Our Proud Members
Benny Rodriguez, Executive Director
Benny has worked in the field of Community Development and Affordable Housing for the past 21 years either in the public, nonprofit or private sector. He currently serves as the Executive Director of HAUCDC and is a Consultant and Real Estate Broker.
Before his current position, he held a Senior position within the Community Planning and Development Division (CPD) of the U.S Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) working out of the Houston Field office. He has served as Deputy Director for one of HUD’s most diverse affordable housing partners where he was responsible for development and implementation of all Community Development and Affordable Housing Programs and initiatives—ensuring each project was in compliance with federal, state and local regulations and/or ordinances and that the project was on time.
While at a previous employer more than $130 million in multi-family bonds were issued in the development of over 3000 rental units for very low income families. Also under his direction the Homebuyer Counseling Program he administered was expanded to be the largest provider of pre-purchase homebuyer counseling in the Houston/Galveston Area.
In the area of single family housing, more than $110 million in Mortgage Revenue Bonds were issued offering below market interest rates and down payment assistance to low- and moderate-income families. With a staff of twelve professionals, he was responsible for assisting over 100 households per year purchase their own home. When he left this employer, they administered 75% of all first-time homebuyer programs within the Houston/ Galveston area.
Benny holds a Master’s Degree in Public Administration (MPA) and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Public Affairs (BS).
Selma Cabazos
Executive Assistant and Social Media Coordinator
Selma Cabazos joined HAUCDC on March 27, 2023, bringing with her a strong background in administrative support and client service. As Executive Assistant, Selma plays a critical role in ensuring the smooth operation of the organization’s daily activities. She provides comprehensive administrative support to both staff and the board of directors, including attending meetings, preparing and maintaining detailed board minutes, and facilitating clear, timely communication across the organization.
Selma’s responsibilities also include managing HAUCDC’s bookkeeping tasks. She carefully reviews invoices, processes payments, and helps maintain accurate financial records, contributing to the organization’s commitment to transparency and accountability.
Beyond her administrative and financial duties, Selma supports the organization’s fundraising efforts by assisting in the preparation of grant applications to secure funding for HAUCDC’s programs and initiatives. Her contributions help strengthen the organization’s ability to expand affordable housing opportunities in the community.
Selma also serves as HAUCDC’s Social Media Coordinator. In this role, she develops and manages content to promote the organization’s mission, programs, and impact. Her work ensures that HAUCDC maintains an engaging, consistent presence across social media platforms, building strong relationships with partners, clients, and supporters.
Selma’s professional experience includes serving as an administrative assistant for clients in the construction services industry. This background has equipped her with the ability to manage complex tasks, support multiple stakeholders, and adapt to the evolving needs of a dynamic, service-focused organization like HAUCDC.
Through her dedication, attention to detail, and multifaceted skill set, Selma Cabazos is an integral part of the HAUCDC team, supporting its mission to expand affordable housing opportunities and strengthen communities.
Vickie McBride, Urban Planning
Dr. Vickie McBride is an Urban Planning Consultant who serves as a change agent for disadvantaged and underserved communities. Her current clients are the Houston Area Urban Community Development Corporation where she provides strategic guidance on housing development issues and assists in the coordination of overall marketing, program design and project monitoring; the Houston Area Urban League where she provides grant writing services for housing programs including financial education, fair housing, post homeownership and disaster recovery. She provides grant writing consultant services to Harris County Constable Precinct 7 to address law enforcement issues that impact urban communities and quality of life. Federal and state grants have been awarded to address victims of crime, gangs, truancy, terrorism, domestic violence, disaster recovery, post homeownership and housing counseling. Dr. McBride is also an Adjunct Government Professor at Houston Community College.
For 17 years she worked in the City of Houston Housing and Community Development Department preparing the Consolidated Plan, the application for U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development entitlement funds. She also wrote the City’s first Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing and the Citizen Participation Plan. During her tenure at the City, she coordinated the first homeless study to count the homeless, conducted collaboratively with the University of Houston and Texas Southern University for Houston/Harris County/Ft. Bend. Dr. McBride is a member of the Greater Houston Black Chamber- Missouri City Branch, NAACP Houston Branch Housing Committee, Missouri City Texas Comprehensive Plan Advisory Committee, Missouri City Bond Exploratory Committee, Missouri City Texas TIRZ 1, Houston-Galveston Area Council Criminal Justice Advisory Committee, National Forum of Black Public Administrators, and Top Ladies of Distinction, Inc. Dr. McBride holds a Master of City Planning and a Ph.D. in Urban Planning andEnvironmental Policy from Texas Southern University. She is a graduate of Leadership Texas and the National Grantsmanship Training Institute.
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