AARP Names Lisa A. Rodriguez as New Texas Director

AARP Names Lisa A. Rodriguez as New Texas State Director

SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS — AARP Texas is pleased to announce the appointment of Lisa A. Rodriguez as the new AARP Texas Director, effective Sept. 15, 2025. Rodriguez, a seasoned leader with a deep commitment to community engagement and public service, will lead AARP’s efforts across the state to empower people 50-plus and their families to choose how they live as they age.

Rodriguez brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of building impactful partnerships and delivering results. She most recently served as Senior Director of Community Strategy for AARP Texas, where she led a team of seven staff and hundreds of volunteers in Dallas, Fort Worth, El Paso and San Antonio. Prior to that, she led AARP’s work in San Antonio for more than a decade, managing the opening of the organization’s first office in the city and overseeing San Antonio’s entry into the AARP Network of Age-Friendly Communities.

“Lisa has always understood the power of partnership to create lasting change,” said Dr. Mike Flores, chancellor of the Alamo Colleges District. “Her leadership helped connect AARP and the Alamo Colleges District in ways that have expanded access, empowered communities, and strengthened civic engagement. Whether it was raising awareness of AARP at Palo Alto College’s PACFest, hosting candidate forums to inform individuals on key issues, or championing collaborations that brought different voices to the table, Lisa has never seen limits, only opportunities. She’s been an asset to our San Antonio community and will now be an asset to our entire state.”

Rodriguez succeeds Tina Tran, who served as AARP Texas Director until earlier this year. Tran praised the selection, saying, “Lisa is a proven leader and is well poised to see AARP Texas through its next chapter of growth. She’s a true believer in AARP's mission, and has the passion and strategic acumen to make sure AARP continues to serve Texans 50-plus and their families. In Lisa Rodriguez, Texans have a champion with a heart as big as the state.”

The selection follows a comprehensive internal and external search process. Sarah Jennings, AARP’s regional vice president, shared her confidence in the appointment, “Lisa was chosen because of her commitment to Team Texas, her solid track record of results, her knowledge of AARP’s systems, people and culture, and her ability to articulate a clear vision for AARP Texas that will build on their consistent record of success. Her leadership is exactly what we need to continue delivering for Texans 50-plus.”

Rodriguez’s career includes roles with the City of San Antonio’s Fort Sam Houston Community Development Office, J.P. Morgan Chase, and the San Antonio Housing Authority. She has served as a commissioner for the Housing Authority and as a board member for the San Antonio Public Library. She holds a B.A. from the University of Texas at San Antonio and an M.B.A. from Our Lady of the Lake University.

Reflecting on her new role, Rodriguez said, “I’m honored to serve as AARP Texas Director and to work with our State Executive Council, our incredible volunteers and staff. Together, we’ll keep building on the strong foundation that’s already in place. She notes, “I’m taking the helm at the start of Hispanic Heritage Month and it’s a meaningful moment for me to begin this journey.” Rodriguez is the first Latina to lead AARP Texas, marking a historic milestone for the organization. Throughout her career, she has championed culturally relevant programming that resonates with local communities and has worked diligently to expand their awareness of AARP’s mission. Her leadership has also been instrumental in growing the number of diverse volunteers across the state, strengthening AARP’s grassroots presence and impact.

AARP Texas currently boasts 2.5 million AARP members, and a volunteer force of 422 individuals who help advance the organization’s mission through advocacy, education, and community service.