Experience

Independent Business Consultant, North America

2014 – 2021

 

OpEx Solutions

  • Supported strategic planning and execution for organizations; trained executives and employees on operational excellence.

Competitive Capabilities International (CCI)

  • Led client project implementations, coaching site leaders to build sustainable improvement capabilities.

Sustainable Performance Group (SPG)

  • Facilitated leadership development and operational workshops on problem-solving, feedback, performance management, and more.

Marshall Institute

  • Focused on world-class asset maintenance strategies for manufacturing industries, emphasizing long-term operational success.

DuPont de Nemours, Inc.

1976 – 2014

 

Program Manager DuPont Production System (DPS)

  • Collaborated with leaders at 16 manufacturing sites across North America, South America and Puerto Rico to ensure successful deployment of continuous improvement strategies in manufacturing. 

Site Engineering Manager

  • Led a team of multidisciplinary engineers and quality lab personnel, managing large technical and capital projects. Focused on improving operational efficiency, safety, and product quality while fostering collaboration across diverse teams. Managed $2M annual Technical Fixed Cost Budget and $10M annual Capital Improvement Budget. Maintained a 5-year Capital Improvement Plan.

Six Sigma Black Belt

  • Spearheaded projects that enhanced system performance, reduced costs, and improved efficiency across multiple facilities.

Various Leadership Roles

  • Worked in diverse engineering and management positions, focusing on process safety management, process improvements, mechanical engineering, maintenance reliability, and building stronger teams. Led capital improvement projects.

University of Houston – Victoria

2006 – 2008

 

Adjunct Faculty Instructor

  • Taught basic statistics to undergraduate business students, fostering the next generation of leaders.

Education

Master of Business Administration (MBA)

  • University of Houston – Victoria, Victoria TX

Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering (BS)

  • Texas A&M University, College Station, TX

Certifications

  • Six Sigma Black Belt
  • Registered Professional Engineer #76271 (Texas, Retired)

Service to Others

Garden Ridge, TX & Surrounding Area

 

100 Club of Comal County (2 years)

  • Board of Directors

Garden Ridge Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association (10 years)

  • President
  • Past Co-Coordinator Annual Car Show

Our Lady of Perpetual Help (7 years)

  • Extraordinary Minister
  • Usher

Knights of Columbus Council 6856 OLPH, Selma, TX (6 years)

  • Past Membership Director
  • Past Chancellor
  • Assist with Fundraisers, Flag Program, and Habitat for Humanity Home Builds

Georg Ranch HOA (5 years)

  • Past Chairman Architectural Review Committee

Victoria, TX

Victoria Chamber of Commerce (3 years)

  • Board of Directors
  • Minority Business Council – Co-Chair of Cinco de Mayo Festival

School of Business University of Houston – Victoria (3 years)

  • Advisory Council 

Making the Grade World Scholars (6 years)

  • Steering Committee Member

Boy Scouts of America (18 years)

  • DeLeon District Advancement Chairman
  • Troop 368 Advancement Chairman
  • Troop 368 Summer Camp Scout Master/Assistant Scout Master
  • Pack 104 Committee Chairman
  • Pack 104 Cub Master
  • Pack 104 Assistant Cub Master

Golden Crescent Alliance for Minorities in Engineering (5 years)

  • Role Model

YMCA Soccer (1 year)

  • Assistant Coach

Victoria Little League (5 years)

  • League official
  • League President
  • Assistant Coach & Coach

Awards

Civic Plus

  • Small Town America Civic Volunteer Award
    • A Team Award presented to the 2020 City Water Commission (Jesse Valdez – Chair, Keven Harshbarger – Vice Chair, Andre Bullard, Dr Richard Carmichael, Jim Mueller, Joseph Haltaman)

DuPont de Nemours, Inc

  • Engineering Excellence
  • Volunteer Recognition Award

National Catholic Committee on Scouting

  • Bronze Pelican Award

Boy Scouts of America

  • District Award of Merit
  • Silver Beaver Award
  • James E. West Award

On May 3, 2025, vote for Jesse Valdez for Mayor.