For Daniel Garcia ’07, civil engineering is more than a career. It is a family legacy, a passion for solving complex problems, and an opportunity to build infrastructure that strengthens communities across South Texas.
Growing up in McAllen, Daniel was inspired by his father, who served as Director of Construction for the Texas Department of Transportation’s Pharr District. His father oversaw major projects throughout the Rio Grande Valley, including the original Pharr Interchange and the reconstruction of the Queen Isabella Causeway following its collapse. Years later, Daniel would follow in his footsteps.
Daniel chose Texas A&M University-Kingsville for its respected engineering program and reputation for producing successful leaders in the field. He graduated in 2007 with a degree in Civil Engineering and began what would become an 18-year career with TxDOT.
Starting in construction project management, Daniel continued to learn, take on new challenges, and expand his expertise in design, contract administration, materials, and pavement engineering. His willingness to tackle problems without an existing solution became a defining part of his career.
As Materials and Pavement Engineer, Daniel developed pavement design principles for the TxDOT’s new overweight corridor system, created methods later adopted by TxDOT statewide, and designed a specialized pavement design to support the transportation of extremely heavy loads to SpaceX’s South Texas facility in a harsh environmental climate. He also developed innovative approaches to pavement management and roadway safety that helped the Pharr District maintain more than 90 percent of its pavements in good or better condition.
Then, in 2017, Daniel achieved a milestone with special meaning: he became Director of Construction for the TxDOT Pharr District, the same position his father had held before retiring in 2010.
As Director, Daniel oversaw approximately $1.8 billion in construction, including the $200 million US 83 La Joya Relief Route, the $303 million I-2/I-69C Pharr Interchange project, and the $300 million 365 Tollway project.
After 18 years with TxDOT, Daniel joined KCI, where he oversaw construction operations throughout Texas. Today, he serves as Executive Director of the Hidalgo County Regional Mobility Authority, overseeing the 365 Tollway project and managing a $4.5 billion project development portfolio. In 2024, his contributions to the profession were recognized with the prestigious Luther DeBerry Award, presented annually to one TxDOT engineer.
Behind those accomplishments is a leadership philosophy grounded in collaboration and a willingness to keep learning.
“I’ve learned you can learn something from everyone,” Daniel shared.
Whether seeking insight from an engineer, programmer, technician, or another member of his team, Daniel has learned that some of the best solutions come from bringing together people with different experiences and strengths. He credits the great teams he has built throughout his career with helping him take on challenges that had never been solved before by the engineering community.
That foundation began at TAMUK, where demanding engineering courses taught him discipline and perseverance, while late nights studying in Martin Hall and friendships with classmates made the experience unforgettable. TAMUK also introduced Daniel to Brenda Rae Saenz, who invited him to play pool with a group of friends one evening. That night eventually led to a relationship and later, marriage.
Today, Daniel and Brenda continue to return to Kingsville, and Daniel remains connected to the next generation of engineers through the Texas Society of Professional Engineers Rio Grande Valley Chapter and its TAMUK student chapter.
His advice to current Javelinas is to work hard and understand the purpose behind what they are learning, but not to overlook the relationships and experiences along the way.
“Life is short, and college is the time to make memories,” Daniel said.
From following in his father’s footsteps to creating innovative solutions of his own, Daniel’s journey reflects the passion, grit, and commitment to learning that continue to shape his career. Nearly two decades after leaving Kingsville, he is still building stronger infrastructure, stronger teams, and opportunities for the Javelina engineers who will come next.
