Joel Vazquez - May 2021

With the start of a new chapter year, which officially begins on July 1, there is no better opportunity to get to know an incoming board member than to welcome him with a well-deserved volunteer of the month recognition.

Although he has yet to step into his new role as MPI Texas Hill Country Chapter’s Director of Engagement & Retention, Joel Vazquez is well-versed in leading by example. Overseeing the meeting and sports markets at the Laredo Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB), where he has worked for over 19 years, Joel has experienced the toll our industry has taken as a result of the global pandemic. But his dedication to getting the job done — even when he was the only performer in a so-called one-man show — and focus on market growth and sustainability have allowed him to weather the most challenging of times and come out stronger than ever before. 

While most organizations had cancelled face-to-face meetings throughout 2020, Joel’s involvement with MPI Texas Hill Country Chapter allowed him to stay connected with his peers through online events and volunteer opportunities with the Retention Committee. And now that Joel finally has a chance to hire staff, he’s hoping to take his career and service to the next level while planning to put Laredo, Texas on the map as the place to be.

Joel’s hospitality-driven career is matched only by his devotion and commitment to his family and local community. He and his wife, Selena, are co-pastors at the Assembly of God Church, a job that also comes in handy during ribbon-cutting ceremonies and weddings at the Laredo CVB, and he is especially close with his mother, sister and two-year-old daughter, Alicia. And when he’s taking some well-deserved time off, Joel finds himself in pursuit of the great outdoors, constantly looking forward to hunting trips and hitting the open road with his brothers, friends and Harley-Davidson motorcycle.

Joel is happiest when he’s experiencing the simple things in life, including skeet shooting, that bring him peace and joy.