Jorge L. Pena Jr.

City Manager – City of Donna, Texas

• Executive Leadership & Operations: Directed all municipal operations across finance, public safety, utilities, public works, and economic development, ensuring alignment with strategic goals and community priorities.
• Financial Turnaround & Controls: Resolved a $1.4M budget deficit and implemented enhanced financial controls, driving a 15% increase in operational efficiency and strengthening fiscal accountability.
• Risk Management & Compliance: Identified and escalated $2.6M in fraudulent transactions, initiated forensic audits, and overhauled procurement processes to improve transparency and mitigate risk.
• Capital Projects & Infrastructure Delivery: Led large-scale infrastructure initiatives, including a wastewater system redesign resulting in $40M+ in cost savings and securing $10M in state funding.
• Economic Development & Innovation: Advanced international bridge expansion, implemented digital tolling systems with long-term revenue potential, and spearheaded citywide digital transformation, transparency efforts, and workforce development programs.

Hidalgo County Precinct 1 | 2017 – 2024

Provided executive-level oversight of operations supporting a workforce of 130+ employees across infrastructure, emergency management, public services, and administrative functions.

• Directed departmental operations, including budget development, purchasing oversight, personnel management, and program execution, ensuring alignment with organizational priorities and fiscal responsibility.
• Appointed Tx DOT Responsible Person in Charge (RPIC) for federally funded roadway and infrastructure projects, ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations and successful project delivery.
• Led program and project management functions, establishing structured processes to improve planning, execution, and accountability across departments.
• Developed and managed the County’s Geographic Information System (GIS) and aerial drone program, enhancing infrastructure mapping, data analysis, and operational decision-making.
• Built and supervised a project management team, improving coordination of capital projects, infrastructure initiatives, and departmental workflows.
• Directed drainage and flood control programs, coordinating interagency efforts with county, state, and regional partners to address long-standing infrastructure and flooding challenges.
• Developed and implemented a comprehensive Emergency Management Program, overseeing disaster preparedness, response coordination, and recovery operations.
• Led the development and execution of COVID-19 mass testing and vaccination operations, coordinating logistics, staffing, and interagency partnerships to serve the community during a public health emergency.
• Managed contracts, procurement processes, and legal documentation, ensuring compliance, risk mitigation, and effective vendor and partner relationships.
• Oversaw governmental affairs initiatives, supporting coordination with local, state, and federal entities to advance infrastructure and community priorities.

• Executive Oversight & Operational Leadership: Directed municipal court operations overseeing all traffic and misdemeanor cases, optimizing workflows within a lean team structure to ensure efficient case resolution and high service delivery standards.
• Process Improvement & Organizational Efficiency: Reengineered court procedures and implemented standardized protocols, ensuring operational continuity, improving access to court services, and increasing overall system efficiency.
• Strategic Community Partnerships: Collaborated with Edcouch-Elsa ISD, school counselors, and juvenile court to design and implement youth intervention initiatives, reducing student-related offenses and strengthening community engagement.
• Equity-Focused Program Development: Developed and institutionalized an indigent assistance program for vulnerable populations, improving compliance and collections while reducing incarceration rates and enhancing equitable access to justice.

Emergency Medical Services (911 Provider) | 2005 – 2017

Founded and operated a full service Emergency Medical Services (EMS) organization providing 911 emergency response, inter facility transport, and critical care services in partnership with local governments and healthcare systems.

• Directed all aspects of operations, including emergency medical response, patient transport, staffing, compliance, finance, and strategic growth, building the organization from startup to a multi-unit service provider.
• Provided direct patient care as a Licensed Paramedic and Registered Nurse, delivering advanced life support and critical care in high-acuity emergency environments.
• Recruited, trained, and supervised clinical and support staff, establishing training programs, protocols, and performance standards to ensure high-quality patient care and operational readiness.
• Managed medical billing and revenue cycle operations, ensuring accurate coding, claims processing, and reimbursement compliance with Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurers.
• Ensured full compliance with state and federal healthcare regulations, licensing requirements, and EMS protocols, maintaining operational readiness and regulatory standing.
• Developed and implemented standard operating procedures (SOPs), clinical guidelines, and quality assurance programs to improve patient outcomes and organizational performance.
• Led contract negotiations and maintained relationships with local governments, hospitals, and healthcare partners, securing service agreements and expanding operational footprint.
• Oversaw budgeting, financial management, and cost controls, ensuring sustainability and growth of the organization.
• Directed marketing and business development efforts, expanding services and increasing utilization through community engagement and strategic partnerships.
• Managed fleet operations, equipment procurement, and logistics to support 24/7 emergency response capabilities.

Registered Nurse – Cardiac Catheterization Lab (Pre/Post-Operative Care)

DHR Health |

Provided specialized nursing care for cardiac patients undergoing diagnostic, interventional, and emergency procedures in a high-acuity clinical environment.

• Performed comprehensive pre-operative assessments, including patient evaluation, history review, and preparation for cardiac procedures such as catheterizations and open-heart surgery referrals.
• Delivered post-operative recovery care, monitoring patients for complications, managing pain, and ensuring stabilization following procedures.
• Administered advanced nursing care in accordance with Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) protocols, including initiating standing orders and responding to emergent cardiac events.
• Maintained continuous communication with physicians, surgical teams, and patients/families, ensuring accurate information exchange, patient understanding, and continuity of care.
• Provided patient education and emotional support, particularly for individuals preparing for high-risk procedures such as open-heart surgery.
• Monitored cardiac rhythms, vital signs, and clinical indicators, responding promptly to changes in patient condition.
• Ensured compliance with hospital protocols, safety standards, and documentation requirements in a fast-paced clinical setting.