Meet our Board of Directors
Our Board of Directors comprises a gifted group of professionals united by a genuine passion for making a difference in the lives of children. Each member brings a wealth of expertise and experience from various professional backgrounds, collectively contributing to the strategic direction and decision-making processes for our foundation. Committed to the core values of compassion and service, our directors embody a dedication to philanthropy, ensuring that our initiatives make a meaningful difference in the communities we serve. Meet the dynamic individuals driving our foundation's mission forward.
Harvey Najim is the Founder and Chairman of the Board of the Harvey E. Najim Charitable Foundation and the Founder and Chairman Emeritus of Sirius Computer Solutions, Inc. Mr. Najim founded Sirius in 1980 under the name of Star Data Systems. In 1991, Mr. Najim renamed his company Sirius, after the brightest star in the universe. His innovative business vision led Sirius to become a nationally recognized technology provider with 2015 revenues of approximately $1.7B
He also served his country in the United States Army as a First Lieutenant at HQ BAMC as the Assistant Chief of Data Processing.
Harvey Najim graduated from the University of Wichita with a B.A. in Mathematics in June of 1964. He attended the President’s Class at the Wharton School of Finance in 1990, as well as the Owner President’s Class at Harvard University in 1994.
Mr. Najim currently serves as a member of the Board of Trustees of United Way. Mr. Najim continues to be recognized for his outstanding leadership for United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County. He was the 2014 United Way Campaign Chairman for Bexar County, raising $55M, and was the Chairman of the Board in 2016 and 2017. He also was the Chairman of the Bexar County Children’s Agenda in 2016 and 2017.
Mr. Najim was inducted into the San Antonio Business Hall of Fame in 2009 and was inducted into the Texas Business Hall of Fame in November 2010. In 2014, Mr. Najim was also named a Legacy Leader by the San Antonio Business Journal. His extraordinary leadership traits have made him successful in the business world, the technology industry, and his community. Mr. Najim retired from Sirius on November 13th, 2015, after 35 years of leading the company.
In December 2006, Mr. Najim established the Harvey E. Najim Charitable Foundation to help children’s charitable organizations in the greater San Antonio, Texas area. Mr. Najim has donated a total of $125 million to the Foundation since its inception, which supports various public charities that provide children with food and shelter, clothing, children’s education, the medical treatment of children, and other children’s charitable purposes in the Greater San Antonio area. The Najim Charitable Foundation, and Mr. Najim, personally have given out over $180 million in Grants and Pledges during the past 16 1/2 years, approximately $113 million in the last 7 years alone. He has also pledged another $250 million to the foundation over the next 10 years.
Melissa Bauman is the President of the Harvey E. Najim Charitable Foundation and serves on its Board of Directors.
Melissa had served as the Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer of the Foundation since 2008 before she assumed the role of President in 2023. During her tenure as the Executive Director, she demonstrated exceptional leadership skills and was instrumental in developing and implementing various internal and external processes and procedures that strengthened the Foundation’s overall operational efficiency and effectiveness. Her contributions continue to play a crucial role in laying a solid foundation for the Foundation’s continued success.
Over the span of 15 years, the Najim Charitable Foundation has made a significant impact by generously donating approximately $194 million in Grants and Pledges to more than 287 nonprofit organizations. Mr. Harvey Najim himself has been actively involved in the process, personally overseeing the charitable contributions made by the foundation. Through their philanthropic efforts, the Najim Charitable Foundation has played a crucial role in supporting a wide range of noble causes and initiatives.
Before joining the Najim Foundation, Ms. Bauman worked at AT&T for 11 years where she served in various departments. She began her career with AT&T in 1998 as a Temporary Service Representative in the Coin Department. From there, she served as Executive Assistant to the Vice President of Advertising, Executive Assistant in the Chairman & CEO’s office, and Manager at the AT&T Foundation, and in May 2007 she became Corporate Manager at the AT&T Foundation. As Corporate Manager at the AT&T Foundation, her portfolio included all Arts & Culture programs throughout the entire United States for AT&T and responsibility for AT&T’s Western Region including the State of Texas. She processed over $13 million in grants and contributions each year, in addition to successfully overseeing more than $172 million in multiyear grants and contributions in payout status.
Ms. Bauman, a San Antonio native, holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Wayland Baptist University.
She was a member of the Board for Texas Valor Club Softball and the St. John Paul II Catholic High School Blue & Gold Fundraising Committee.
Melissa and her husband, Darren, have two adult children named Bailee and Colton, as well as a college-aged child named Madison. They also have three grandchildren and two dogs. Darren, who is also a native of San Antonio, works as the CFO at Boysville, a nonprofit organization located in Converse, Texas. Both Melissa and Darren are passionate about making a positive impact on the lives of children, as they firmly believe that children are the future of our society.
Jim House is a proud San Antonio native and brings 36 years of expertise to his practice. A graduate of Baylor University and St. Mary’s University School of Law, Mr. House runs and leads a firm in San Antonio, specializing in real estate and estate planning.
Mr. House is deeply committed and involved with various charities such as Roy Mass, Boy Scouts, Provisions Food Pantry, and St. Jude’s Ranch for Children. A testament to his community leadership, he served as the president of the San Antonio Kiwanis Club. He is a member of the San Antonio Bar, the State Bar Association, and the Estate Planners Council.
Outside of his career, Mr. House attends Bulverde Baptist Church, with his wife Catherine, and their two sons, Colby and Nate. Colby, a US Army specialist, and Nate, a college freshman. Jim House’s multifaceted contributions exemplify a life dedicated to legal expertise, community service, and family values.
Clayton E. Killinger is a certified public accountant with over 40 years of financial leadership, treasury, and accounting experience. Mr. Killinger graduated from the University of Texas at San Antonio with a BBA in Accounting. Mr. Killinger has served 26 years at the executive/board level, both in publicly and privately held companies, with expertise in the Energy and Retail Industries.
Mr. Killinger had an impactful role at CST Brands, Inc. Mr. Killinger led the effort to successfully spin Valero’s existing retail business into a separate, publicly traded company. In May 2013 upon the effectiveness of the spin, he was appointed CFO of CST and provided executive leadership over all finance, accounting, tax, and internal audit activities within the CST organization. In March 2015, he became Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of CAPL.
Mr. Killinger was Senior Vice President and Controller of Fortune 500 company Valero Energy Corporation. He managed and oversaw all accounting, budgeting, forecasting, domestic and international tax, and SEC financial reporting requirements for Valero worldwide. Mr. Killinger was also a leader in due diligence and merger integration efforts at Valero, resulting in six major acquisitions aggregating approximately $15 billion. His commitment to excellence resulted in a department-wide job rotation program and a university internship program initiative.
Mr. Killinger worked at Arthur Andersen LLP, for 18 years as an Engagement Partner. He was responsible for overall client relationship responsibilities and delivering audit and consulting services to clients. He also served in a CFO capacity for a local manufacturing company assisting the company in business restructuring, debt renegotiation, and turnaround management.
Mr. Killinger’s commitment to professional excellence is matched by extensive civic engagement. He serves on numerous boards and committees, including the Najim Charitable Foundation – Finance Committee, Audazzio, Inc., and San Antonio Zoological Society as Senior Advisor to the CFO. He served on the United Way of San Antonio Board of Directors and Executive Committee, Junior Achievement of South Texas, American Red Cross, Alamo Angels, and numerous boards for the University of Texas at San Antonio.
Rebecca Cervantez holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Angelo State University and a Master of Arts Degree from the University of Texas at San Antonio. Mrs. Cervantez’s career has spanned diverse private and public entities, including SeaWorld of San Antonio, a Mexico-based corporation, and the Resolution Trust Corporation. Her career started with a local nonprofit focused on Community Development and Human Services, she retired in 2017 after over two decades as the Executive Director of AVANCE-San Antonio.
During her tenure at AVANCE, Mrs. Cervantez’s unwavering passion for families and children significantly expanded the organization’s annual impact to over 5,000 families and children. AVANCE empowers parents with education and support, breaking generational cycles of poverty, neglect, and abuse. Simultaneously, young children receive the education and support needed to enter school prepared for success. The success stories of families and children reaching their full potential have been the driving force behind the organization’s mission and Mrs. Cervantez’s commitment to delivering quality and effective services.
Throughout her career, she has been actively involved in various Boards and Committees, including the P16+ Council of Greater Bexar County, Workforce Solutions Alamo, the Texas Early Childhood Education Coalition, City of San Antonio Enterprise Trust Commission, HEB Excellence in Education Awards, Early Childhood Education Judge, and the San Antonio Hope Center. Since 2018, she has also served on The Najim Charitable Foundation Board.
In recognition of her outstanding contributions, she received the Making a Mark in the World Leadership Award from the San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce in 2016. The following year, she was inducted into the San Antonio Women’s Hall of Fame in acknowledgment of her impactful leadership and dedication to the community.
Doug Cross spent 16 years in Catholic schools and is an alumnus of St. Mary’s University with a Bachelor of Science degree. He continued his educational journey at the University of Oklahoma, the National Commercial Lending School, and the University of Texas Business School.
With over 30 years of active engagement in philanthropy, Mr. Cross has served as a dedicated Board member of the Najim Charitable Foundation for six years, currently holding the position of Secretary. As the President and CEO of Zulu Investment Corp, he is primarily focused on philanthropic endeavors and brings a wealth of experience and leadership.
His commitment to community extends to various advisory and board roles, including the Advisory Board of the Bill Greehey School of Business, SAY SI, Assistance League of San Antonio, San Antonio Lighthouse for the Blind, and Blue Star Contemporary Art Center. Additionally, he serves as a Board Member for the Incarnate Word Retirement Center Development Committee and the Academy of Creative Education Corporate Council, showcasing his diverse contributions to non-profit organizations.
Drawing from extensive experience in banking, construction, management, and non-profit sectors, he currently sits on eleven non-profit boards. A twenty-year member and former officer of the Rotary Club of San Antonio, one of the world’s largest Rotary clubs. Mr. Cross devotes much of his free time to mentoring non-profit organizations, enhancing their operational efficiency.
Beyond his professional pursuits Mr. Cross is married to his wife Nancy and is a devoted family man with three surviving sons, a daughter, and four granddaughters. He enjoys hobbies such as Tournament Bridge, Bowling, Traveling, and Gardening. Mr. Cross prays every day that he will make a positive impact on the lives of others, as a commitment to service and gratitude for the blessings he has received.
Rebecca Cedillo is a native of San Antonio and a graduate of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology with a master’s degree in City Planning and Public Policy, a bachelor’s degree in political science, and a minor in Economics from St. Mary’s University.
In her role as the community and business ombudsman for UHS, Ms. Cedillo serves as a vital link between the organization and community groups, chambers of commerce, elected and appointed officials, as well as prospective partner institutions. Reporting directly to the President/CEO, she collaborates closely with senior leadership and physician partners to facilitate alignment, strategic planning, and business development, to achieve UHS mission objectives.
Prior to UHS, she was President of Strategic Initiatives Consulting, a firm that provides urban planning, strategic planning, organizational development, community involvement, policy development, analysis, and management services for businesses and public agencies throughout South-Central Texas.
Mrs. Cedillo is an innovator in Water Resources Planning beginning over 25 years ago when assigned as the primary staff to the first joint effort in a regional planning program. Her work and responsibilities grew quickly as the area faced drought concerns, water quality issues, and coordination with local and regional water interests. Through her advocacy and business acumen, she became the first Chief of Water resources.
With a passion for urban and strategic planning, she prepared the City’s Master Plan, establishing neighborhood plans, and downtown development guidelines, revised zoning and subdivision regulations, and prepared the implementation of water conservation and water quality ordinances and programs.
Mrs. Cedillo served as Director of Planning for the City of San Antonio with oversight of 12 Boards and Commissions. She currently serves on The San Antonio Medical Foundation, KLRN Public Broadcasting, and San Antonio Museum Association, and is also the Vice President of the Central Texas Water Supply Corporation (Vista Ridge water pipeline).
As the former Chair of the 1300-member San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, she assumed the role of interim CEO in 2019. Appointed by Judge Nelson Wolff, she served as the County Chair of the Complete Count Committee from February 2019 to December 2020, overseeing community efforts in advocacy, outreach, and education for the 2020 Census. She also contributed her expertise to the Alamo Area Council of Governments as Secretary of the Bexar County University Health System Board of Managers from 2006 to 2014 and managed a $900 million capital projects program and a $250 million O&M program for hospitals and clinics county-wide.
Mrs. Cedillo also served on the VIA Metropolitan Transit Authority Board from 2014 to 2018 and the St. Mary’s University Board of Trustees, where she chaired the Academic Affairs Council. She is also a member of the SAMMinistries Board of Trustees from 2010 to 2014. Additionally, she dedicated her time to United Way from 2012 to 2018 and co-chaired the public sector campaign in 2014. Her commitment is further evidenced by her role in the Executive Committee of the San Antonio Economic Development Foundation from 2015-2017.
Maria Hernandez Ferrier is the founding president and President Emerita of Texas A&M University–San Antonio, where she is recognized as the driving force behind the institution’s rapid growth, architectural identity, and foundational legacy. A native of San Antonio, she was born and raised on the city’s west side to a family with limited financial means but a wealth of faith, resilience, and love. She attributes her unlikely journey in higher education and public service to the values instilled during her early years.
In her early thirties, as a single mother of two young children, Maria was encouraged by a mentor and supervisor to pursue higher education. He generously paid for her first semester at San Antonio College, setting in motion an academic journey that led to a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Education from Our Lady of the Lake University, and eventually a Doctorate in Education from Texas A&M University–College Station.
Her involvement with the Texas A&M System began in 2008 when she was appointed Executive Director of the Texas A&M–Kingsville System Center. Shortly thereafter, she was selected by the Texas A&M University System Board of Regents as the inaugural president of Texas A&M University–San Antonio. In 2016, the Chancellor of the Texas A&M University System appointed her to lead and strengthen the university system’s strategic relationship with Mexico.
Before her tenure at Texas A&M, Ferrier held a number of influential state and national roles. She was appointed twice to senior positions in the U.S. Department of Education: first by President George H. W. Bush as Director of the Office of Bilingual Education and Minority Language Affairs, and later by President George W. Bush as Deputy Under Secretary in the Office of English Language Acquisition. In 2020, the Supreme Court of Texas appointed her to serve as a public member of the State Bar of Texas—an acknowledgment of her commitment to public service and education policy.
With a career spanning over four decades, Maria Ferrier has consistently championed education across all levels. She has played a pivotal role in founding or supporting innovative programs such as City Year San Antonio; the Kelly AFB–Southwest ISD Mentoring Partnership, which was recognized as the 242nd “Point of Light” by President George H. W. Bush; and the first elementary school chapter of Students Against Driving Drunk.
Her work has earned widespread recognition, including the U.S. Department of Labor Hispanic Heritage Award, the U.S. Department of Education National Hispanic Achiever Award, the Texas A&M University Golden Deeds Award, the San Antonio Chamber of Commerce Elaine Mendoza Visionary Award, the San Antonio University Roundtable Best and Brightest Award, the Silver Stars Women of Inspiration Award, the San Antonio Hispanic Chamber Lifetime Achievement Award, and the San Antonio ISD Inspire Award.
Maria has also contributed her time and leadership to numerous nonprofit boards, including the Alamo Colleges Foundation, KIPP Charter Schools, City Year’s National Board, the San Antonio Humane Society, and the Boy Scouts of America. She currently serves as a Trustee on the Hallmark University Board and is the Chairman of the Board of Parental Solutions.
Ferrier’s professional journey is defined by a deep belief in the transformative power of education, a commitment to servant leadership, and an unwavering dedication to uplifting her community.
Yvonne Gonzales, originally from Corpus Christi, has been a San Antonio native for almost 40 years. She has been married to her husband, Donald Gonzales, for over 20 years and together they have two daughters, Sarah (22) and Sophia (20). Yvonne is a proud alumna of the University of Texas at San Antonio, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice. She brings a wealth of experience in community engagement, specifically in advocating for the health and well-being of mothers and families.
A dedicated community servant, Yvonne began her volunteer journey with University Health, where she has demonstrated her commitment to patient care in over a decade of service on the University Health Foundation Board. She recently concluded her term as Chair, leading a multi-million-dollar campaign to establish the Women’s and Children’s Hospital. Yvonne’s passion for advocating for the San Antonio community is also seen in her service as a member of the Clarity Child Guidance Center Board and in her recent role as Development Coordinator at Antonian College Preparatory High School. During her tenure, she served as a vital liaison among administration, parents, donors, and key community leaders. Her role provided outreach and education for various capital and organizational campaigns.
In addition to her healthcare involvement, Yvonne has volunteered with numerous nonprofits throughout San Antonio. Her earlier experience as a victim advocate at the District Attorney’s Office equipped her to support victims and witnesses of DWI felonies as they navigated the legal process.
In her spare time, Yvonne enjoys traveling and sharing a good meal with family and friends.
Don Harris is an Emmy award-winning weekday Sports Anchor and Sports Director for News 4 San Antonio. His remarkable career was honored with the prestigious Silver Circle award in 2018 by the National Association of Television Arts and Sciences, recognizing his outstanding achievements and over 25 years of community service. It is the highest honor given by the Emmy Awards organization.
In 2017, Mr. Harris won multiple awards including the Associated Press awards for best commentary, best sports special, and sportscast. He is a multiple Emmy winner and nominee for his sports anchoring, storytelling, and commentaries. He has won numerous awards from the Texas A.P. Broadcasters for best sportscast and best sports story, as well as his signature “Don’s Extra Point” which has won numerous times for Best Editorial/Commentary. As the TV play-by-play voice for UTSA Football and “Thursday Night Lights,” a local live high school football broadcast, he continues to make significant contributions to sports broadcasting.
Beyond his on-air accomplishments, He is deeply involved in the San Antonio community. He is a recipient of the prestigious Edna McGaffey Media Excellence Award by the San Antonio Express-News and the local chapter of American Women in Communications for his work on the air and in the community. He has been named as one of the San Antonio Business Journal’s “40 Under Forty” rising stars in the local community and was named “Best Talk Radio host” by the San Antonio Current readers’ poll. Mr. Harris made broadcasting history when he became the first and only broadcaster to host a live radio sports talk show and anchor a live television sportscast – simultaneously.
In 1998 Mr. Harris started the Don Harris Golf Classic, a golf tournament benefiting numerous charities including the Arthritis Foundation and The Family Service Association, The Autism Treatment Center, S.A. Youth, and the First Tee Of San Antonio. Many top local sports celebrities have taken part in helping to raise over a million dollars for local children. He also serves on the board of the Harvey E. Najim Charitable Foundation and San Antonio Sports and is on the advisory board of the Miracle League of San Antonio. All are actively involved in improving the lives of children in San Antonio.
Mr. Harris has covered many major sporting events during his 30 years at News 4 San Antonio, including numerous Super Bowls, Final Fours, and all five Spurs World Championships. News 4 WOAI’s Race for the Rings (Spurs pregame and postgame shows) was among the highest-rated shows in San Antonio television history.
Mr. Harris is married to his wife Julie, a fellow Churchill High School and University of North Texas alumna, and is a proud father of two sons, Landry and Grant. His impactful career and commitment to community service exemplify a dedication to excellence in journalism and making a positive impact on the lives of others.
David Marquez served as the Executive Director of Economic and Community Development for Bexar County, Texas, where for over 28 years he has led transformative initiatives to grow the regional economy while enhancing quality of life for county residents. A San Antonio native, David retired from public service on June 30, 2025, concluding a distinguished career marked by strategic leadership, operational excellence, and a deep commitment to community equity.
Under David’s leadership, Bexar County has secured major business investments from global manufacturers including Toyota, Navistar, and JCB, positioning the region as a competitive hub for advanced manufacturing and supply chain growth. His office has managed tax incentive programs, international trade and foreign direct investment initiatives, and major redevelopment efforts including the AT&T Center—home to the San Antonio Spurs and the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo.
Simultaneously, David has overseen a portfolio of high-impact social service programs, including the Utility Assistance Program, the Pauper Burial Program, and the County Guardianship Program. He was instrumental in administering over $79 million in CARES Act funding, alongside additional HUD and state energy funds, to mitigate the impacts of COVID-19 across vulnerable populations in Bexar County.
David began his public service career as a machine tool operator apprentice at the San Antonio Air Logistics Center in 1986, later becoming a project leader in quality improvement and IT systems. He joined Bexar County in 1997 as a Lead Budget Analyst before advancing to executive leadership roles. Since 1999, he has also served as an adjunct professor of business at the University of the Incarnate Word, teaching strategic planning and management.
He holds a B.A.A.S. from Southwest Texas State University and a Master of Urban Administration from Trinity University. David and his wife Patricia reside in San Antonio, where they raised two children. He remains actively involved in faith-based service and performs as a guitarist and vocalist with the worship team at Calvary Chapel San Antonio.
Roy D. Terracina was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois, and now resides in San Antonio, Texas. Mr. Terracina boasts a remarkable career that spans the realms of banking, investment banking, and management consulting. In 1977, he embarked on a journey with Farm House Foods, a public company, where his role as Treasurer catalyzed the company’s growth from $300 Million to $1.5 Billion in revenues through strategic acquisitions.
Relocating to San Antonio in 1984, Mr. Terracina acquired Sterling Foods, specializing in military-packaged food for the Department of Defense and diet food catering to the Canadian and French militaries. In 1993 he sold Sterling and diversified his investments in frozen foods, apparel, aquarium chemicals, and home insulation, contributing significantly as a board member to these companies that were sold or merged.
Mr. Terracina’s impact extends beyond industries, he served on the boards of Norwood Promotional Products, Mesirow Private Equity, Milestone Equity Partners, and Access Venture Partners. Mr. Terracina has also served as Board Chairman at Our Lady of the Lake University and Vice Chairman at US Global Investors (NASDAQ). Mr. Terracina has lent his expertise to the boards of Chase Bank, Mesirow Financial, MichaelAngelo’s Gourmet Italian Food, and the Harvey E. Najim Charitable Foundation.
Mr. Terracina is also an active member of the Young Presidents Organization and currently serves Sonar Inc, dba Audazzio, as CEO and Board Member, a technology startup that participated in the Comcast NBCUniversal SportsTech Accelerator.
His commitment to education is evident in his early career, he taught Finance at Marquette, Trinity, and St Mary’s Universities. He shares his wisdom as a frequent speaker to businesses and youth groups on life’s choices, emphasizing “Faith, Family, Fitness, and Fun” as pillars of success. Mr. Terracina’s interests include boxing, fitness, and travel, reflecting a life lived with purpose and passion.
