Edinburg Leader Appointed to Regional Disaster Response Board

Steven Cruz will serve on the COAD Advisory Board for four-county Rio Grande Valley region.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 1:26pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Steven Cruz, a lifelong resident of Edinburg, Texas, has been appointed to serve on the Advisory Board for the Community Organizations Active in Disaster (COAD). This regional initiative brings together leaders and organizations from Willacy, Cameron, Hidalgo, and Starr Counties to strengthen disaster preparedness, response, and recovery efforts across the Rio Grande Valley.

Why it matters

The COAD Advisory Board plays a critical role in coordinating disaster response efforts across the four-county region, which has faced significant challenges from storms and other natural disasters in recent years. Cruz's appointment brings a respected community leader with deep local knowledge and a track record of public service to this important initiative.

The details

Cruz, who has over 16 years of public sector experience and now runs a private business, has served on several Edinburg city boards and commissions. He and his wife have also established a philanthropic initiative called the Cruz Bros. Endowment that supports public safety, education, and community programs. In his new role on the COAD Advisory Board, Cruz will work with leaders across Willacy, Cameron, Hidalgo, and Starr Counties to strengthen the region's disaster response capabilities.

  • Cruz was appointed to the COAD Advisory Board in April 2026.

The players

Steven Cruz

A lifelong resident of Edinburg, Texas, and respected community leader with over 16 years of public sector experience. He has served on several Edinburg city boards and commissions and co-founded a philanthropic initiative called the Cruz Bros. Endowment.

Audra Palacios Cruz

Steven Cruz's wife, who is a judge. Together, they have established the Cruz Bros. Endowment to support public safety, education, and community programs in the region.

Monica Hinojosa

The Emergency Service Coordinator who stated that Steven Cruz's experience and dedication to the Rio Grande Valley will play an important role in advancing coordinated disaster response efforts across the region.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I am truly honored to be a part of this new board. Serving my community has always been a deep passion of mine.”

— Steven Cruz

“Steven Cruz brings a strong record of leadership, collaboration, and community service to the COAD Advisory Board. His experience and dedication to the Rio Grande Valley will play an important role in advancing coordinated disaster response efforts across our region.”

— Monica Hinojosa, Emergency Service Coordinator

“It is an honor to serve on the COAD Advisory Board and to work alongside leaders from across Willacy, Cameron, Hidalgo, and Starr Counties. Strengthening our region's ability to respond to and recover from disasters is critical, and I am committed to doing my part to ensure our communities are prepared and supported.”

— Steven Cruz

What’s next

The COAD Advisory Board will hold its first meeting in May 2026 to begin coordinating disaster preparedness and response efforts across the four-county region.

The takeaway

Steven Cruz's appointment to the COAD Advisory Board brings a respected community leader with deep local knowledge and a track record of public service to this critical regional initiative focused on strengthening disaster response capabilities across the Rio Grande Valley.