By: Claire Caton

The Houston Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (HHCC) this week named William Flores, Ph.D., president of the University of Houston-Downtown (UHD), as "Male Senior Executive of the Year."

The chamber recognized Flores at its 29th annual awards gala Saturday evening at the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts, attended by more than 1,200 Houstonians. The gala honored local entrepreneurs, executives and businesses for their impact on the Houston business community.

"I am so humbled to receive this award from the HHCC, the largest Hispanic chamber in the country," said Flores. "Some of the nation's most respected Hispanic business leaders live in Houston and to be recognized among them is a tremendous honor."

Flores is the fifth president of UHD, a federally designated Hispanic-Serving Institution and Minority-Serving Institution. He also was recognized by Hispanic Business Magazine as one of the 100 most influential Hispanics in the country for his service to education.

"The Houston Hispanic Chamber of Commerce is pleased to recognize Dr. William V. Flores as 'Male Senior Executive of the Year,'" said Laura G. Murillo, Ph.D., HHCC president and CEO. "We are proud of his many educational contributions."

In addition to presenting its annual awards at the gala, the chamber also recognized the inaugural class of its Emerging Leaders Institute, which identifies, develops and empowers young professionals and college juniors and seniors.