LMCA Board Members
Jerry Maldonado is currently the Director of Laredo & Mexico Operations for Warren Transport Inc. He is also the Current Chairman of the Board for The Laredo Motor Carriers Association (LMCA). Jerry has over 20 years of successful management and leadership experience within the transportation industry.
He also sits on the Executive Committee and is a board member with the Texas Trucking Association (TXTA). Within TXTA he also serves as Chairman – Membership of the Affinity Committee & Vice-Chairman – Driver Shortage Committee.
Jerry also serves in the City of Laredo’s Port of Entry Advisory Committee. He has also held positions as Terminal Manager, Operations Manager, Dispatch Supervisor, and Driver Manager.
He is a native of Laredo, TX. Attended JB. Alexander High School. He is the father of Vivienne, Julian, Stacy & Mariela, and the spouse of Angie.
Jorge is a Partner and Co-Founder of GRT Transportation, a leading specialized trucking company that offers reliable door-to-door transportation services across Mexico, the United States, and Canada. With a strong focus on operational excellence and customer satisfaction, Jorge has been integral in expanding the company’s reach and capabilities, ensuring it meets the diverse logistical needs of clients throughout North America.
He holds a Business Degree from the University of the Incarnate Word, where he developed a solid foundation in business management, which he has successfully applied to drive GRT Transportation’s growth and innovation. Under his leadership, the company has built a reputation for efficiency, safety, and exceptional service in the transportation industry.
As Commercial and International Loan Officer at IBC – Laredo, Nativido (“Nati”) Lozano, III has been a fundamental part to the progress of the bank for over 20 years. His constant dedication to improve performance of the institution has resulted in growth of his loan portfolio and deposits. Despite many responsibilities, Lozano constantly brings new ideas and suggestions that help increase the productivity and profitability of the bank. Therefore, he is part of the bank’s Sales Council at corporate level. Attracting and developing new human talent for the company is one of the latest areas of focus.
Nativido Lozano began as IBC as a Commercial Credit Analyst in 1995, and he has a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Accounting and graduated with honors Summa Cum Laude from the University of Houston. In 2003, he graduated from the South Western Graduate School of Banking program at Southern Methodist University in Dallas.
As a person committed to his community, Lozano has participated in the Chamber of Commerce as Chairman of the Board. He also participated on the board of the National Bankers Association, Logistics & Manufacturing Association, Asociacion de Empresarios Mexicanos and was the president and Chairman of the Board of the Laredo Development Foundation, which is now the LEDC. He is currently a member of the Board of Directors of Laredo Motor Carriers Association. Through his experience at the bank and the various business organizations, he has acquired valuable knowledge in real estate investments, international trade, industrial and economic development, transportation and distribution.
Mr. Tawil is a highly respected leader in the transportation industry, with a distinguished career spanning several decades in the motor carrier sector.
Born in Mexico and raised in Laredo, he was immersed in a family legacy rooted in transportation. Following in his father’s footsteps, he embarked on his professional journey at the age of 18. In 1993, he founded his own family-owned international carrier, transforming his passion into a thriving business founded on principles of excellence, integrity, and innovation.
As CEO, he has been instrumental in shaping the industry, expanding his company’s influence, and reinforcing its reputation as a trusted name in international logistics. With a steadfast commitment to the sector, Mr. Tawil continues to leverage his expertise and leadership to drive progress and growth within the motor carrier industry. Through dedication and a genuine passion for his work, he has cultivated a successful and rewarding career and looks forward to making an even greater impact in the years ahead.
Adrian graduated from IEST Anahuac at Tampico, Mexico, in 2001 with a Master’s degree in Senior Management from IPADE Business School in Mexico City.
He developed logistics skills related to domestic and international shipments since 2000, working on an international company.
In 2010, Adrian La Villa moved to Laredo, Texas, to start working on northbound and southbound as well as international trade.
Adrian is the co-founder of CAB EX CARGO LLC, a USA trucking line, specializing in van trucks. Also co-founded the ICEX Tank Trailer division to provide food-grade service to worldwide companies.
Since 2020, Adrian has been a board member of the Laredo Motor Carrier Association in Laredo, Texas.
Adriana launched her career over 25 years ago with The Associates First Capital Corporation as a management trainee. She has since held various business development roles within CitiCapital, GE Capital, and, most recently, Triumph’s factoring division (NASDAQ: TFIN), where she recently celebrated her 12th anniversary. Through most of her career, she has been responsible for originating working capital lines of credit within the transportation industry, including for-hire carriers, freight brokerages, and energy services companies ranging from start-up to $30M+ facilities.
Adriana has served on three North Texas non-profit Executive Boards, including Head Start of Greater Dallas, The Hispanic 100, and The Concilio. Over the course of the past two decades, she has served in various capacities, including Chair, Finance Chair, Governance Chair, Endowment Chair, and as a member of their Marketing, Annual Gala, and Healthy Families program committees. She also volunteers and supports the Prisoner’s Entrepreneurial Program (PEP).
She has also served as a volunteer for the University of Pennsylvania Admissions Office and is a member of the Women’s Finance Forum, Laredo Motor Carrier Association, Louisiana Motor Transport Association, Arkansas Trucking Association, the Penn Latino, Leadership Dallas Alumni clubs, and the National Charity League. A product of Irving I.S.D., Adriana obtained her Bachelor of Science in Economics from the University of Pennsylvania, Wharton School of Business. She is married to John K. Hammer and has two beautiful daughters, Maya and Eva.
Carlos is a Partner and Co-Founder of FDI CARGO LLC. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the Tecnológico de Monterrey in Monterrey, N.L.
With several years of successful leadership at FDI Cargo, Carlos has developed a strong track record in business management and negotiations, consistently fostering positive relationships with both current and prospective clients.
Mark Roesler has dedicated more than 30 years to ACME Truck Line, holding the position of VP of Operations for 24 of those years.
He has been a member of the LMCA Board for 3 years and is currently the Chairman of TXTA, where he has served on the Board for a decade.
Mark is the proud father of 8 grown children and has 8 granddaughters.
Adalberto’s career began with a role as a traffic clerk at Laredo Freight Dispatch Service Agency in Laredo, Texas. Now he’s heading his own logistics company. With an international business degree, Campero is known for his belief in empowering his team to reach their full potential in the field.
Beyond his role at Unimex Group, Campero is an active member of the industry associations, including the bridge board of the city of Pharr and the LMCA in Laredo, TX.
As head of household, Adalberto enjoys family time — boosting his kids to work towards their goals and encouraging values in them every day.
Jorge Solis serves as the Chief Operating Officer and a member of the Board of Directors of Grupo Xpress Internacional, bringing over 20 years of experience in the transportation industry. His expertise in international business and logistics began in 2000 during his practice as a licensed attorney in Mexico, where he advised private clients and public entities on both sides of the U.S.–Mexico border.
Jorge’s training and experience in mediation have been instrumental in resolving complex challenges and delivering innovative solutions tailored to diverse customer needs.
Since the founding of Grupo Xpress Internacional in 2007, Jorge has overseen all aspects of the business, including legal, human resources, operations, and sales. In 2013, he assumed the role of General Manager, driving the company to sustained growth and success. Additionally, Jorge is a founding member and partner of LogistiK Xpress and DLK Transportation, which operates a fleet of over 140 trucks across the United States.
Beyond his professional endeavors, Jorge is a dedicated member of Council 17791 of the Knights of Columbus at St. Patrick Church in Laredo, actively contributing to the community. His leadership, problem-solving expertise, and dedication to service are hallmarks of his career and personal life.
Luis Medina is an outstanding professional with more than 17 years of experience in the transportation and logistics sector. Currently an LMCA board member, he also serves as Chief Operating Officer at TM Transportation, where he has demonstrated a strong, growth-oriented approach, leading business development initiatives in both the U.S. and Mexico markets. His ability to manage complex operations has been key to his success, being bilingual in English and Spanish — a strategic advantage that allows him to offer solutions effectively in multicultural environments.
Luis’s leadership philosophy is based on a people-centered approach, promoting the formation of high-performance teams. This commitment to the development of human talent translates into an organizational environment of high commitment and focus on excellence. Additionally, his strategic vision has allowed him to improve operational processes, optimize profitability, and reduce costs — strengthening the overall performance of the organizations with which he has worked.
Claudia serves as the Executive Vice President of Sales for Cross Border Transportation and Logistics at Reliance Partners. Her dedication to optimizing cross-border trade makes her an invaluable asset to the Laredo Motor Carriers Association Board.
Claudia Casas’s election brings a wealth of industry experience and a strong commitment to improving trade. Her leadership plays a crucial role in LMCA’s growth and the overall success of the Laredo region.
As a Director, Claudia works closely with industry leaders, building strong partnerships to address challenges and drive innovation. Together, they aim to enhance trade flows between the U.S. and Mexico. Her expertise significantly improves supply chain operations, facilitating smoother trade flow within the Laredo area.
Rafael is a Partner and Co-Founder of Faro Companies, a diversified financial services group that includes Beacon Insurance, Faro Factoring, Faro FX, and Faro Wealth.
He holds a Master of Science in Finance from Georgetown University and a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance from the University of Texas at San Antonio.
With a proven track record in the financial sector, Rafael brings a strategic vision and entrepreneurial spirit to his leadership roles.
María del Rocío Vélez currently serves as the Director of Absolute Group Inc., bringing a wealth of expertise to the role. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and a Master’s degree in Information Technology. With 15 years of experience in the transportation industry, Rocio has honed her skills in both Over-the-Road (OTR) operations and Border Crossing logistics, establishing herself as a leader in the field.
As a respected member of the board for the Laredo Motor Carriers Association (LMCA) and the North American Transportation Management Institute (NATMI), Rocio has been instrumental in driving innovation and excellence within the industry. Under her leadership, Absolute Group Inc. has achieved key certifications, including CTPAT, SmartWay, and Minority-Owned Business Certification from the Texas SBA.
She has also spearheaded the implementation of cutting-edge technologies designed to streamline operations, enhance client relationships, and deliver customized, tailor-made solutions to meet the unique needs of business partners. Absolute Group Inc. is proud to actively support LMCA events, reflecting its deep commitment to advancing the transportation sector.
Originally from Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas, Rocio now resides in the dynamic border city of Laredo, Texas, where she continues to lead with vision, integrity, and an unwavering dedication to excellence.
Salome Verazzi is the Director of Business Development at SBC Transportation Service. He is an active board member of the Laredo Motor Carriers Association.
Salo has over 27 years of experience in the transportation, logistics, and supply chain industry. 23 of these years have been dedicated to management roles in these sectors.
He is a native of Laredo, TX, and was raised within the culture of the border region between the sister cities of Laredo, Texas, and Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas. He attended United High School and Laredo College (LCC). His upbringing played a key role in shaping his deep understanding of the vital importance that Laredo’s logistics industry holds for the transportation of freight and goods nationwide.
Salo is a caring father to Diego, Dante, Rafael, Ryan, and Gianni, and is a loving husband to Rocio Verazzi.
Fausto has been in the transportation industry for 18 years; he is a General Manager for Doggett Freightliner of South Texas, overseeing Laredo, Cotulla, and the surrounding areas. He oversees all aspects of the dealership’s operations, including truck, service, and parts sales.
He holds a Bachelor’s degree from the University of North Texas as well as an ATD Academy certificate, class of ATD-048.
Currently, Fausto sits on the Emerging Leaders Council for the Texas Trucking Association and plans to utilize his experience to help provide insight into what the industry needs.
Ernesto Gaytan is a seasoned Mechanical Engineer from the prestigious Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León. With a strong passion for innovation and leadership, he currently serves as the President of STI Group, playing a pivotal role in driving growth and operational excellence within the American and Mexican transportation/logistics industry.
In addition to his role as president, he is the National Vice President of CANACAR (Cámara Nacional del Autotransporte de Carga), where he actively supports the development of the freight transportation sector in Mexico. His commitment to advancing the industry is further exemplified by his role as a founding member of LMCA, an organization dedicated to fostering collaboration and excellence in logistics and supply chain management.
A visionary leader and extraordinary advocate for progress, Ernesto Gaytan continues to inspire and shape the future of transportation and logistics in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
Ernesto was a founding member of the Laredo Motor Carriers Association and today continues to serve as an Advisory Board Member.
Alberto graduated from the Universidad Autónoma de Tamaulipas with a Bachelor’s Degree in Foreign Trade in the City of Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas.
He is the CEO & President – Founder of HP Carriers, Inc., a company founded in 2001 and incorporated in 2002, dedicated to transportation in the United States and working together with its sister carrier company, HL Cargo SA de CV, located in Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas, which he also founded and directs.
Nowadays, he is expanding into other industries such as the restaurant and real estate sectors. Always with an entrepreneurial and leadership spirit, Alberto continues his constant search for growth and promotes opportunities presented along the way.
Gume Garza founded Royal Express Inc. in 1999, growing it into one of Laredo’s largest locally owned fleets. With over 30 years of experience, Garza’s journey began in the 1990s as a mechanic, driver, and bookkeeper.
He later operated a logistics franchise, building key relationships that laid the foundation for Royal Express. Overcoming early challenges, Garza’s dedication and hands-on approach drove the company’s growth. Today, Royal Express is a leading transportation service provider, known for its personalized customer service, technology, and strong industry presence.
Mario Palos Garza is the President and CEO of Grupo Palos Garza, a leading Mexican and American company known for specializing in international transportation, custom broker services, and distribution.
His visionary approach, along with the Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration he earned at the Universidad Autónoma de Tamaulipas, has been key in positioning Grupo Palos Garza as a leading player in Mexico’s foreign trade and transportation sectors. His newest project has been completing the first Free Trade Zone (Recinto Fiscal Estratégico) in Nuevo Laredo, which aims to enhance the region’s infrastructure for international trade.
Mr. Palos is always looking ahead, constantly seeking new opportunities to expand and innovate, ensuring the continued growth and success of his company, Grupo Palos Garza.
Noe Montes is a visionary leader with over 25 years of experience in the international transportation and logistics industry. As Co-Founder of GRUPO TM, he has spearheaded high-profile projects, including Transmontes in Mexico and TM Transportation Services in southern Texas. The group’s logistics arm, TM Logistics, operates under his strategic guidance.
Mr. Montes holds an Executive MBA from the University of Miami and has completed the Senior Management Program at IPADE Business School. His expertise lies in driving institutional growth, operational efficiency, and innovation in the logistics sector.
Rafael has held various significant positions throughout his career. Since 1993, he has served as the Managing Director of Enlaces de Transportes Internacionales, S.A. de C.V., accumulating over 31 years of experience in the transportation sector. Additionally, he has been the International Director at Grupo TUM Transportistas Unidos Mexicanos División Nte. S.A. de C.V. since 1994, bringing more than 30 years of expertise in the transportation industry.
Since 2001, he has also held the position of President at TUM Logistics Carrier Division Inc. In the public sector, he served as Councilor for the Municipality of Nuevo Laredo from 2011 to 2013 and again from 2016 to 2020, where he continued to contribute to community initiatives. In 2014, Mr. Tawil was appointed to the Traffic Safety Department for the City of Laredo and served through 2022.
From 2018 to 2022, Rafael took on the role of Director of Industrial Development and Foreign Trade, focusing on enhancing public sector initiatives. Additionally, he served as Treasurer on the Board of Directors for the Nuevo Laredo Cargo Services Center from 2018 to 2023.
Rafael was a founding member of the Laredo Motor Carriers Association and today continues to serve as an Advisory Board Member.