Greater San Antonio Chamber and San Antonio Hispanic Chamber name chairs for the 50th anniversary of the Leadership San Antonio™ Program

The Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce and the San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce have announced the Chairs of Leadership San Antonio™ (LSA) for 2026, which is the 50th anniversary of the program: Ashley Harris, Vice President of Client and Community Relations Director for PNC Bank – San Antonio; Michelle Martinez; Founder and Principal of Birdieoso Strategies & co-owner of The Local SATX; and Laura Vaccaro, CEO of the Kronkosky Charitable Foundation.
Created in 1975 by The Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce, LSA is considered the premier program for leaders in the Bexar County and surrounding areas. The program, one of the first of its kind in Texas, has graduated more than 2,000 participants. LSA educates these leaders in the vital areas affecting San Antonio, as well as encourages Chamber Business involvement and Community advocacy.
Appointed by the Board Chairs of each Chamber, the LSA Chairs provide leadership and guidance to the LSA Steering Committee, which consists of a small and focused team of LSA alumni. Collectively, they recruit the members for LSA Class 50, guiding an impactful experience of the inner workings of San Antonio and the surrounding region.
“The appointment of a tri-chair leadership for Leadership San Antonio Class 50 is a groundbreaking moment and we are proud to have three dynamic and accomplished women at the helm,” says Kevin Dinnin, 2026 Greater San Antonio Chamber Board Chair and President and CEO of the FirstDay Foundation. “This united leadership model reflects the spirit of collaboration, representation, and service that drives true community impact. This is a defining moment for Leadership San Antonio and our city.”
“At its core, this program champions bold, civic-minded leadership - leaders who step up and help shape meaningful solutions,” says Anamaria Suescun-Fast, 2026 San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Board Chair and CEO and Owner of talkStrategy. “These three exceptional leaders embody that charge. Their vision and guidance during this milestone LSA year will help propel our city forward.”
Each year, there is a laser focus on the city’s growing industries, while highlighting the important role the Chambers play in the San Antonio business, political and civic communities. The goal is to reinforce Chamber involvement and service to the community, staying connected, and giving back.
“Being selected to chair LSA 50 is one of the greatest honors of my professional journey,” says Harris, LSA 39 Class Graduate and LSA 43 Steering Committee Mentor. “This program has shaped leaders across generations, and I’m humbled to help lead it during such a historic milestone year. Together, we will honor its legacy while forging bold new paths for San Antonio’s future.”
Over the years, LSA has provided participants a unique experience to expand their service to San Antonio. The jointly-sponsored program identifies individuals who have demonstrated leadership in their chosen profession and are active in community organizations that support San Antonio’s growth and development.
“Serving as one of the tri-chairs for LSA 50 is a true privilege,” says Vaccaro, LSA 35 Class Graduate and LSA 37 Steering Committee Mentor. “This shared leadership mirrors the power of collaboration in our city — and I’m excited to work alongside two phenomenal women to elevate voices, build connections, and create real community impact.”
In 1992, The San Antonio Hispanic Chamber joined The Greater Chamber to co-host the program, enhancing the involvement and diversity of future classes.
“It’s an honor to serve as a tri-chair for LSA 50 alongside two dedicated leaders,” says Martinez, LSA Class 37 Graduate and Steering Committee Mentor of LSA 42 and 43. “As women leaders representing the rich diversity of our city, we carry a responsibility to lead with purpose, equity, and vision. This historic year is about celebrating the past and paving the way for leaders and our city’s future.”
Former LSA graduates who are members in good standing of either the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce or the San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and interested in applying to serve as Steering Committee mentors for LSA Class 50, Click below.
DEADLINE TO SUBMIT IS 11:59 PM ON FRIDAY, AUGUST 29, 2025.
For questions regarding LSA, contact Angela McClendon Johnson, Vice President of Education, Workforce and Leadership at the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce, at amcclendonjohnson@sachamber.org.