UTSA alumnus A.J. Rodriguez is an advocate for businesses in Texas. (Photo credit: Nick Grancharoff)
(Feb. 28, 2018) -- Meet Arthur James “A.J.” Rodriguez ’98, ’00. This UTSA College of Business alumnus has become a business leader in his hometown of San Antonio.
His family is deeply rooted in San Antonio and has a strong connection to UTSA. Prior to stepping on campus, Rodriguez was familiar with UTSA. His father and grandfather are also alumni.
Rodriguez developed his interest in business as an undergraduate student at UTSA. During his junior year, he recalls being encouraged by his advisor to look at internship opportunities with the City of San Antonio.
“UTSA, specifically, my international business advisor Dr. Rudy Sandoval, helped me land my first internship with the San Antonio Chamber of Commerce,” said Rodriguez. “I was able to network, make new contacts and learn about other career opportunities around the city.”
Rodriguez says the connections he forged during his internship opened new doors for him and led him to exciting employment opportunities.
His internship with the Chamber turned into a full-time position and developed into a unique career path. Rodriguez served as the president and CEO of the San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce for four years and served as the deputy city manager for the City of San Antonio for nearly four more.
“UTSA provides the foundation that helps establish your career,” said Rodriguez. “I was able to apply many of the business skills I learned in the UTSA B.B.A. and M.B.A. programs out in the workplace.”
In his current role, as Vice President of External Affairs for Zachry Group in San Antonio, Rodriguez uses his analytical and critical thinking skills to develop strategy that drives the company’s community outreach.
Rodriguez is responsible for building relationships throughout the city, state and country to ensure officials and communities are aware of the company’s efforts as a responsible corporate citizen.
As a Roadrunner, Rodriguez has made his mark in the local business community and is making history in the state. Earlier this year, the UTSA alumnus was named the first Hispanic to serve as board chair of the Texas Association of Business (TAB), the largest business advocacy group in Texas. It is considered the state’s chamber of commerce.
As a native Texan, Rodriguez said it makes him proud to be involved with TAB, which weighs in on legislative and regulatory issues impacting Texas businesses. As a board chair, he hopes to enhance and strengthen the Texas business climate and grow the organization.
In addition to being passionate about business, Rodriguez has a creative side. His paintings have been showcased around San Antonio at various exhibitions.
More than anything, Rodriguez is a family man who enjoys spending time with his wife and three children. His oldest daughter, Alexandra, is in her junior year at UTSA and is currently studying abroad in La Rioja, Spain. He’s looking forward to the day she crosses the Commencement stage with her communications degree in 2019.
“Enjoy the moments you have at UTSA, because it’s a time in your life to explore opportunities that can lead to a fulfilling future,” said Rodriguez. “Strive to be a lifelong learner in order to be successful and achieve your goals.”
Do you know a Roadrunner who is achieving great things? Email us at social@utsa.edu so that we may consider your suggestion for our next installment of Meet a Roadrunner.
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