Ray Hernandez
Chamber of Commerce Executive | Economic & Community Development Leader
Ray Hernandez is a respected leader in chamber management, economic development, and community engagement, with over two decades of experience driving business growth and public-private partnerships across Texas. As President & CEO of Partnership Lake Houston, he leads efforts to create a thriving business climate and improve the quality of life for the Lake Houston Area. His expertise in strategic planning, public policy, and business advocacy has helped develop strong regional economies and foster business success.
Economic & Community Development Leadership
Hernandez has a distinguished career in chamber leadership and business advocacy, having served as President & CEO of:
- Partnership Lake Houston (2024–Present) – Leads economic and business development initiatives in the Lake Houston Area.
- Huntsville-Walker County Chamber of Commerce (2019–2024) – Increased net revenue by 19% and helped pass a $127 million ISD bond, the largest in over 23 years.
- Lewisville Area Chamber of Commerce (2013–2017) – Earned prestigious Four-Star Accreditation from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, placing it among the top 3% of chambers nationwide.
- Kyle Area Chamber of Commerce (2007–2013) – Grew membership by 150%, increased reserves from a deficit to $260,000+, and helped pass a $209 million transportation bond.
Since 2017, Hernandez has also been a consultant with J.L. Powers & Associates, providing expertise in marketing, governmental relations, economic development, and public-private partnerships across Texas.
Board Leadership & Public Service
Hernandez serves on multiple boards and advisory councils that shape economic and community development:
- Chair, Huntsville Memorial Hospital Board of Directors
- Board Member, Center for Community Engagement, Sam Houston State University
- Board Member, Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE)
- Vice Chair of Communications, Texas Chamber of Commerce Executives (TCCE)
- Board Regent, U.S. Chamber of Commerce Institute for Organizational Management (IOM)
- Comprehensive Plan Advisory Committee, City of Huntsville
His leadership has also influenced economic growth through past roles with the Lewisville ISD Education Foundation, Texas Travel Alliance, and multiple city planning initiatives.
Public Speaking & Thought Leadership
Recognized as an expert in economic development and chamber leadership, Hernandez has delivered keynote addresses and panel discussions at major industry conferences, including:
- Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives International Conference (Montreal, Canada) – Panelist, “The Diversity and Inclusion Journey.”
- Texas Governor’s Small Business Conference – Master of Ceremonies.
- Texas Education Foundation State Conference – Presenter, “Telling Your Story.”
- Texas Main Street State Conference – Presenter, “The Creation of Simply Charming.”
Education & Military Service
Hernandez holds a Bachelor of Science in Applied Sociology (Business) from Texas State University. He has also completed advanced leadership training from:
- Texas A&M University System – Economic Development Training Course
- The University of Texas-Austin, LBJ School of Public Affairs – Leadership Development
- U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Institute for Organizational Management (IOM)
A proud U.S. Army veteran, Hernandez received an honorable discharge after serving in defense of the nation, following in the footsteps of his father and preceding his eldest son.
Hernandez and his wife, Belinda, are proud parents of four children—Michael, Jennifer, Maya, and Joaquin—and enjoy life with their rescue dog, Willow.