Leadership

Board of Directors

Strong governance is essential to the success of any Head Start program. ESC Region 19 Head Start operates under a comprehensive governance structure designed to ensure broad representation, effective oversight, and strategic direction. This structure includes three key bodies that work collaboratively to support the program’s mission.

The ESC Region 19 Board of Directors serves as the primary policy-making and evaluative authority for the Regional Education Service Center. The Board fulfills responsibilities outlined by law and the State Board of Education, providing guidance and accountability to help ensure high-quality services for children and families throughout the region.

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Blanca Topete
Board Chair		   David Sublasky 
Board Vice Chair		   Patricia Ramirez 
Board Secretary

 

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Adela Carr
Board Member 
   José M. Limón
Board Member		   Nellie Morales 
 Board Member

 

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Dr. Raul L. Muñoz
Board Member 
Alex Bustillos
Charter Member

 

Policy Council Executive Officers

The ESC Region 19 Head Start Policy Council is a dedicated leadership body made up of Head Start parents with currently enrolled children, legal guardians, and community representatives.

Meeting monthly, the Policy Council plays a vital role in shaping the direction of the Head Start program. Members review and approve key decisions, assess program data—including child outcomes and progress toward school readiness goals—and help ensure accountability and continuous improvement.

In addition to their governance role, Policy Council members serve as advocates and trusted liaisons between the program and families. They promote parent engagement, support family well-being, and help foster strong connections between Head Start and the communities it serves.

2025-2026 Parent Policy Council Officers:

  • Ismael Bustamante - President
  • Justine Jackson - Vice President
  • Daniela Mireles - Secretary
  • Fermin Muñoz - Treasurer
  • Yacob Yepez - Sergeant at Arms

picture Socorro Rodriguez

Socorro Rodriguez
Head Start Director

A firm believer in the power of dreams and determination, Socorro Rodriguez is living proof that dedication can turn aspirations into reality. A former Head Start parent, volunteer, and teacher, she now leads the ESC Region 19 Head Start program—one of the most recognized in the nation—serving over 4,300 economically disadvantaged children and their families.

Ms. Rodriguez’s journey with Head Start began in 1987 as a parent and volunteer. She went on to spend 12 years in the classroom as a teacher assistant and lead teacher, followed by more than 16 years in administrative leadership. Her past roles include Center Manager, Program Manager of Academic Enrichment Services, and Director of Administration and Operations—each contributing to her deep understanding of Head Start’s mission at every level.

As Head Start Director, she brings confidence, vision, and a passion for innovation. Her hands-on experience has evolved into practical, effective strategies that have helped enhance organizational growth and elevate the quality of services delivered to children and families.

Ms. Rodriguez is equally passionate about learning. She holds a Master of Arts in Education, Curriculum and Instruction, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from New Mexico State University. She also earned an Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education with a teaching option from El Paso Community College. She is a proud member of the National Head Start Association, the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), and CEA (Classified Employees Association). 

picture John H. Alarcon

John H. Alarcon
Director, Facilities, Maintenance, Transportation Support

Mr. Alarcon has called El Paso home for over 40 years and is a proud graduate of J.M. Hanks High School, Class of 1984. He joined the ESC Region 19 Head Start team in August 2015, bringing with him a strong background in both education and private sector management.


With more than 12 years of experience in the education field and 15 years in private industry, Mr. Alarcon has held leadership roles including Production Manager, Plant Cost Accountant, and Warehouse Superintendent across several El Paso-based organizations. He has also managed multi-million dollar budgets, gaining extensive expertise in operational oversight and fiscal management.

As Director of Facilities Maintenance and Transportation, Mr. Alarcon is responsible for ensuring these critical departments operate efficiently and effectively to support the educational mission of ESC Region 19 Head Start.

He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting from the University of Phoenix. 

picture Dr. Guillermo Martinez

Dr. Guillermo Martinez 
Director, Data Management, Evaluation, and Technology


 Dr. Martinez joined the Head Start program in 2001 as an evaluation assistant and has since served in key leadership roles, including service area program manager and senior program manager. He currently leads the department as director, bringing over 20 years of experience in program evaluation, research design, data analysis, grant writing, strategic planning, project management, and information technology.

With a strong background in education, Dr. Martinez specializes in performance measurement and continuous quality improvement. His work supports the Head Start program’s mission to promote data-informed decision-making and drive lasting, positive outcomes for children and families.

Dr. Martinez holds a Doctorate in Educational Administration from New Mexico State University. He earned both his Master of Public Administration and Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Management from the University of Texas at El Paso. A proud El Paso native, he is also a graduate of Cathedral High School. 

picture David Valle

David Valle 
Director, Human Resources - Risk Management


Mr. Valle has dedicated over 25 years to the Head Start program, beginning his career at ESC Region 19 Head Start as a social worker. Drawing on his background as a youth minister and counselor, he quickly became a trusted liaison among parents, educators, administrators, and community leaders, helping to build strong partnerships that support family and child development.

Throughout his tenure, Mr. Valle has held several key roles, including Head Start Center Manager, Staff Development Facilitator, and Human Resources Program Manager. He currently serves as Director of Human Resources and Risk Management, where he oversees personnel operations and workplace safety initiatives, focusing on organizational integrity and employee well-being.

Mr. Valle earned a Bachelor of Arts in Human Relations from Samford University and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Phoenix. 

picture David Valle

Luz Maria Murillo 
Director, Comprehensive Services


Luz Maria Murillo was born and raised in El Paso, Texas, as the proud daughter of Mexican immigrants. Her family’s journey and values shaped her commitment to supporting children, families, and communities through high-quality early childhood education.

Luz’s career began as a Head Start parent, where she experienced firsthand the program’s transformative impact on children and families. Inspired by this experience, she dedicated her career to early learning and family advocacy. With more than 20 years of service at ESC19 Head Start, she has held several leadership roles, including preschool teacher, center manager, and program manager for infant/toddler and preschool education. She currently serves as Director of Comprehensive Services, providing leadership to support children’s development, family well-being, and school readiness.

Throughout her career, Luz has demonstrated a strong commitment to quality and innovation. She spent 13 years in the Head Start preschool classroom nurturing young learners. As a Program Manager she supported centers to achieve National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) accreditation. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she helped develop and implement a virtual learning system that ensured infants, toddlers, and preschoolers continued receiving educational support during school closures.

Luz holds a Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education from The University of Texas at El Paso, a Bachelor’s degree from New Mexico State University, and an Associate’s degree from El Paso Community College. As a bilingual professional, Luz remains passionate about empowering families, advancing educational opportunities, strengthening partnerships, and building stronger communities through comprehensive early childhood services and meaningful collaboration.