PACfest Honorees

Superintendent of the Year

Dr. José Moreno

Superintendent of Schools for the Somerset Independent School District

Dr. José Moreno serves as Superintendent of Schools for the Somerset Independent School District, a district recognized at the national, state, regional, and local levels for its high standards of educational excellence. With more than 31 years of experience in both public and private education—including eleven years as a superintendent—Dr. Moreno brings a depth of leadership, vision, and commitment to learning that has guided his distinguished career.

Throughout his professional journey, Dr. Moreno has held numerous roles. These include Assistant Superintendent, Senior Executive Director of Curriculum and Instruction, Principal, Bilingual Educator, Adjunct Professor, and Regional Manager for a national reform initiative. This initiative focused on increasing literacy outcomes for students in low-performing, high-poverty communities. The knowledge, perspective, and insight gained across these diverse positions have shaped Dr. Moreno into a learner-centered leader. His foremost priority remains student success.

In response to the evolving demands of a global, technology-driven society, Dr. Moreno is committed to transforming public education systems to better prepare students for the future. Under his leadership, school districts have demonstrated measurable gains in state accountability ratings and in college, career, and military readiness outcomes. Dr. Moreno has championed innovative instructional and workforce-ready initiatives, including programs in STEM, Robotics, Health Services, Veterinary Science, Welding, Instrumentation, Women’s Leadership, and Dual Language education. His dedication to workforce development is further reflected in the strong partnerships he has cultivated across the greater San Antonio area, including an early college program with Palo Alto College that expands access and opportunity for students.

In 2022, Dr. Moreno was honored as the Region 2 Superintendent of the Year, a recognition reflecting his exemplary leadership, character, and dedication to educational excellence. He continues to exemplify the qualities associated with this prestigious award as he works to position Somerset ISD as the Standard of Excellence in Education. Dr. Moreno attributes this achievement to the strength of the collective impact of Somerset ISD’s faculty, staff, administrators, community members, and Board of Trustees.

Central to Dr. Moreno’s vision are learning environments that engage, empower, and elevate all students. He believes these conditions are essential to developing successful graduates who are well prepared for college, career, and/or military service.

Business Partner of the Year

Edward Banos

President and CEO for University Health

Ed Banos serves as the President and CEO for University Health. Banos joined in 2015 as the Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer, and assumed his new role as President and CEO on July 1, 2024.

Ed has more than 30 years of executive health care leadership experience. Prior to joining University Health, he served as president and CEO of Duke Lifepoint Upper Peninsula Health System and CEO of Superior Health Partners in Marquette, Michigan. From 2008 to 2012, he held the position of president and CEO of Good Shepherd Health System in Longview, Texas.

He received his Bachelor of Science degree in Health Records Administration from the University of Pittsburgh and his Master's in Health Service Administration from Armstrong Atlantic State University (now Georgia Southern) in Savannah, Georgia.

Ed is an active member ofthe Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce, a former board member of the San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and a founding member of the South Texas Crisis Collaborative. He was recognized as a Healthcare Hero by the San Antonio Business Journal in 2019.

Business Partner of the Year

Christopher Mendoza

CEO Palo Alto Hospital

Christopher A. Mendoza, MHA is a mission‑driven health care executive with a strong record of advancing quality, operational performance, and strategic growth across diverse hospital settings. Before joining University Health as the CEO of its Palo Alto Hospital, he served as Chief Hospital Executive for INTEGRIS Health Ponca City, where he led a 140‑bed not‑for‑profit hospital in and a 22‑provider medical group in Oklahoma. Under his leadership, the organization achieved significant quality milestones—including Primary Stroke Certification, Chest Pain Accreditation, and consecutive Leapfrog “A” safety ratings—while expanding service lines, increasing market share and improving financial performance.

Chris began his health care leadership career at Southwest General Hospital in San Antonio, Texas as an Administrative Resident and quickly advanced to Director of Outpatient Service.  He then took on progressive leadership roles within Community Health Systems, including Associate Administrator, Assistant CEO and CEO. His accomplishments span service line development, multimillion‑dollar capital projects, operational cost reductions, and significant improvements in patient access and clinical performance. 

He holds a Master of Science in Health Care Administration from Trinity University and a Bachelor of Business Administration from St. Mary’s University.  He and his wife recently moved to San Antonio’s South Side, allowing him to be closer to his family and the soon-to-open Palo Alto Hospital, and to support University Health’s expansion in South San Antonio.

Distinguished Alumni of The Year

Nancy Gonzales

Educate South Senior Coordinator

My journey with Palo Alto College began in 2010 when I first started as a student. Being a PAC student and graduating from this institution helped mold me into the person I am today. If I had not started at PAC as a student, I truly do not believe I would be where I am today. In 2013, I started at PAC as a part-time peer advisor, and I honestly never looked back. Over the years, PAC has given me many opportunities to grow both personally and professionally, and it has played a major role in shaping my career. If it were not for the opportunities and support I found here, I do not believe I would have advanced in my career the way that I have. Through the encouragement of mentors and the experiences I gained along the way, I was able to pursue and complete my master’s degree, and today I am proud to say that I am now enrolled in a doctoral program.

The most rewarding part of what I do is being able to support students, including mothers, fathers, and individuals from all walks of life, help them see their potential, and be a small part of their journey. I have accomplished a lot along the way, but it definitely has not come without challenges, and those experiences have made me stronger and even more committed to this work.

If my 16-year-old self could see where I am today, I do not think she would believe it. She would quite literally say, “You’re joking, right? Even after they said you couldn’t, you did it.”

Receiving the Palo Alto College Distinguished Alumni Award is truly an honor and honestly a surprise, because I have always been someone who prefers to work behind the scenes and let my work speak for itself. I am incredibly grateful to be part of a college and district that has supported me every step of the way.