Commission Members

Home Commission Members

Mary L. Ramos

Position 1

David Contreras

Position 2, Chairperson

Benito Guerrier, AIA

Position 3

Carlos A. Duarte

Position 4

Michelle Tovar, Ed.D.

Position 5

Justice David M. Medina

Position 6

Mikaela Selley, MA, CA

Position 7

Carla Valenzuela

Secretary

HCHCHC Commissioner Position Nominated by Approved on Term ends on
Mary L. Ramos Position 1 Comm. Pct. 1 04/04/23 09/30/24
David Contreras Position 2 Comm. Pct. 2 9/19/24 09/30/26
Benito Guerrier, AIA Position 3 Comm. Pct. 3 10/10/23 09/30/25
Carlos A. Duarte Position 4 Comm. Pct. 4 12/10/24 12/10/26
Michelle Tovar, Ed.D. Position 5 County Judge 04/04/23 04/04/25
Justice David M. Medina Position 6 HCHCHC Board 2/06/25 2/06/26
Mikaela Selley, MA, CA Position 7 HCHCHC Board 2/06/25 2/06/27

David Contreras, Chairperson

Committees:

Cultural Resources & Historical Landmarks
Justice David Medina

Education, Public Awareness & Advocacy
Co-Chairs: Mary Ramos, David Contreras

Governance
Chair: Justice David Medina

SPECIFIC DUTIES OF THE COMMISSION

See Article III, Bylaws

  • Recommend to commissioners court, a countywide Historic Preservation Plan specific to the protection of Hispanic historical and cultural resources in Harris County.
  • Develop an annual inventory of endangered cultural and historical resources that represent valued assets reflective of Hispanic heritage in Harris County.
  • Advise commissioners court in the establishment of landmarks, historic/heritage districts, etc. within the county.
  • Assist in applying for preservation, rehabilitation, and other grants by making recommendations to commissioners court concerning the utilization of state, federal, or private funds to promote the preservation of historic landmarks and historic districts within the county.
  • Prepare rules and procedures as necessary to carry out the business of the commission that shall be reviewed and approved by the county commission.
  • Create committees from among its membership and delegate to these committees’ responsibilities to carry out the purposes of the Commission.
  • Maintain written minutes that record all actions taken by the commission and the reasons for taking such actions.
  • Recommend to commissioners court, a formal process of commendation and/or recognition upon the owners of historic landmarks or properties within Harris County.
  • Recommend to commissioners court, methods to increase public awareness of the value of Hispanic historic and cultural resources.
  • Recommend to commissioners court public education programs.
  • Survey and maintain an inventory of significant historic, architectural, and cultural landmarks located in Harris County.