Hello from Houston

Gina Leza, Human Resources Director, CTCI Americas 

Hello, I’m Gina Leza, currently the Human Resources Director of CTCI Americas. I was born and raised in San Antonio, Texas, but my family origin is very diverse from Italy, Puerto Rico to Mexico roots.  

As HR Director of CTCI Americas, I have decade-long work experience in human resources. In the background are the flag of Texas and the Houston Ship Channel.

A Diverse HR Career

I started a career at Chase Bank, working as a Small Business Credit Analyst. After ten years of working in banking, there were limited career paths in this industry, so I decided to switch career and try something more appealing. In 2007, I was offered a temporary role at Wood Group, which sparked my 17-year HR journey.  

During my HR career, I worked with companies from different industries, such as Offshore, Onshore, Construction, Aerospace & Defense (shipbuilding), Survey & Inspection, Pipeline, Field Services, Renewable Energy, Infrastructure (transmission lines), Refineries, and Non-Destructive Testing/Non-Destructive Evaluation. I have experiences both in the office and in the field. While in the field, I was responsible for regular in-person visits to help manage these locations from strategic operations to compliance. 

Given the practical and multinational work experience, as well as being promoted into an HR manager role, I decided to resume my degree and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Business with a concentration in Global Management.

How I Came to Work with CTCI Americas

I have worked at CTCI Americas for four years and have learned quite a bit about this industry, especially around the Advanced Technology Facility division. I was inspired to join CTCI Americas because I was curious who the company was and what they did. However, I was not really aware of who CTCI Americas was when I first joined. The first thing I did was go to the internet to do some research but this was not very clear either. Therefore, one of the things I tried to highlight when I joined the company was the need to put more emphasis on CTCI Americas and clearly defining who we were because most people use the internet to learn about an organization. 

My job as the Human Resources Director for the Americas has been evolving. I am responsible for many aspects, from compliance to the overall employee relations for the organization. As CTCI Americas grows and develops and tries to adapt to its niche market, HR’s responsibility is to keep up with the strategic growth of the organization.

One of the most interesting aspects when I joined CTCI Americas was coming onboard during the beginning stages of the Arizona project. At the time, I was not aware of what a semiconductor facility was. I had the pleasure of visiting the site a few times and talked a lot with the site safety manager who educated me quite a bit on the project itself. I was even able to take a tour of the job site. I started researching more about the CHIPS Act and the incentives, as well as educating myself on this upcoming industry.

About Houston

Speaking of Houston, where CTCI Americas office is located, it is a truly unique hometown, known for its rich cultural diversity, vibrant traditions, and strong community spirit. As one of the most diverse cities in the United States, Houston blends influences from around the world into its food, art, music, and festivals. The city celebrates traditions like the world-famous Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, which honors Texas’ western heritage, while also embracing international events such as Lunar New Year and Día de los Muertos. Houston is home to NASA’s Johnson Space Center, inspiring the nickname “Space City,” and has more than 10,000 restaurants representing over 70 countries. Another key part of Houston’s identity is the 50-mile long Houston Ship Channel, which has helped make the city a hub for global trade and economic growth, as well as becoming the largest commercial port in the US.

Love for Community Service

Outside of work, I volunteer for several organizations, including the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo that was mentioned earlier. I have been on the cook team for the World Championship BBQ contest for the past four years. I am also part of a non-profit organization that provides meals and nutritional support for active military, veterans and their families transitioning from active duty to civilian life.

One of the organizations I volunteer is the prestigious Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. I have been on the cook team for the World Championship BBQ contest for four years.