Board of Trustees

Francisco “Pancho” Gonzalez, Jr.

Francisco “Pancho” Gonzalez works for Webb County as the Center Director for the Larga Vista Community Center. Besides overseeing the center’s operations, a large part of Gonzalez’s job consists of meeting with the people in the community he serves and helping them solve a variety of problems. Gonzalez regularly intervenes on behalf of families having difficulties paying their utility bills, or buying food for their families. He is a man who goes out of his way to help others.

Gonzalez says, being on the United ISD Board gives him the chance to help the district move in a positive direction. Gonzalez likens the Board to an eight member team that must work together to realize its full potential. He also realizes that not all ideas come from the top. Gonzalez likes to listen to people’s concerns and ideas. “I’m open minded to suggestions. I don’t mind giving credit where credit is due.”

Gonzalez, a Laredo native, earned a Bachelor in Business Administration degree from Sul Ross State University in Alpine, Texas. Despite his early business training, Gonzalez says he has always been attracted to social work. “I’m going on 20 years in the social services field,” Gonzalez said.  

He has worked for the Housing Authority of Laredo as a Drug Elimination Program coordinator. In that position he organized drug prevention workshops and anti-drug activities for housing development residents. He has helped prisoners get their G.E.D.s when he worked with Laredo Junior College while stationed at the Corrections Corporation of America. As an employee with the Laredo-Webb County Health Department, he counseled people and referred them to agencies that could help them with their transportation and medical needs.  Gonzalez has worked for the Texas Department of Human Resources, and the Texas Employment Commission. He has also spent time in the private sector, purchasing materials and parts for his father’s auto painting business.

He says he enjoys doing community service work. “If it’s for a good cause, I’ll do it.” He was a previous board member with the Gateway Community Health Center where he served as president of the finance committee. He serves as a board member for the Salvation Army and is a court appointed special advocate-CASA. He has also donated time to Cancer Patient Services, United I.S.D.’s anti-drug program, and the Bringing Everyone Special Together organization. Gonzalez says one of the best ways to put his knowledge to good use is to help others in need. “One of my goals is to continue helping people. When I get tired, I seek guidance from the Lord.”