Webb County Heritage Foundation Director Appointed to Texas Tropical Trail Region Board of Directors

LAREDO, TEXAS — The Webb County Heritage Foundation is pleased to announce that Director of Operations Andrea Ordoñez has been appointed to the Board of Directors of the Texas Tropical Trail Region, strengthening the Foundation's ongoing commitment to historic preservation, heritage tourism, and regional collaboration throughout South Texas.

The Texas Tropical Trail Region is one of ten heritage tourism regions recognized by the Texas Historical Commission and serves as the Commission's regional partner in promoting historic preservation, cultural heritage, and tourism throughout a 20-county area of South Texas. Through partnerships, educational initiatives, and community engagement, the organization works to encourage residents and visitors alike to explore the unique history, traditions, and landscapes of the region.

As a member of the Board of Directors, Ordoñez will help support the organization's efforts to preserve and promote South Texas heritage while representing the perspectives and interests of Webb County and the border region.

"The Texas Tropical Trail Region is delighted to have Ms. Andrea Ordonez join its Board of Directors," said Steven Lanoux, Chair of the Texas Tropical Trail Region. "She gives us someone from the western part of the 20-county region so that our Board is evenly represented geographically. But that is overly simplistic. Far more important is that we have a Director with in-depth knowledge of the rich border culture, the incredible history, the economy, and the diverse peoples of this part of the State.

"The San Agustin de Laredo Historic District has been a standard of careful preservation to which other efforts may be compared. The many fiestas held there, such as the annual celebration of Washington's Birthday, make it the vibrant center of Laredo's heritage and establish it as a must-see destination. The surrounding Brush Country ranches and small towns populating most of the western area all have stories to tell, stories of struggle, joy, conflict, failure and success. Ms. Ordonez's expertise will help us immeasurably in memorializing and sharing these stories with the visitors we will be sending in your direction."

"I am honored to join the Texas Tropical Trail Region Board of Directors and grateful for the opportunity to represent Webb County and the border region," said Ordoñez. "South Texas is rich with stories, traditions, and historic places that deserve to be preserved and shared. I look forward to working alongside fellow board members and the Texas Historical Commission to promote heritage tourism and help connect more people with the history and culture that make our region unique."

Ordoñez has worked with the Webb County Heritage Foundation since 2007, serving in a variety of roles including Museum Assistant, Museum Manager, and, since 2025, Director of Operations. Through the Foundation's museums, educational programs, heritage tourism initiatives, and community events, she works to advance the organization's mission of preserving and sharing the history, culture, and traditions of Webb County while helping connect new audiences with the rich heritage of South Texas.

The Webb County Heritage Foundation seeks to raise awareness and appreciation of Webb County's heritage by advocating for the protection and preservation of historic architecture, ranching heritage, and the cultural traditions, customs, and folklore of the border region through heritage education and heritage tourism.