2025 Member Award Recipients
Veronica "Ronnie" Ontiveros
MedCare EMS
Business Leader of the Year:
Veronica “Ronnie” Ontiveros is an accomplished entrepreneur, business executive, and elected official based in McAllen, Texas. She is the Broker and Owner of NextHome RGV Realty, a top-performing firm in South Texas known for excellence in residential and luxury real estate. She also serves as CEO of MedCare EMS, one of the region’s largest emergency medical service providers, credited with saving over one million lives. Additionally, she owns LifeGuard Aeromed, a 24-hour air medical transport service for critically ill patients.
In May 2024, Ontiveros was elected to the Hidalgo County Appraisal District Board, Place 2, following the historic passage of Senate Bill 2, which allowed voters to elect board members in larger Texas counties. In this role, she advocates for transparency, accountability, and fairness in the property tax system.
A South Texas native, Ontiveros is widely respected for her leadership, integrity, and deep commitment to community and economic development.
Business of the Year:
The Halff story began back in 1950, when Dr. Albert H. Halff hung out a shingle in Dallas and founded the one-man consulting firm that would one day become one of the nation’s largest engineering companies. His vision: A company dedicated to improving the lives of real people in real communities.
In 1953, Dr. Halff and his partner Allen Hundley each contributed $1,000 to form “Hundley and Halff.” In 1960, Dr. Halff amicably split with Hundley, and formed “Albert H. Halff Associates” in Dallas. Under Dr. Halff’s leadership, the firm became a pioneer in hydraulics, hydrology and floodplain management, and grew to be one of the largest independently owned consulting firms in Texas.
Seven and a half decades later, Dr. Halff’s vision is being realized—and then some—continuing his rich legacy of serving people and communities through smarter solutions.
Nonprofit Of The Year
Capable Kids (CK), founded in 2015 by speech, physical, and occupational therapists, bridges the gap in inclusive services for children and young adults with disabilities in the Rio Grande Valley. Through its three programs—CK Sports, CK Social, and CK Impact—CK promotes inclusive play, social interaction, and community engagement. Believing play is every child’s right, CK mobilizes resources to foster awareness, empathy, and belonging. Inclusive environments improve outcomes for children with disabilities, enhancing friendships and skills. By integrating training and advocacy, CK strengthens communities, advancing equitable opportunities and improving quality of life for individuals and families across the Rio Grande Valley.