McAllen Chamber Announces 2024 Man & Woman of the Year
McAllen, Texas – September 13, 2024 – McAllen Chamber of Commerce honors Roel “Roy” Rodriguez, P.E. and Natasha A. Del Barrio as Man & Woman of the Year.
2024 Man of the Year – Roel “Roy” Rodriguez, P.E.
The McAllen Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce that Roel “Roy” Rodriguez, P.E., has been named Man of the Year in recognition of his exceptional leadership and dedication to the City of McAllen. With over 35 years of public service, Rodriguez holds an extensive career that spans key leadership positions throughout the State of Texas. Since March 2014, Rodriguez has played a pivotal role in guiding the city’s growth and development.
“Having worked with Roy for many years, I know the positive results that the City [McAllen] and our Chamber of Commerce have experienced because of Roy,” said Jim Darling, McAllen Chamber of Commerce, Chairman of the Board. “Roy’s dedication to the betterment of our business community through his support of our chamber has made a difference for all of our community. His recognition by our chamber as Man of the Year is certainly deserved.”
Before his appointment as City Manager, Rodriguez served as General Manager of the McAllen Public Utility and Assistant City Manager. His public service career also includes positions as City Engineer, Assistant City Manager and City Manager in Harlingen, Texas, as well as City Engineer in Weslaco, Jefferson County Engineer in Beaumont and Area Engineer in Oklahoma.
Rodriguez holds a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Texas A&I University and a Master of Public Administration from the University of Texas – Pan American. His deep commitment to the community extends to his current role on the Texas Municipal Retirement System (TMRS) Board of Trustees, a position that he was honorably appointed by Governor Greg Abbott. He previously served on the TMRS Board from 2005 to 2018, after being appointed by Governor Rick Perry, who also appointed him to the Rio Grande Regional Water Authority Board in 2009.
Beyond his professional responsibilities, Mr. Rodriguez actively contributes to multiple advisory councils, including the Public Administration Advisory Council at South Texas College and the Dean’s Advisory Board at Texas A&M University Kingsville College of Engineering. He is also a distinguished member of the American Society of Civil Engineers and the Texas City Management Association (TCMA), where he was named Administrator of the Year in 2017. Currently serving as TCMA Region President, Mr. Rodriguez was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award from TCMA in 2023.
Roel “Roy” Rodriguez’s long-standing dedication to his faith, family and community is evident in all aspects of his life. He is a devoted member of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church and resides in McAllen with his wife and their three children.
2024 Woman of the Year – Natasha A. Del Barrio
The McAllen Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce that Natasha A. del Barrio, visionary leader and Chief Executive Officer of Bert Ogden and Fiesta Auto Group, has been named Woman of the Year for her remarkable contributions to the Rio Grande Valley and her transformative leadership. A native of the region, Natasha’s inspiring journey from a high school marketing assistant to CEO is a testament to her unwavering dedication, innovative vision and entrepreneurial drive.
With a Bachelor’s in Business Administration in Marketing and an MBA from the University of Texas-Pan American, Natasha began her career at Bert Ogden Auto Group in 1999. She expanded her experience in the financial sector, taking on influential roles at Citi Group and JP Morgan Chase, where she managed business portfolios for over 140 automotive dealers across Texas, generating more than $14 million in monthly revenue. Returning to Bert Ogden in 2012, Natasha quickly rose through the ranks, becoming CEO in 2017. Today, she oversees 24 dealerships and is recognized for her strategic leadership and commitment to operational excellence.
Natasha’s exceptional contributions to the automotive retail industry have garnered national attention, earning her recognition in Automotive News and F&I Showroom, as well as the 40 Under 40 Award in 2019 for her industry-shaping impact.
“We are very proud to honor Natasha [A.] del Barrio, one of our business leaders and a great contributor to our chamber community efforts, as the McAllen Chamber Woman of the Year,” Darling said. “Natasha’s efforts produce results and make our chamber and our city better. When there is something to be done, Natasha is always ready and willing to be there to make it a success.”
In addition to her professional achievements, Natasha is a devoted advocate for philanthropy. She has served on the boards of Easter Seals, the UTRGV Alumni Advisory Council and the Texas Automobile Dealers Association. In 2022, Natasha was named South Texas Woman of the Year by the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, raising over $840,000 during a 10-week fundraising campaign.
Despite her demanding role as CEO, Natasha’s most cherished role is being a mother to her three children: Ethan, Connor and Cora. Grounded in her Christian faith, she balances her responsibilities as a business leader, community advocate and parent, continuing to positively impact the lives of those around her.
“We are proud to honor Natasha del Barrio and Roy Rodriguez, whose long-term contributions have had great impact on the McAllen Chamber of Commerce, the greater McAllen community, and our region. Thank you to our Man & Woman of the Year for their exemplary service and inspiring dedication,” said Hershal Patel, Chair-elect of the McAllen Chamber of Commerce.
The McAllen Chamber of Commerce is honored to celebrate Roel “Roy” Rodriguez, P.E. and Natasha A. Del Barrio for their leadership, and contributions to the community at the 69th Annual Man & Woman of the Year Awards, which will take place from 6:30-10:00 p.m. on November 7, 2024, at the McAllen Convention Center.
For reserved tables, sponsorships, or additional inquiries, please contact Vice President of Membership Services Blanca Cardenas at (956) 682-2871 or bcardenas@mcallenchamber.com.
Since 1955, the McAllen Chamber of Commerce has honored two exceptional individuals each year, recognizing their outstanding contributions and commitment to the City of McAllen.