2019 President's Day Gala Keynote Speaker

Mr. Hector Pineda
Head of Legal US & Associate General Counsel
Shell Oil Company

Hector Pineda was appointed Shell Oil Company’s Head of Legal for the United States in 2016.  Hector is accountable for consulting with the US Legal management team on country-wide legal and reputational issues, consulting with Shell’s US Country Chair, and creating a sense of community and teamwork for all US based legal staff. Hector is also Associate General Counsel – Downstream for the US, Central & South America.  In his 24 years with Shell’s legal department, Hector has supported major Upstream and Downstream business segments in the Americas, Europe, Africa and Asia.  Outside of Shell, Hector serves as a Director of Healthcare for the Homeless - Houston, a charitable organization providing comprehensive medical services to Houston's homeless population and as Chairman and Executive Committee member of the Houston Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. 

Hector is a native of New Orleans and obtained his undergraduate degree from Louisiana State University and law degree from Tulane University Law School.  Hector and his wife are the proud parents of two sons.

Lifetime Achievement Award

Mr. A.R. "Tony" Sanchez, Jr.
Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors
Sanchez Energy Corporation

Judge of the Year

Judge R. K. Sandill
127th Civil District Court in Harris County

Outstanding Community Service Award

Dr. Laura G. Murillo
President and CEO
Houston Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

Master of Ceremonies

Mr. Jacob Rascon
Reporter and Journalist
NBC Affiliate - KPRC-TV Houston