Mechanical Engineering Hall of Fame
BSME, The University of Texas at Austin, 1987
MBA, Texas A&M International University, 1995
MSEE, Texas A&M University Kingsville, 2002
Gerardo “Gerry” Pinzon is a first-generation immigrant born and raised in Laredo, Texas. As the second oldest of six siblings, he was the first in his family to graduate from college.
Upon graduation from the University of Texas, his engineering career began at Texas Instruments (TI) in Austin, after completing three co-op tours while studying at the University. At TI, he was introduced to Statistical Process Control and other World Class Manufacturing techniques.
He then secured a position with a newly merged entity between G&O Manufacturing and Daniel Radiators, working at a manufacturing plant (Maquiladora), just across the border from Laredo. Initially hired as a plant engineer, he quickly advanced to the role of corporate engineer after implementing various process improvements that increased production from 100 to 1,200 radiators per day. He also oversaw environmental compliance, becoming the first US plant in Laredo to properly dispose of waste byproducts in full compliance with NAFTA requirements.
Mr. Pinzon furthered his education by obtaining an MBA and his Professional Engineer License. He then joined the City of Laredo as the Water Manager and later served as the Assistant Utilities Director. This experience ignited his interest in the environmental field, leading him to enroll in a graduate engineering program at the nearest university.
Gerry is deeply passionate about promoting STEM education among young Hispanics. When the local university launched its engineering program, he began teaching as an adjunct instructor. This role enabled him to spearhead numerous STEM initiatives, including summer programs such as Upward Bound, Gear UP, FIRST Tech robotics, and volunteering at high engineering magnet schools, Catholic schools, and with the Boy Scouts of America.
During his tenure at Texas A&M International University (TAMIU), Gerry taught over eighteen courses across various disciplines, including Engineering, Calculus, Physics, and Astronomy plus being very instrumental in assisting TAMIU becoming ABET Accredited. But his passion was teaching young students robotics and the engineering profession, he helped initiate a dual enrollment program for college credit courses between Laredo College and Laredo Independent School District (LISD).
Mr. Pinzon recently retired from the City of Laredo, where he served as the Building Official in the Building Development Services department. Retirement, however, was short-lived. He now works with AOKA Engineering as a consultant, providing Building Official services to various cities in South Texas. In addition to his consulting role, he serves as the Academic Director for them. In this role, he is currently procuring and implementing a Learning Management System (LMS) to enhance certification and education for building development professionals.
