About METRO

Elizabeth Gonzalez Brock serves as the Board Chair of the Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County, Texas (METRO). Appointed by Mayor John Whitmire in February 2024, she made history as the first Hispanic woman to assume the role. As Chair, Elizabeth plays a pivotal role in leading the transit agency's Board of Directors, which is responsible for guiding the agency’s $1.6 billion annual budget and overseeing policies across METRO's expansive 1300-square-mile service area. The Authority provides essential transportation services to the City of Houston, significant areas of Harris County, and 14 surrounding multi-cities. Elizabeth is deeply committed to upholding METRO's mission of delivering safe, clean, reliable, and accessible public transportation services to the Houston region, with a strong focus on increasing ridership.

Elizabeth also serves as Vice President, Utility Infrastructure Planning for CenterPoint Energy, where she supports the company’s capital planning needs. She most recently led the company’s business and economic development, energy efficiency programs, and federal utility energy services contracts to support CenterPoint Energy’s electric and gas utility. 

At CenterPoint Energy, she led regional business development teams across six states, dedicated to implementing and ensuring regulatory compliance of state programs focused on energy efficiency. With an acumen for customer service, Elizabeth’s primary objective in this role was to meet customers' energy conservation needs and service offerings, enabling them to successfully achieve their Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) goals.

Prior to her most recent experience, Elizabeth served as the Director of Regulatory and Government Affairs, where she demonstrated exceptional skills in strategy development, advocated for positive regulatory outcomes, and built effective relationships with key stakeholders. She successfully managed relationships with the City of Houston and over 100 municipalities, collaborating closely with senior leadership to develop strategic solutions for high-priority initiatives such as rate filings, utility code updates, and customer program implementation.

Apart from her professional endeavors, Elizabeth is deeply invested in advocating for environmental improvement. She is the founder of Evolve Houston, a local nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing air quality through the promotion and adoption of electric vehicles. She serves on the Board of Directors and chairs the Finance Committee of Houston First Corporation and held the position of Board Chair for the Greater Houston Area Women's Chamber.

Elizabeth holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Houston. With her extensive experience, strategic skillset, and unwavering commitment to excellence, she continues to make significant contributions to the energy industry, transportation sector, and her community.

Rev. T. Leon Preston II, a native Houstonian with an inspiring personal story of leadership and service, was appointed to the METRO Board in 2024 by Houston Mayor John Whitmire and confirmed by the Houston City Council. With 30 years of experience in the livery transportation industry, Rev. Preston brings extensive expertise in executive transportation services, ensuring accessibility, efficiency, and reliability for Houston’s transit system. In the 1990s, he served as Director of Transportation for one of the city’s largest private limousine and bus companies, where he oversaw logistics, fleet operations, and customer service.

Beyond transportation, Rev. Preston has built a legacy as a distinguished faith and community leader. As the Senior Pastor of Yale Street Baptist Church in the historic Independence Heights Super Neighborhood, he has dedicated his life to uplifting individuals and families. His commitment to social advocacy includes feeding the hungry, providing disaster relief, and securing resources for underserved communities in Houston and beyond.

Rev. Preston is a dedicated public servant, currently serving as Chaplain for the Harris County Precinct One Constable’s Office, where he provides spiritual guidance and support to law enforcement officers and the community. Additionally, he is the Secretary of the Advisory Committee Promoting Adoption of Minority Children (ACPAMC) in Texas, working to find permanent, loving homes for children in foster care.

Known as a “boots-on-the-ground” leader, Rev. Preston is often seen in the heart of communities, offering comfort to the sick, encouragement to the bereaved, and advocacy for the homeless. His hands-on approach ensures that those who are often overlooked receive the care, attention, and support they need.

A devoted father and grandfather, Rev. Preston is also recognized for his powerful voice—both in speech and in song. He has been hailed as “The People’s Choice” for his ability to inspire and uplift through his words and actions.

As a METRO Board Member, Rev. Preston is committed to ensuring that Houston’s transit system is equitable, efficient, and reflective of the needs of all residents. His extensive experience in transportation, community engagement, and public service positions him as a leader dedicated to progress, accessibility, and inclusive growth. He is, above all, a servant leader who deeply cares for all.

Holly Maria Flynn Vilaseca served as District VI Trustee for Houston Independent School District (HISD) for five years, demonstrating her dedication to education and commitment to improving the lives of families in her community. Currently, she is an executive for a Fortune 100 company. She has a proven track record of fighting for the needs of her constituents and making a positive impact in her community.

Holly grew up in a working-class family in a small town in rural Ohio after her mother immigrated to the United States from Colombia. She is the first in her family to go to college, earning bachelor’s degrees in Latin American and Caribbean studies and Sports Management and Communications from the University of Michigan, and a master’s degree in Social-Organizational Psychology from Columbia University.

Holly began her career in education in 2004 at the Houston Independent School District where she worked for Teach for America as a bilingual pre-kindergarten teacher. She taught bilingual and dual-language early-childhood classes in public schools. Holly transitioned into the nonprofit and private sectors continuing her work in educational development. She has consulted with urban school districts across the United States regarding strategy, the implementation of software programming, districtwide evaluation systems, virtual and blended learning environments, human capital development, and strategic planning.

Currently, Holly works as a Sustainable and Performance Infrastructure Executive where she constantly examines ways to improve crucial infrastructure in a cost-effective and responsible manner in the public sector across Texas. Throughout her career, she has honed skills in operational efficiency; responsible budgeting; working collaboratively to identify solutions to strengthen systems; honoring tax-payer dollars; and strengthening communities. She brings with her these qualities in service for the public good.

Flynn Vilaseca has served on the City of Houston Mayor’s Hispanic Advisory Board for Annise Parker and Sylvester Turner and has been featured in Latino Leaders Magazine. She also served on the board of the Mexican American School Board Association, National School Boards Association and is a member of Rotary International and the West Houston Chamber of Commerce. Holly and her husband Nelson are raising their son and daughter in Houston and in HISD schools. Holly and her family are members of St. John Vianney Catholic Church.

Bob Fry retired in 2011 from the maritime industry after selling the company he founded in 1989. A graduate of Milby High School in Houston and the University of Texas at Austin, he received U.S. Army training as a Transportation Corps officer and served in Vietnam. He was elected as Mayor Pro Tem (2007-2011) and Mayor (2011-2015) of West University Place, serving two terms each. While in office, he served as President of the Harris County Mayors and Councils Association, as a member of the board of the Houston Galveston Area Council representing Home Rule Cities and served as a voting member representing Small Cities on its Transportation Policy Council. Fry currently represents fourteen cities on the board of the Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County, Texas…”) serving as Chairman of its Public Safety, Customer Service, and Operations Committee. He currently serves as Chairman of the Texas A & M Galveston Board of Visitors and was the founding chairman of the San Jacinto College Maritime Advisory Committee. He currently serves on the board of the Texas Navy Association and on the board of St. Mark’s Episcopal School. He is a former chairman of the Houston Maritime Museum and a former board member of the Gulf Coast Authority and the River Oaks Chamber Orchestra. He is a current member of West U Rotary, a founding member, and a past president. Fry and his wife, Jo Ann were married in 1974 and have two children and four grandchildren.

Judge Kathy Khanh Han served the City of Houston for 23 years as Presiding Judge for Municipal Court Number 14 under four mayoral administrations and is the first Vietnamese American female attorney appointed to a full-time judgeship in the United States. Appointed by Mayor John Whitmire in 2024, Judge Han is the first Asian woman to serve on METRO’s Board of Directors.

In 1975, Judge Han with her family, including two infant sons, fled Vietnam by boat as refugees to the United States, where she both worked as an employee and operated a small business to support her family and pay school tuition for her sons and her own law school education. Judge Han graduated from South Texas College of Law in 1996 and became the principal of the Law Firm of Kathy Han & Associates.  She served as an advisory member for the Harris County’s Clerk Office in its effort to include Vietnamese as a language on the eSlate (in compliance with section 203 Voting Rights Act). She co-chaired the Asian Scholarship Fund for South Texas College of Law, Texas Southern, and the Asian Scholarship Fund at Rice University. Judge Han also volunteered with the Color of Justice Program organized by South Texas College of Law where she promoted higher education to high school students.

In April 2024, at the nomination ceremony for new METRO Board of Directors, Judge Han expressed her gratitude to Americans for welcoming Vietnamese refugees and providing immigrants an opportunity to become productive citizens. She cited regular use of public transportation in the early years in America as the primary mode of transport to/from errands, school, and work.

Mayor Sylvester Turner issued a Proclamation for her in 2020, stating:

“Judge Kathy Han’s staunch advocacy for service and volunteerism has greatly influenced her participation and leadership in many endeavors. She has hosted numerous Vietnamese radio and television talk-show programs to educate the public on law and was included in ‘The Vietnamese American Heritage Foundation’s Oral History Project’ which detailed the hardships and successes of the first wave of Vietnamese refugees, amongst many other recognitions. Judge Han was recognized for her tireless contributions to the community. The City of Houston commends and appreciates Judge Han for her great compassion and kindness to so many people and worthwhile endeavors over the years.”

Alexandra (Alex) del Moral Mealer is a wife and mother of two, a combat veteran, a Harvard JD / MBA and a former energy finance executive who is proud to be raising the next generation of Houstonians.

A graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point, Alex served as an Explosive Ordnance Disposal officer (bomb squad). Through her experience leading soldiers in combat and defusing bombs in Afghanistan, Alex proved she has the skills necessary to lead during times of crisis.

After her time in service, Alex graduated from Harvard Business School and Harvard Law School before moving to Houston to pursue a career in energy finance, where she worked on the execution of billion dollar transactions as a strategic advisor on mergers & acquisitions and capital markets financing for public and private companies.

While raising her young children and trying to navigate Harris County’s COVID-19 response, Alex became increasingly focused on the strengths and weaknesses of local government and ultimately decided to run for Harris County Judge, securing the Republican nomination and building a broad coalition focused on good government during her closely contested general election.

Alex is serving on the board as a representative of the 14 multi-cities in the METRO service areas and is committed to ensuring our region has a best-in-class transit system that is fiscally responsible, safe and efficient.

Terry Morales is a Sr. Vice President and Corporate Banking Lender for Amegy Bank. She has built a new niche for the bank in the Quick Service Restaurant Industry, which today includes some of the top businesses and concepts in the U.S. Morales also focuses on large public and private companies whose revenues exceed $200 Million. Morales is involved in various internal group activities such as the Amegy PAC, the Diversity & Inclusion Steering Committee, and the Amegy Women’s Initiative Diverse Markets Committee.

Morales has been in the banking industry for 30+ years. She was previously with JPMorgan Chase-Retail Division in various management roles, which included managing multi-site branches and Small Business Team Lead for the North Houston territory.

Morales has a BBA in Finance from the University of Houston and is a graduate of the JP Morgan Chase (Small Business Sponsored) Credit Training Program in New York City. In addition, she is a graduate of Leadership Houston, the Center for Houston’s Future, and is a Senior Fellow of the American Leadership Forum Class XXXIV. Morales is a native Houstonian, and grew up in Houston’s East End.

Other affiliations and recognitions include

• Board Member – Houston Cinema Arts Society
• Board Member – American Leadership Forum
• Past Board Member and President – University of Houston Friends of Women Studies
• Past Board Member – Harris County Child Protective Services
• Past Board Member and Treasurer – Land Assemblage Redevelopment Authority
• Past Board Member – Harris County Finance Corporation
• Past Board Member – Inprint
• Past Board Member – Houston BARC Foundation
• Past Board Member – Houston Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
• Past Board Member – Greater Houston Women’s Chamber of Commerce
• Past Board Member – City of Houston Hispanic Advisory Board
• Texas Executive Women’s “Women on the Move” – 2018
• “Houston’s 50 Most Influential Women of 2014” by Houston Woman Magazine
• National Hispanic Corporate Achievers Award – 2002

Angel Ponce brings over 15 years of experience in advocating for individuals with disabilities and historically underrepresented groups. In 2004, following a spinal cord injury resulting from a vehicular accident, Ponce transitioned to life as a wheelchair user. As a person with a disability, Ponce knows firsthand the challenges that people with disabilities experience in the Houston Metropolitan area and has devoted himself to serving as an advocate for the rights and needs of disabled citizens.

Ponce currently serves as the Director of the City of Houston Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities (MOPD), bringing forth a wealth of experience in both advocacy and government service provision. In his capacity, he leads efforts to ensure the comprehensive access for and integration of all citizens like the empowerment of the pedestrian access and review program which brings sidewalks to the neighborhoods of people with limited mobility. He advocates for the rights and necessities of people with disabilities, acting as a crucial liaison between the City of Houston Mayor, city council, various city departments, and other public and private entities.

Ponce plays an integral role in various special projects, such as the Annual Disability Emergency Preparedness Workshop, the Houston Disability Celebration, the Annual Reel Abilities Art and Film Festival, disability awareness workshops for employers, and disability etiquette and educational presentations for youth and professionals. In partnership with local organizations, Ponce assisted with the ongoing efforts to connect people with disabilities to durable medical equipment and connected those affected to resources in the aftermath of natural disasters, such as, Hurricane Harvey.

Ponce is co-founder of the National Coalition for Latinxs with Disabilities (CNLD), and his educational background is anchored by a bachelor's degree in leadership and management from the University of Houston, further enriching his capabilities in leading initiatives that foster inclusivity and accessibility within the Houston community.

Roberto Treviño was appointed to the METRO Board by Harris County Commissioners Court in July 2022. He has served as the Executive Director of the Harris County Toll Road Authority (HCTRA) since January 2021 when Harris County Commissioners unanimously appointed him to that position. Treviño is responsible for capital and other assets totaling $4.7 billion for a system that typically processes more than 500 million transactions a year.

Treviño has actively worked to build upon the Toll Road Authority’s accomplishments with a strategic vision for the agency that broadens its focus on the diverse connectivity needs of the region and aligns with the future direction of Harris County. Having laid the foundation of setting a vision and values for the agency, he has focused the agency on advancing mobility projects which facilitate commuting efficiency for the region, as well as planning and development of the conversion to all-electronic tolling and the development of the Tollways to Trailways initiative.  He has stayed true to his lifelong vision of investing in people through the launch of the HCTRA Opportunity Academy which creates a road to opportunity through job training, education, and employment opportunities.

Prior to HCTRA, Treviño had a 17-year career with METRO. As Executive Vice President of Planning, Engineering, and Construction, he was responsible for the oversight and management of METRO’s Service Planning, System Planning, Engineering, and Construction and Facilities Maintenance divisions.

Treviño joined METRO in 2004 as a senior resident engineer for a new transit center and Park & Ride facility. During his tenure at METRO, he was involved in management and implementation of many of the agency’s impactful projects including the METRORail Expansion program, the Universal Accessibility program, and the implementation of The New Bus Network, which was the first redesign and overhaul of Houston’s local bus system since 1978.

Professional Associations and Activities

• Harris County Alternate Member, Houston-Galveston Area Council (H-GAC) Transportation Policy Council
• Past METRO Alternate Member, H-GAC Technical Advisory Committee
• Graduate, American Leadership Forum, Class XXXVIII

Civic Activities

• Board Member, Urban Partnerships Community Development Corporation

Honors

• Recipient, Honorable Ray LaHood (Man of the Year) Award 2022

Education and Certifications

• Licensed Professional Engineer (P.E.), State of Texas
• Project Management Professional (PMP)
• B.S., Mechanical Engineering, Texas A&M University-Kingsville, Kingsville, Texas