Arthur Ortiz, University of St. Thomas-Houston Chief Strategic Partnerships and Community Engagement Officer, was named the new Board Chair for Leadership Houston. Not only is Arthur a beloved member of the UST community (he’s been at UST 25 years!), but his connection to Leadership Houston also runs deep, having been a part of the organization for 10 years.   

MAX Studios Bridget Richardson posed questions to Ortiz about being ready to lead the group that helped shape him and his understanding of civic service.

 

Bridget Richardson: Describe your experience with Leadership Houston – going from being a part of a cohort, to joining the board and now leading the board.  

Arthur Ortiz: I was in LH Class XXIII, the best class ever (This is a saying all classes have for their cohort – it is a tradition) and my graduation was in 2015. There are so many things that stand out. I would say meeting individuals from other professions and sectors who want to learn more about Houston and assist with positive change attracted me like a magnet. Leadership Houston was founded in 1981 and runs a signature program with a cohort each year. The mission is to enlighten, empower, and engage diverse community leaders through a broadened knowledge of Houston and increase their civic leadership capacity for the benefit of Greater Houston and its stakeholders. The vision is Elite Leaders Shaping a World-Class City! We had opening and closing retreats and spent a full day each month learning and experiencing aspects of Houston such as its history, economy, government, education, etc. When I was asked to join the Board, it was an immediate “yes” for me. Serving as Chair is a continuation and the next step for me and I do not take it for granted. Previous chairs have really left me a gift because Leadership Houston is really maturing to the next level as an organization.  

 

BR: Why do you think Leadership Houston is a special group to be a part of and help lead? 

AO: Leadership Houston connects Houston’s leaders with each other in the city we all care about. The mission is to enlighten, empower, and engage community members from all sectors to increase civic leadership in the Greater Houston area. Other leadership programs tend to focus on developing individual leadership styles and habits. Leadership Houston is unique in that it focuses on civic engagement and not just personal development.  

 

BR: Can you describe the role of the Board Chair and the Board in guiding with Leadership Houston?  

AO: Leadership Houston is very much a working Board Those who are asked to serve have this understanding when they accept an appointment. When I was asked to join the board, it came with immediate responsibilities. My role on the Board during my first year in 2020 was to serve as the Class Co-chair for LH Class XL. The Co-chair is responsible for directing the class project the cohort settles on – there is a secret sauce or unique way the class determines what their project is, which is essentially a gift to Houston and its community, with specific parameters and a timeframe for completion. Getting a group of 50 or so accomplished professionals from different sectors to agree and work as one is fun to see because most are used to being “the leader” on the team and they are now among other seasoned decision-makers.   

Some examples of recent class projects include: Transforming the Yolanda Black Navarro Middle School campus market to provide its students their families, and the local community with a dignified shopping experience; Another class project entailed installing hydration stations in four parks across the city to reimagine water access and to providing access for residents in the areas and visitors to the respective parks. The next year, I became the Board Class Chair for Class XLI. Most recently, I completed two years as the Board Chair-elect.  

 

BR: What are some initiatives that you would like to see happen or see progress on?  

AO: Houston has a large population and a large geography which it occupies. One challenge is getting the city connected and these are areas where improvement is always possible. Houston has many communities within a community and sometimes the needs and goals of these communities need to be addressed. I see it as a sort of accordion which contracts or expands to specific needs and goals. There is no one size fits all solution, each is curated.  

One strong and defining characteristic of Houston is its unique culture. There are about 145 different languages spoken within the largest city with no zoning and an energy, healthcare, aerospace and manufacturing leader. I’d like to see more education about what Houston offers and its rich history and these are some of the goals in the Signature Class Program. We need to know our heritage and understand people like Sam Houston, Jesse H. Jones and Barbara Jordan because Houston has an inspiring story that has propelled us to where we are today and where we will go in the future. Additionally, I want Leadership Houston to not just be known for its Signature Program, but for the program and the ongoing impact in communities all over Houston. If something is important to Houston, we are engaged in some way.  

 

BR: UST has a great relationship with Leadership Houston. Any standouts at UST you’d like to mention? 

AO: Mallory Peterson recently completed the program, and UST also has the distinction of having the oldest class member and graduate of the program in beloved Professor Emeritus Bill Cunningham (FSO, retired) who established UST’s Center for International Studies in 1981. 

  

BR: There is some overlap in UST and Leadership Houston’s missions. How do you see these groups pursuing similar ideals for the Houston area?  

AO: It would be easy to make a case that UST’s mission, handed down by the Basilian Fathers of Goodness, Discipline, Knowledge and Community is very much in unison with much of what Leadership Houston aspires to do. Leadership Houston also strives to honor the dignity of every human being. UST’s Edward P. White Memorial Plaza, at the corner of West Alabama and Montrose, demonstrates a clear unity between us and the City of Houston. It is a vertical granite wall with a large cross facing downtown Houston. Symbolically, this cross represents the UST western wall cut out which allows in natural light into the Chapel of St. Basil. The “cut-out” cross on the Memorial Plaza facing downtown is an indication that UST is here to serve Houston and beyond. Lastly, UST is in a highlighted area of Houston, the Museum District. The campus showcases architecture by world-renowned architect Philiip Johnson in its Academic Mall and the Chapel of St. Basil. UST also shares a long relationship with The Menil Collection which is adjacent to campus.  

 

BR: How do you see this type of service connected with your expression of your Catholic faith? 

AO: Our faith invites us to serve and engage our community. Our prayer comes in many forms and one of these prayers is serving.  

 

BR: Is there anything else you’d like to add about your undertaking as Board Chair?  

AO: I’ve said enough. 

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