Steven Cruz Appointed to Regional COAD Advisory Board Serving Four-County Area
Edinburg, Texas — Steven Cruz, a lifelong resident of Edinburg and respected community leader, 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.
“I am truly honored to be a part of this new board. Serving my community has always been a deep passion of mine,” Cruz said. “During the storms that impacted the Valley in 2017 and 2018, my perspective was profoundly shaped as I witnessed firsthand the significant need within our communities. Those events opened many of our eyes and taught us valuable lessons. With the formation of this board, along with the improvements the county has made over the years, I am confident we are in a stronger position to respond effectively and better serve our residents.”
Cruz, a product of the Edinburg Consolidated Independent School District and graduate of Edinburg North High School, earned bachelor’s degrees in Criminal Justice and English from the University of Texas-Pan American. His professional background includes more than 16 years of public sector service, followed by his transition into private business as the founder of CB3 in 2021, a company named in honor of his three sons.
In addition to his professional accomplishments, Cruz has remained deeply committed to public service and community engagement. He has served on the City of Edinburg Parks and Recreation Board, Planning and Zoning Board, and Economic Development Board, where he contributed to impactful initiatives including efforts that helped bring the RGV Vipers to Edinburg and supported the development of a state-of-the-art Parks and Recreation Center.
Cruz and his wife, Judge Audra Palacios Cruz, have also established the Cruz Bros. Endowment, a philanthropic initiative focused on uplifting the community. Through this effort, they have partnered with local fire and police departments to support public safety initiatives, organized back-to-school haircut and backpack drives, hosted Thanksgiving and Christmas events for families in need, and provided scholarships to graduating seniors. Their work also extends to supporting the special needs community, ensuring inclusive opportunities and resources for families across the region.
“Steven Cruz brings a strong record of leadership, collaboration, and community service to the COAD Advisory Board,” said Monica Hinojosa, Emergency Service Coordinator. “His experience and dedication to the Rio Grande Valley will play an important role in advancing coordinated disaster response efforts across our region.”
Cruz expressed his gratitude for the appointment, stating, “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 and Audra Cruz have been married for 14 years and are the proud parents of three sons: Esteban Eduardo, Romeo Nicolas, and Santiago Christian. Together, they remain dedicated to serving their community and setting an example of leadership, service, and compassion for future generations.
