MESSAGE FROM THE
CITIZENS FOR EDUCATIONAL EXCELLENCE
BOARD CHAIR
Mr. Ken Trevino
This has been a great year for Citizens for Educational Excellence! On behalf of the Board of Directors
and CEE Staff, I am pleased to present the 2016-17 Annual Report that highlights our mission “to
bring people, resources, and information together to create an outstanding educational system for our
community.”
As Board Chair, I extend my sincere gratitude to a dedicated Board of Directors for their continued
support and leadership, and to a talented and committed Executive Director and staff. I would also like
to recognize the vital support of our partnering organizations Del Mar College, Texas A&M University-
Corpus Christi, Texas A&M University-Kingsville, Corpus Christi ISD, Corpus Christi Literacy
Council, Craft Training Center of the Coastal Bend, Education to Employment Partners (the Regional
P-16 Council), Workforce Solutions of the Coastal Bend, and new members Education Service Center-
Region 2, and Saint Leo University.
I also want to congratulate the 2016 “Leading by Example Education Advocates,” which included
Mayor Nelda Martinez, Sam L. and Catherine Susser, Charity League, and Citgo Refinery. We
appreciate their commitment to education in our community.
Highlights for this past year include an Education Stakeholders Retreat coordinated through the
Mayor’s Office with stakeholders across all areas of education to develop a comprehensive strategic plan
for education. The Retreat was followed by a Summit that resulted in vision and mission statements,
quantifiable goals and objectives, and initial steps to move forward. The United Corpus Christi Chamber
of Commerce will move the initiative forward through its Education and Workforce Committee and
provide leadership to support career pathways to in-demand occupations.
Additionally, through successful grant applications submitted by CEE, Corpus Christi was one of only
six cities nationally selected to participate in the National League of Cities Leadership Program and one
of 9 cities in Texas to receive a TG Grant to build education pathways leading to workforce success.
The CEE goals to Educate, Engage, Coordinate, and Evaluate were certainly implemented this past
year through our programs, projects, and workshops. We will continue to work to advance innovative
strategies and prepare the future workforce so we may all share in the economic success of our region.
Ken Trevino
CEE Board Chair, 2014-2018
President/CEO, Workforce Solutions of the Coastal Bend