Based on his experience bringing business and civic leaders together to address community challenges, A.J. Rodriguez joined Texas 2036 after working as Vice President, External Affairs at Zachry Group, a privately held business engaged primarily in the engineering, construction, and maintenance of large industrial facilities. He began at Zachry in 2011 and oversaw the organization’s community investment and philanthropic efforts, media relations, and government affairs. Prior to this role, Rodriguez served as Deputy City Manager for the City of San Antonio from 2008 – 2011. He had direct supervision over the areas of International Relations, Economic Development, Intergovernmental Relations, Convention and Visitors Bureau, Human Resources, Downtown Operations, the Public Library, the Office of Cultural Affairs and the Parks and Recreation Department. Before joining the City, Rodriguez served as President & CEO of the San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. During his four-year tenure, the Hispanic Chamber doubled its membership base and grew its total revenue by 60+ percent. He also served as Vice President at the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce. In 2015, Rodriguez began a five-year term as an officer of the Board of Directors of the Texas Association of Business and was unanimously endorsed to serve as Chairman of the Board in 2018. He is proud to have served as the organization’s first Latino chairman. Rodriguez earned his Bachelor of Business Administration degree specializing in International Business, and a Master of Business Administration degree from UTSA. Rodriguez and his wife, Estelle, celebrated their 28th wedding anniversary in December 2021 and they have three children, Alexandra, Arthur John, and Isabella.