The WDC staff members bring the organization experience from both the public and the private sectors. As dedicated employees to the Westside community and organization, the team strives for a thoughtful, practical, creative, and professional means of working towards community-minded economic development.

Ramon Flores, Executive Director

Ramon Flores is Executive Director of the Westside Development Corporation (WDC), focused on the revitalization of a 12-square mile, 7,700 acre area.

Prior to this position, Mr. Flores was President of Flores Holdings, LLC, a real estate investment and consulting company in San Antonio, Texas. Flores Holdings, LLC, in partnership with private investors, acquires and redevelops commercial properties within inner-city areas. Mr. Flores also provided consulting services to municipalities, private developers, affordable housing nonprofit organizations, and small businesses.

Before starting his own company, Mr. Flores worked for Fannie Mae for 9 years, in both Dallas and San Antonio. He held various positions within the company, including the American Communities Fund (ACF), Housing & Community Development, and Congressional and Public Affairs.

Mr. Flores serves as Chair of the Board of the Community Development Loan Fund (CDLF) and is active in the Harvard Club of San Antonio.

E-mail: Ramon.Flores@sanantonio.gov

Santiago Garcia, Jr., Economic Development Specialist

Santiago Garcia, Jr. is a San Antonio native.

He graduated with a degree in Political Science from St. Mary's University in 1989. He worked as the Director of Communications for the San Antonio Bar Foundation, and Managing Editor of the San Antonio Bar Association, from 1994 to 2003. He was a Council Aide in the District 5 office of Councilperson Patti Radle from 2004 to 2007. While working in the office of Councilperson Radle, Santiago chaired the 3rd Annual District 5 Business Summit, assisted in the project to remove the tracks on Comal Street in Cattleman's Square, and participated in the creation of the Westside Development Corporation.

Mr. Garcia served in the United Stated Naval Reserves for eight years. He was a founding board member and the first board chair of San Anto Cultural Arts.

Mr. Garcia is married to Lorraine and is the father to Kierian.

E-mail: Santiago.Garcia@sanantonio.gov

Emma Hersh, Consultant

Emma Hersh is a full-time consultant to the Westside Development Corporation.

Prior to this position, Ms. Hersh served as Chief of Staff to San Antonio District 5 Councilwoman Lourdes Galvan. During her tenure with Councilwoman Galvan, she oversaw special projects and policy initiatives. Before working for Councilwoman Galvan, Ms. Hersh served District 5 Councilwoman Patti Radle as Field Office Manager, focusing on constituent relations.

She currently sits on the D.R. Semmes YMCA Advisory Board.

Ms. Hersh graduated with honors from Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas with a BA in Urban Studies and Sociology. She recently completed her Nonprofit Management Certification from UTSA.

E-mail: Emma.Hersh@sanantonio.gov

General Contact Information:

Physical Address
Frost Bank Tower
100 W. Houston, Suite 1900
San Antonio, Texas 78283

Mailing Address
P.O. Box 839966
San Antonio, Texas 78283-3966

Phone

210-207-0039

Fax

210-207-8151