Robert Garcia is a certified public accountant who graduated from Northwest Vista College and UT San Antonio. He was one of three candidates who challenged the incumbent, Leslie Sachanowicz, for a place on the Alamo Colleges District Board of Trustees in the May 2 election. Garcia now faces a June 13 runoff against Carolyn DeLecour.
Hear from the candidate
Please tell voters about yourself.
I’m a proud San Antonio resident, husband, and father of three, ages 13, 11, and 9, who attend our public schools. My family has lived near 1604 and Bulverde for the past 15 years, and we understand both the challenges and opportunities facing our community.
My path wasn’t traditional. I struggled in high school and dropped out, but the Alamo Colleges system gave me a second chance. I earned my associate degree through Northwest Vista College’s 2+2 program, then graduated summa cum laude from UTSA with a bachelor’s in accounting and later a master’s in taxation.
Professionally, I bring over 20 years of financial leadership experience with organizations like KPMG, Argo Insurance, and Vericast. Today, I own a CPA firm supporting small businesses, serving nonprofits and families across San Antonio.
My story is proof that opportunity changes lives, and I’m committed to making sure others have that same chance.
Please describe the relevant work experience you bring to this job, and any endorsements voters should note.
I’m honored to have earned support from community leaders including former Mayor Ron Nirenberg, Council members Edward Mungia, Teri Castillo, trustees from NISD and NEISD, and local organizations such as NorthEast Bexar County Democrats who believe in my vision for student success and responsible governance.
I bring more than 20 years of financial leadership experience focused on accountability, transparency, and results. I’ve managed complex budgets, improved operational efficiency, and ensured resources are used responsibly, skills essential for protecting taxpayer dollars.
My experience is rooted in real-world problem solving and a deep belief in education as a pathway to opportunity. Our firm has given over $10K in scholarships, created internships and mentored students from K-12 and higher Ed. As someone whose life was changed by the Alamo Colleges system, I understand the importance of investing in our students.
I bring both lived experience and professional discipline to ensure every dollar works for students.
Why did you decide to seek this office and how you would approach the role?
I’m running because I know firsthand how powerful access to education can be, and what’s at stake when those opportunities aren’t accessible to everyone. The Alamo Colleges system changed my life, and I want to ensure it continues to open doors for others.
As a parent of three children in public schools, this work is personal. I’m focused on strengthening connections between K–12, college, and the workforce so students have clear, affordable pathways to success, regardless of their zip code.
I will approach this role with transparency, strong financial oversight, and a collaborative mindset, listening to students, faculty, and the community while making data-driven decisions that prioritize outcomes.
This campaign is about expanding opportunity and delivering results that change lives.
How do you solicit input and feedback from constituents?
Effective leadership starts with listening. I am a collaborative leader who will actively engage the community through Office hours in the community, campus visits, and small group conversations through advisory circles with students, faculty, staff, and local employers. Creating both in-person and virtual opportunities ensures more voices are heard.
I will also use community pulse surveys and digital tools such as video updates and text lines for constituents to gather broader input, especially from those who can’t attend meetings. Partnering with community organizations and school districts will help maintain a consistent pulse on district needs.
Just as important, I’m committed to closing the loop, sharing what I’ve heard and how it shapes decisions. Transparency and responsiveness build trust, and I want constituents to know their voices matter but more importantly action will be taken.
Listening is leadership, and I’ll ensure every voice has a seat at the table.
Given the current focus on student outcomes and the overall growth that Alamo Colleges District is experiencing, what do you think are the biggest, or more pressing, opportunities and challenges you’ll face as a board?
The greatest opportunity is aligning rapid growth with strong student outcomes. As enrollment increases, we can expand high-value programs in healthcare, skilled trades, and emerging technologies while strengthening pathways from K–12 into college and the workforce. Done right, this growth can drive real economic mobility in our community.
The challenge is ensuring growth does not outpace quality or affordability. We must maintain strong completion rates, job placement outcomes, and transfer success while responsibly managing resources.
As a board, we must balance innovation with stability, supporting faculty, respecting shared governance, and ensuring infrastructure keeps pace.
If we stay focused on outcomes and accountability, this growth will create lasting impact for our community.
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