On May 15, Ricky Leal was officially sworn in as a member of the Harlingen Consolidated Independent School District Board of Trustees during a Special Board Meeting.
Leal is a lifelong Harlingen resident. He is Senior Vice President and member of the Executive Management Team at First Community Bank where he has served since 2005.
“HCISD has long set an example of excellence for all of south Texas,” Leal said. “I’m proud of that legacy and proud to join an outstanding team of leaders. We will prepare our students to compete in a global economy and do so with great character and integrity.”
He was appointed to the board following an election to fill the vacancy left by former board member Javier De Leon.
“We are pleased to welcome Mr. Leal to the HCISD Board of Trustees,” Board President Dr. Belinda Reininger said. “His outstanding community service and professional track record ensure significant contributions to our Board. Our highest priority remains the preparation and success of our students. We are excited to have Mr. Leal work with us in the implementation of our new strategic plan.”
Leal is a graduate of Harlingen High School and Texas A&M University. He has a Master of Business Administration degree from Touro University International and is also a graduate of the Southwestern Graduate School of Banking at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas.
Prior to joining First Community Bank, he served five years of active duty in the United States Air Force, specializing in missiles & munitions maintenance and separating at the rank of Captain.
During the 2022-2023 school year, Leal was part of the HCISD ambassador program.
Leal is married to Natalie Simmons Leal, and they have three children.
