Distinguished Citizen Award Dinner

Each year, the South Texas Council, Scouting America, recognizes a citizen whose vision, leadership, and service have left a lasting mark on our community. This honor is reserved for those whose personal and professional achievements go beyond success; they embody the values of service, responsibility, and commitment that strengthen the very fabric of South Texas.

In 2025, we are proud to present the 39th annual Distinguished Citizen Award to Gabe Guerra, whose leadership and service have touched countless lives. As president and CEO of Kleberg Bank, Gabe has guided one of our region’s most trusted institutions. His impact extends far beyond business. From serving as commissioner of the Port of Corpus Christi Authority to chairing the Christus Spohn Health System, Gabe has continually invested his time and talent into building a stronger South Texas. His leadership at the San Antonio Branch of the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, his service on the Dallas Fed’s Community Depository Institutions Advisory Council, and his roles on numerous state and national boards are a testament to his vision and influence.

Equally important, Gabe has never lost sight of community. His work with the Corpus Christi Regional Economic Development Corp., the Chamber of Commerce, the Del Mar Foundation, United Way of the Coastal Bend, and his service as past president of our very own Executive Board reflect a lifetime of commitment to improving education, opportunity, and quality of life in our community. As an Eagle Scout and recipient of the National Outstanding Eagle Scout Award, Gabe’s story is also a shining example of how Scouting shapes leaders who give back.

The Distinguished Citizen Award Dinner will be held on Thursday, November 13, 2025, at the Omni Hotel Corpus Christi. The evening begins with a VIP reception at 6:00 p.m., followed by dinner and a program at 7:00 p.m. We are honored to welcome Mike White, head coach of the University of Texas at Austin’s Women’s Softball Team and 2025 Women’s College World Series Champion, as our keynote speaker. This extraordinary evening promises to be a celebration of leadership, service, and the power of Scouting to prepare the next generation.

Your support is essential. By joining us as a sponsor, you not only honor Gabe Guerra’s extraordinary contributions, but you also invest in the future of young people across South Texas. Every dollar raised from this event directly supports Scouting programs that prepare youth to become leaders of character, confident, resilient, and ready to strengthen the communities we all share.

We invite you to stand with us in honoring Gabe and in ensuring that Scouting continues to change lives. Sponsorship opportunities are outlined at the link below. Please consider making a generous commitment today. Together, we can celebrate a leader who has given so much to South Texas while empowering the leaders of tomorrow.