Meet the Texasnonprofits Advisory Board – Justin Schmitt and Ben Rodriguez
Jacqueline Beretta
April, 2004
The Texas Think Tank has been commissioned
to advise TXNP concerning its web-based communications strategies
The Texas Think Tank currently has 12 distinguished members selected from
diverse vocational backgrounds in government, public, private, and nonprofit
sectors. They will meet bi-annually to discuss topics related to the leveraging
of resources and information to improve nonprofit capabilities to benefit
Texans. Other issues include facilitating the grant search process for nonprofits,
methods for encouraging corporate philanthropy, expanding the reach of Foundations
giving in Texas, and fostering multiple levels of collaboration.
We will take pleasure in introducing you to our fine members over the weeks
to come.
Justin Schmitt - Allstate Insurance Company - Dallas
Justin Schmitt is corporate relations manager for Allstate Insurance Company,
overseeing communication for the company’s Texas Region. His responsibilities
span media relations, public relations, crisis management, community partnerships
and internal communication. Prior to Allstate, he was a news editor/reporter
and college journalism instructor. Schmitt received his master of journalism
degree from the University of North Texas and his undergraduate degree in
communication from Tarleton State University. He is a board member of the
American Red Cross in Dallas and the Southwestern Insurance Information
Service. He resides in Grapevine with his wife, Dana, and son, Connor.
Benjamin E. Rodriguez – Management and Business Advisors – San
Antonio
The
strategic planner for the Texasnonprofit Advisory Board is Benjamin E. Rodriguez
is originally from Harlingen. He graduated with a BA in Psychology and Mathematics
From the University of Texas at Austin. He also received a BBA in Industrial
Engineering and International Marketing from UT Austin.
His educational career continued when he received his MBA from the Harvard
Business School with an emphasis on Corporate Finance and Strategic Planning/Business
Policy.
During his career Rodriguez has assisted in developing strategic plans
for those in the private sector companies that have resulted in the creation
of over $4 billion in value for hi many small business clients. Rodriguez
has advised Media, Service, Food, Manufacturing and Professional Service
industry clients.
In the public sector he has served as a strategic planner to develop strategies
for numerous public sector clients including cities, chambers of commerce,
non-profit organizations, and state and national trade groups.
Nonprofits he has served include numerous chambers, arts, scouting and
educational organizations.
He has served the following appointments and advisory boards: UT Austin
School of Business Foundation Advisory Council, UT Austin Student Union
Advisory Council-Past Chairman, Governor's Hispanic Business Task Force,
Governor's Texas/Mexico Authority, Leadership San Antonio (LSA), LSA Steering
Committees-1987 & 1988, San Antonio Business Journal Advisory Board, Bank
One Community Advisory Board-SA, UTSA Business School Advisory Council,
OLLU Business Advisory Council, San Antonio Light-Editorial Board, and the
San Antonio Commercial Recorder-Editorial Board. He is a member of the Harvard
Business School Club of SA San Antonio Hispanic Chamber-Past Chair, TAMACC-Economic
Development Chair Venture Capital Network of Texas, Economic Development
Coordinating Council of San Antonio, Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce,
and The Texas Capital Network,
Arts Council of San Antonio-Vice Chair, the San Antonio Symphony Board,
Boy Scouts of America Alamo Council Executive Board-VP, and the United Way
of San Antonio.
Rodriguez was recognized by the San Antonio Light daily newspaper as: One
of the10 Most Significant Business Leaders in the Decade of the Eighties,
and one of the 10 Most Likely Business Leaders in the Decade of the Nineties.
He was Distinguished Alumnus- UT Austin School of Business, COGME Fellowship-Harvard
Business School, and Outstanding Student-UT Austin.
He is married to Jacqueline Beretta and has three children.
Membership has its privileges. A paid member has
access to full complete, searchable details on all Texas Foundations. Click
here for more information.
