MY BIOGRAPHY

Who is Roberto Haddad?

Roberto Haddad has a strong and diverse professional background in the fields of law, business, accounting, public policy, and advocacy, as well as a proven record of fiscal responsibility. His background renders him exceptionally qualified to provide oversight and strategic direction for the future of MISD.

Roberto Haddad

In his professional life, Haddad has overseen the budgets and financial planning for numerous organizations and nonprofits—always prioritizing efficiency and sustainability. Roberto’s ability to navigate complex financial landscapes, will help maintain a strong, well-balanced budget that maximizes resources for students and educators at MISD.

Roberto Haddad: Leadership, Experience, and Commitment to Community and Education

Roberto Haddad currently serves as Vice President, Counsel for Government Affairs & Policy at DHR Health, where he leads the health system’s regulatory affairs, and local, state, and federal advocacy efforts. In his role, Haddad plays a pivotal role in shaping policies and securing funding that has significantly enhanced healthcare access for the Rio Grande Valley. His efforts have improved access to advanced medical services, reducing the need for residents to seek care outside the region and strengthening the local healthcare infrastructure. His accomplishments include championing legislation to ensure health insurance plans are responsive to beneficiaries on weekends, driving policy reforms that streamline hospital expansion in medically underserved areas, and spearheading initiatives to expand trauma services, rural healthcare, and inpatient behavioral health programs. Additionally, his leadership has helped secure millions of dollars in grants for DHR Health, directly improving healthcare accessibility for the community. Haddad’s proven success in navigating complex legislation and securing critical funding underscores his ability to advocate effectively for MISD. His expertise will be instrumental in ensuring the district remains financially strong and well-equipped to meet the evolving needs of students, educators, and the broader community.
Over the past decade, Haddad has cultivated relationships at the state, local, and federal levels—networks that will be invaluable as the district navigates an increasingly uncertain funding and landscape. The relationships he’s formed with governing bodies and legislators, combined with his nuanced understanding of policy making, legislative processes, and budgetary negotiations, distinctively position him to effectively advocate for the best interests of our students.
Previously, Roberto worked as legislative counsel for Congressman Ruben Hinojosa, who represented the Rio Grande Valley in Washington, DC from 1996 – 2016, worked for Ernst & Young in New York, is a principal for a local real estate investment firm, was the chief legal officer for a predictive analytics startup, and clerked for the Honorable Ricardo H. Hinojosa, federal district court judge for the Southern District of Texas.
Roberto serves his community through several volunteer organizations including sitting on the board of the HOPE Family Health Center, the Rio Valley Partnership, Futuro RGV, City of McAllen Civic Center Advisory Board, and the Texas Essential Healthcare Partnerships. Roberto was inducted into the Texas Lyceum in 2025 and is a member of the Texas Bar Foundation.
Haddad graduated from McAllen Memorial High School in 2000, St. Edward’s University in Austin Texas with a Bachers in Business Administration and Accounting in 2004, and from Georgetown University Law Center with a Juris Doctorate in 2008. Roberto Haddad lives happily in McAllen, TX with his husband Jamison, son Theodore, dog Duke, cat Judy, and is expecting a baby girl in April 2025.

Financial Sustainability and Enrollment
MISD school are the foundation of our community, and yet in the coming months and years it will be facing unprecedented challenges that threaten its stability. As your Trustee, I will leverage my background in finance and accounting, and take a proactive approach to safeguarding the long-term sustainability of our school district while upholding a steadfast commitment to educational excellence for every student.

Our students, teachers, coaches and athletes deserve a learning environment that is safe, clean, up to current standards, and state-of-the art. It will be a top priority of mine to ensure we responsibly invest in the future of our students by upgrading and renovating facilities, and building new facilities if needed.

MISD has storied history of academic excellence and it will be a priority of mine to ensure this tradition continues. I believe every student deserves a strong education that prepares them for success. I will support high academic standards, give teachers the tools they need, and promote effective teaching methods that help students think critically and solve problems. Every child, whether they need extra support or more challenges, should have the resources to succeed. Our schools should inspire a love of learning and help all students reach their full potential.

Our teachers and educators are the backbone of the school district. I will do everything in my power to ensure a budget which recognizes this, and to the extent possible, provide equitable pay raises, competitive stipends, and benefits. I understand the hardship cause by the removal of planning periods for some teachers, and I cannot make any guarantees, but I promise I will work collaboratively with my fellow Trustees and Administration to see what can be done to

I am passionate about integrating whole foods and proper nutrition in our schools. Meals provided by public schools are sometimes the only full meal a child eats. A nutritious meal supports brain function, learning ability, emotional well-being, and the long-term health of our youth. I believe our district has a responsibility and an opportunity to implement meaningful changes that support long-term well-being of our students. I look forward to engaging with our community, stakeholders, and the district to see what change we can affect with small changes and a focus on health eating.

Education

Organizations

Hope Family Health Center, Board of Directors
Futuro RGV, Advisory Board Member
Rio Grande Valley Partnership, Board of Directors
City of McAllen Civic Center Advisory Board
Texas Essential Healthcare Partnership, Board of Directors
Texas Bar Foundation
Texas Lyceum Class of 2025
McAllen Leadership Class XXXI