Board of Directors
Since 2008, Border Philanthropy Partnership has served as the leading binational organization focused on building prosperity along the U.S.-Mexico Border region through leadership, collaboration, and philanthropy. Together, with the leadership of our Board of Directors and staff, we have been able to address issues of prosperity, equity, and opportunity across the Borderlands region.
The Border Philanthropy Partnership Board of Directors is a collective of leaders from all sectors across the Borderlands region. Together, they bring more than 225 years' worth of experience in philanthropy, business, academia, and policy on both sides of the Border.
The Border Philanthropy Partnership Board of Directors is a collective of leaders from all sectors across the Borderlands region. Together, they bring more than 225 years' worth of experience in philanthropy, business, academia, and policy on both sides of the Border.
OFFICERS
Guillermo Garza Martínez, Chair | Monterrey, Nuevo Leon
Chief Public Affairs, Communications and Sustainability Officer, Arca Continental
As Chief Public Affairs, Communications and Sustainability Officer of Arca Continental, Guillermo is responsible for the corporate strategic planning of public affairs, communications, sustainability, and risk management. He serves as Chairman of the Board of PIASA, one of Mexico’s largest sugar mills, and as member on several boards for industry-related companies and international organizations, including PetStar, the largest food-grade PET recycling plant in the world, Americas Society / Council of the Americas, International Council of Beverages Associations, UN Global Compact Mexico, among others.
Chief Public Affairs, Communications and Sustainability Officer, Arca Continental
As Chief Public Affairs, Communications and Sustainability Officer of Arca Continental, Guillermo is responsible for the corporate strategic planning of public affairs, communications, sustainability, and risk management. He serves as Chairman of the Board of PIASA, one of Mexico’s largest sugar mills, and as member on several boards for industry-related companies and international organizations, including PetStar, the largest food-grade PET recycling plant in the world, Americas Society / Council of the Americas, International Council of Beverages Associations, UN Global Compact Mexico, among others.
Denise Herrera, Vice Chair | Houston, Texas
Adjunct Associate Professor, University of Texas Health Science Center
Dr. Denise Herrera is a seasoned leader in public health and has held various leadership positions in philanthropy, academia, and state government. Her expertise is most utilized for advising national foundations and executive leaders, designing complex programs and assessments, and fostering multi-sector relationships. Denise is a first-generation college graduate and earned her bachelor's degree from the University of New Mexico, master's degree from the University of Arizona, and doctoral degree from the University of Texas-Austin.
Adjunct Associate Professor, University of Texas Health Science Center
Dr. Denise Herrera is a seasoned leader in public health and has held various leadership positions in philanthropy, academia, and state government. Her expertise is most utilized for advising national foundations and executive leaders, designing complex programs and assessments, and fostering multi-sector relationships. Denise is a first-generation college graduate and earned her bachelor's degree from the University of New Mexico, master's degree from the University of Arizona, and doctoral degree from the University of Texas-Austin.
J.C. Thomas III, Treasurer | Solana Beach, California
Assistant Director Development Services Department, City of San Diego
J.C. Thomas is the assistant director of the Development Services Department for the City of San Diego. In his position, he is responsible for the digital transformation, innovation initiatives and operations support for the department. The department provides review, permit, inspection, and code enforcement services for private and public development projects throughout the City to ensure healthy, safe, and livable neighborhoods.
Assistant Director Development Services Department, City of San Diego
J.C. Thomas is the assistant director of the Development Services Department for the City of San Diego. In his position, he is responsible for the digital transformation, innovation initiatives and operations support for the department. The department provides review, permit, inspection, and code enforcement services for private and public development projects throughout the City to ensure healthy, safe, and livable neighborhoods.
Anabella Díaz Rivera R. Bours, Secretary | Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur
Board Member, Fundación Tichi Muñoz
Anabella Díaz Rivera R. Bours, a businesswoman from Baja California Sur, has been actively engaged with the Tichi Muñoz AC Family Foundation for the past 7 years. Moreover, she has participated in various local initiatives in the city of her residence, Cabo San Lucas. With a profound dedication to community development, education, and fostering opportunities for individuals facing vulnerabilities, Anabella directs her passion into tangible actions that yield positive impacts within her vicinity. As a mother of two daughters, Anabella and Beatriz, her personal experiences have bolstered her empathy and commitment to the community. Drawing inspiration from her family's legacy of community investment, the Robinson Bours, esteemed role models, Anabella is steadfast in her resolve to perpetuate their heritage and effect meaningful societal change.
Board Member, Fundación Tichi Muñoz
Anabella Díaz Rivera R. Bours, a businesswoman from Baja California Sur, has been actively engaged with the Tichi Muñoz AC Family Foundation for the past 7 years. Moreover, she has participated in various local initiatives in the city of her residence, Cabo San Lucas. With a profound dedication to community development, education, and fostering opportunities for individuals facing vulnerabilities, Anabella directs her passion into tangible actions that yield positive impacts within her vicinity. As a mother of two daughters, Anabella and Beatriz, her personal experiences have bolstered her empathy and commitment to the community. Drawing inspiration from her family's legacy of community investment, the Robinson Bours, esteemed role models, Anabella is steadfast in her resolve to perpetuate their heritage and effect meaningful societal change.
Eduardo Acosta, Immediate Past Chair | San Diego, California
Vice President, R.L. Jones Customhouse Brokers
Eduardo Acosta is the Vice President and partner at RL Jones Customhouse Brokers, with 9 locations along the southern border and Los Angeles. He is the area 8 board member for the National Customs Brokers and Forwarders Association of America (NCBFAA),San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce's International Business Affairs Chair, as well as Chair for NCBFAA’s Government Affairs Conference. He is also the past president and current Chair for the Pacific Coast Council, and an active board member of the Smart Border Coalition, Border Philanthropy Partnership, Otay Mesa Chamber of Commerce, and Index. Eduardo started his brokerage career in San Diego/Otay Mesa in 1990. He was born and raised in Nogales, AZ, got his Brokers license in 1997, and is married (Anny) and has three children (Eduardo, Anna Lucia, and Maria Ines).
Vice President, R.L. Jones Customhouse Brokers
Eduardo Acosta is the Vice President and partner at RL Jones Customhouse Brokers, with 9 locations along the southern border and Los Angeles. He is the area 8 board member for the National Customs Brokers and Forwarders Association of America (NCBFAA),San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce's International Business Affairs Chair, as well as Chair for NCBFAA’s Government Affairs Conference. He is also the past president and current Chair for the Pacific Coast Council, and an active board member of the Smart Border Coalition, Border Philanthropy Partnership, Otay Mesa Chamber of Commerce, and Index. Eduardo started his brokerage career in San Diego/Otay Mesa in 1990. He was born and raised in Nogales, AZ, got his Brokers license in 1997, and is married (Anny) and has three children (Eduardo, Anna Lucia, and Maria Ines).
DIRECTORS
Karina Jiménez Lewis
Baltimore, Maryland Associate Director of Policy Reform and Advocacy, Annie E. Casey Foundation As associate director of Policy Reform and Advocacy, Karina Jiménez Lewis leads the Foundation's state policy, reform and advocacy efforts, including engaging young leaders to advocate for policies that can improve the lives of youth and families in states where the need is greatest. Jiménez Lewis earned a master’s degree in social work with a focus on policy practice at the University of Connecticut and a bachelor’s degree from Elms College in Massachusetts. |
Adam Lopez Falk
Phoenix, Arizona Senior Community Impact Officer, Discretionary Grantmaking, Arizona Community Foundation Adam Lopez Falk is Senior Community Impact Officer, Discretionary Grantmaking for the Arizona Community Foundation. In his role, he oversees foundation directed grantmaking, with a special focus on the areas of Arts and Culture, Community Development, and ACF's Grant investments in the borderlands of Arizona and Sonora. A fifth generation Arizonan, he is also the founder of "Arizonenses," which preserves and promotes Arizona Latino history. Adam serves as a member of the board for the CALA Alliance, a Latino focused arts organization, and as a Young Talent advisor for the Center for the Future of Arizona. He lives in Phoenix with his wife and his daughters, Arizona y Zia. |
Alejandro Ríos Rippa
San Diego, California Director of Litigation, Sempra Global In Washington DC, he was a lawyer in the Organization of American States (OAS) and was formerly an Adviser to Mexico's Attorney General. Alejandro is a lawyer with a master's degree in International Affairs from Georgetown University in Washington DC and a Masters of Law from the University of San Diego. Alejandro was a law professor at Escuela Libre de Derecho, UABC and guest lecturer at University of San Diego, California. |
Luis Ramírez Thomas
Phoenix, Arizona President, Ramirez Advisors Inter-National, LLC, Luis Ramirez is President of Ramirez Advisors Inter-National, LLC, an Arizona-based firm specializing in cross-border economic development, infrastructure strategy, and U.S.–Mexico trade initiatives. With more than 35 years of experience advancing binational projects, Luis has led efforts involving port-of-entry modernization, industrial site selection, government affairs, international negotiations, and regional competitiveness across the U.S.-Mexico border. He has worked extensively with public- and private-sector stakeholders to strengthen North American supply chains and Crossborder energy networks, enhance security and safety in the region, and improve quality of life in border communities. Luis holds a Bachelor of Arts and Science from the University of Arizona and a Master of Science in Foreign Service from Georgetown University. Born in Merida, Yucatan, he now resides in Phoenix, Arizona. |
Eric Pearson
El Paso, Texas
President and CEO, El Paso Community Foundation
Eric Pearson is the president and CEO of the El Paso Community Foundation. He is a native El Pasoan who came up through public schools and the University of Texas at El Paso, and worked for about 20 years in broadcast journalism and media prior to joining the El Paso Community Foundation in 2003. Eric has been CEO since 2011; he has worked to engage the El Paso Community Foundation in solid leadership projects. Grants, community convening, and leadership projects define the El Paso Community Foundation. The Foundation has grown since 1977 to approximately $250 million in assets, and in the process has given more than $326 million in charitable gifts and projects to West Texas, Southern New Mexico and northern Mexico
El Paso, Texas
President and CEO, El Paso Community Foundation
Eric Pearson is the president and CEO of the El Paso Community Foundation. He is a native El Pasoan who came up through public schools and the University of Texas at El Paso, and worked for about 20 years in broadcast journalism and media prior to joining the El Paso Community Foundation in 2003. Eric has been CEO since 2011; he has worked to engage the El Paso Community Foundation in solid leadership projects. Grants, community convening, and leadership projects define the El Paso Community Foundation. The Foundation has grown since 1977 to approximately $250 million in assets, and in the process has given more than $326 million in charitable gifts and projects to West Texas, Southern New Mexico and northern Mexico
Dorothea Johnson
College Station, Texas Bush Board Fellow, The Bush School of Government and Public Service Texas A&M University Dorothea Johnson is currently pursuing her Master of Public Service and Administration with a Certificate in Nonprofit Management, focusing on Public Policy Analysis and Energy, Environment, and Technology Policy at Texas A&M University. Dorothea graduated magna cum laude from the University of Richmond, earning dual majors in Global Studies and Latin American and Iberian Studies. She has interned with AmeriCorps and the World Affairs Council of Greater Houston, gaining experience with community engagement and cross-cultural communication. Her interests include community development, advocacy, and engaging with organizations advancing equitable partnerships along the U.S.-Mexico border. |
Jessica Pachuca
College Station, Texas Bush Board Fellow, The Bush School of Government and Public Service Texas A&M University Jessica Pachuca is completing her Master's in Public Service and Administration, with a focus in Policy Analysis and Nonprofit Management at Texas A&M University. She aspires to advocate for equity across public schools for English Language Learners and underserved students. Her experience thus far includes teaching English to students in Spain and Italy. She has also designed instructional flyers that provide teachers with strategies for supporting English Learners in their classrooms. She is deeply committed to promoting justice, opportunity, and dignity for all. |
BPP recently recognized its founder Hon. Russell "Russ" L. Jones as Chairman Emeritus. Russ has been active in community since he was a young man growing up in Calexico, CA. He is the epitome of what is known in the region as a Borderlander. A Borderlander is someone who easily navigates both sides of the border, and identifies as being from both sides of the region. Russ was raised in Calexico, CA and Mexicali, Baja California. His father and grandfather founded what is known today as RL Jones Customhouse Brokers, a premier import/export business facilitating trade and commerce between the U.S. and Mexico across the 10 State region. Russ studied Business Administration at San Diego State University, where he met Janet, his wife of over 50 years. Russ is a founder of multiple organizations. He is one of the founders of the Border Trade Alliance, and he is one of the founding members of the Arizona Community Foundation, and their statewide affiliate system. Since 2008, Russ has served U.S.-Mexico Border Philanthropy Partnership (BPP) with grace, humility, and honor. His generous spirit has contributed to the growth and development of the BPP as he faithfully executed his responsibilities as a board member and officer. Russ helped extend BPP's mission, redefine its services, expanded member network, and exponentially increased BPP's influence along and across the binational region. Thank you Russ for your tireless commitment to the Border region!
