A native of Harlingen, Mr. Vela earned his bachelor's and juris doctor degrees from The University of Texas at Austin; he has been involved in many local, state, and national organizations, including the lieutenant governor's health care advisory committee; and WHEREAS, Mr. Vela shares a rewarding marriage with his wife, Amy, and he takes great pride in their family; in retirement, he is looking forward to spending more time with his loved ones as well as enjoying his hobbies of playing golf, fishing, and traveling; and WHEREAS, Through his leadership and vision, Manny Vela has contributed immensely to the mission of the Texas A&M University Higher Education Center at McAllen, and his accomplishments will continue to resonate in the years to come; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 89th Texas Legislature hereby congratulate Manuel M. Vela on his retirement as associate vice president and chief operating officer of the Texas A&M University Higher Education Center at McAllen and extend to him sincere best wishes for the future; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for Mr. Vela as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives. Guerra Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 199 was adopted by the House on March 6, 2025, by a non-record vote. Chief Clerk of the House