H-E-B HOUSTON EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT ARMANDO PEREZ NAMED VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR BY UNITED WAY OF GREATER HOUSTON
HOUSTON, TX (April 27, 2023) – United Way of Greater Houston named Armando Perez, executive vice president for H-E-B Houston, as this year’s recipient of the Robert W. Kneebone Volunteer of the Year Award at its annual meeting. The Kneebone Award is a distinguished honor given to a United Way volunteer in recognition of their extraordinary leadership and commitment to community service.
A longtime supporter of United Way of Greater Houston, Perez has served as a member of the Board of Trustees since 2016 and currently serves as chair of the Board Governance and Nominating Committee. Previously he served as chair of the Board of Trustees from 2020-2022 and chair of the Positioning Task Team that laid the groundwork for the nonprofit’s Second Century Vision. Perez has been actively involved in several United Way fundraising campaigns during his time at H-E-B.
“Armando’s tenure as chair of our Board of Trustees included a CEO transition, global pandemic, devastating winter storm and United Way’s transition into our second century of service to the community and a new strategic direction for our organization,” said Amanda McMillian, president and CEO, United Way of Greater Houston. “Through some of the most challenging times we have seen, Armando has been a steady leader, strategic partner and true champion for the work of United Way, ensuring our neighbors have the opportunity to go from surviving to thriving.”
In his professional life as executive vice president for H-E-B Houston, Perez leads the retailer’s nearly 35,000 H-E-B Houston-area partners who deliver products and services to their customers throughout the region. He began his career with H-E-B in 1994 and has held a variety of positions in the company.
A native Texan, Perez earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas-Pan American and has completed management programs at Cornell University and Harvard University. In addition to his board role at United Way, Perez currently sits on the Greater Houston Partnership, Performing Arts Houston, and The Holdsworth Center board of directors. He has previously served as chairman of the Houston Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and as a board member of the Houston Food Bank and The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Foundation.
“My involvement with United Way of Greater Houston is something that brings me great fulfillment because of the positive impact the organization has on the wellbeing of our community,” said Perez. “When I look at the many outstanding volunteers who have received this award, it is truly an honor to be among them.”
Additional awards presented during United Way’s annual meeting include the Chairman’s Award, which was presented to Ron Oran, a partner at Foley & Lardner LLP. The Chairman’s Award is given to a member of the Board of Trustees who has demonstrated a deep commitment to the work and mission of United Way. For the first time, a Young Leader of the Year award was presented to Tai Prince, corporate social responsibility manager with TechnipFMC, as recognition for her commitment to raising awareness of needs in the community and for inspiring others to support United Way’s work of helping neighbors thrive.
About the United Way of Greater Houston United Way of Greater Houston connects people with possibility. We unite donors, volunteers and community partners in support of a focused plan to remove barriers on the path to financial stability for families and individuals. Programs focused on financial stability, early childhood and youth development, and physical and behavioral health care help our neighbors land on their feet and stay there. These programs are supported by a foundation of basic needs assistance and help for those escaping violence. For families and individuals who are ready, our individualized approach includes navigators to guide them as they access multiple services on their unique journey to financial stability. United Way also connects our neighbors with help, hope and critical resources 24/7/365 through the 211 Texas/United Way HELPLINE. A focus on equity is integral to United Way’s work and program investments are evaluated on how diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging is incorporated into policies, practices and service delivery. Our community investments are backed by research, ensured by good stewardship and deliver results. For more information, visit www.unitedwayhouston.org.
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