Allison Reyes – Prime Minister
Allison Kara Reyes is an entrepreneur, community leader, and family-oriented individual.
Having graduated from Southern Methodist University, receiving a Bachelor of Arts in History, Art History, and Italian Area Studies, she continued on to Saint Mary’s University, School of Law where she received her Juris Doctorate.
Reyes is the President of A. Reyes Ventures, LLC., a company specializing in investment and franchise opportunities, mainly Blo Blow Dry Bars. She previously worked for her family’s business, Reyes Automotive Group, a Tier One supplier for Toyota Motor Manufacturing Texas Inc., in San Antonio, Texas.
Allison was born in Laredo, Texas but raised in San Antonio, Texas where she graduated from Saint Mary’s Hall. She is an enthusiastic, energetic, and individual in many civic organizations. Helping found the Tobin Center for Performing Arts- Ghost Light Society, she served as Vice President for three years. She has a passion for the arts, serving as a committee member for Blue Star’s Disco Bingo Fundraiser, and Co-Chair for Art Pace’s Chalk it Up fundraiser, which was attended by over 25,000 people. Ms. Reyes is also a member of the Centre Club Board, formerly the Plaza Club and Boy’s & Girl’s Club Capital Campaign Committee. She is a member of the San Antonio Zoological Society Board after serving for many years on the Zoobilation Ball Committee, Zoomers Board, and chairing Kids Zoo Ball in 2021. She has also served on the Saint Mary’s Hall Alumni Advisory Committee, the San Antonio Public Library Foundation Catrina Ball Committee, and as a class member of Leadership San Antonio 45. Most recently, Ms. Reyes became a member of the San Antonio Public Library Foundation Board and is a member of the Leadership San Antonio Class 47 Steering Committee.
With a love for San Antonio’s annual Fiesta, Allison has raised over $54,000 for scholarships to become Queen Feria de las Flores; Serves on the Fiesta San Antonio Commission’s Elected Commissioner Board; The Education Minister for Rey Feo, Fred Reyes, the Executive Minister for Rey Feo, Augustine Cortez; and she was also a Duchess of the Order of the Alamo, representing San Antonio proudly.
Jon Fristoe – Executive Minister
Jon Fristoe is a retired Colonel, who served nearly 28 years of active duty in the U.S. Army. He has extensive experience at the tactical, operational, and strategic levels of the military, serving in a variety of medical units throughout the United States, Europe, and Southwest Asia. He served in multiple combat operations including Operations Desert Shield and Storm, the Kosovo Campaign, and Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom.
Jon completed his undergraduate education at the Florida Institute of Technology, graduating with Honors with a Pre-Professional Biology Degree. He also obtained a Master’s Degree in Public Administration and Health Policy from the University of Texas, San Antonio.
Jon’s military career began after completing the Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) Program, where he was selected for Army flight training. He has flown nearly 2,000 hours in helicopters, transporting ill and injured patients to care. As part of his military education, he completed the Army War College and a Fellowship with the Department of Health & Human Services in Washington, D.C. Jon’s military service culminated as the Commander of the 32d Medical Brigade at Fort Sam Houston. This is the Army’s largest training brigade, responsible for the training and qualification of over 37,000 enlisted, and officers per year. While Commanding, Jon had the distinction of serving as the Aeromedical Evacuation Consultant to the Army Surgeon General as the Army’s Subject Matter Expert on medical evacuation. Included among Jon’s many decorations and awards are the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, and Air Medal.
Jon has been designated an Honorary Admiral of the Texas Navy by the Governor of Texas and a Kentucky Colonel by the Governor of Kentucky. He has also been honored with distinguished memberships in the Order of the Plume, the Order of Military Medical Merit, and the Order of Saint Michael. He holds lifetime memberships in the Dustoff Association (where he previously served as President), the Army Aviation Association of America (Quad-A), the Association of the United States Army (AUSA), the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), and the FIESTA San Antonio Commission. He was accepted into the El Rey Feo Consejo in 2015 and served as El Rey Feo LXIX Military Minister for 2017 and also served on the Consejo Board in 2019. He served as a Board member for the San Antonio Conservation Society for nearly two years and is an active member of Beethoven Maennerchor. Jon also graduated from San Antonio’s Master Leadership Program Class #17.
Jon is married to Karrie Fristoe, also a retired Colonel. They have one son, Andrew, an airline Captain flying for Republic Airways. Upon retirement in 2015, Jon and Karrie made their home in San Antonio, Texas, where Jon served as the Immediate Past President of the FIESTA San Antonio Commission.
Stephanie Nemec – Finance Minister
Stephanie Nemec is a lifelong resident of San Antonio. She attended Texas A&M University and was a member of the Delta Zeta sorority. She has been in accounting for over 20 years beginning in the mortgage industry. Stephanie has the pleasure of working with Advanced Diagnostic Laboratory, where she worked as COO. This is how God entered John McFadden into her family’s life which she is forever grateful.
Stephanie married her high school sweetheart, Kevin Nemec. Together they have 3 amazing children. Cole and Haley are attending Texas Tech University, and Drew is working at Merit Medical in Houston, TX.
Stephanie and Kevin have several businesses that keep them busy – Nemec Ice, Priority Water Solutions, and Alliance Insurance and Financial.
Stephanie was a proud member of the Junior League of San Antonio, serving on the Board of Directors as Treasurer for 4 years. She has also volunteered at her children’s schools for over 14 years.
Stephanie enjoyed her time with Dos Reyes | Dos Amigos over the past year, and is looking forward to serving as the El Rey Feo LXXV Finance Minister!
Christopher C. Medley – Military Minister
Married to Elizabeth (Liz) Medley 41 years, they have 3 children: Amy Moore (married Kyle Moore), Christopher Medley Jr (married Samantha Medley), Weston Medley. The also have 4 grandchildren: Owen, Christopher III, MaryRose, Bailey, and one on the way!
Dr. Medley’s accomplishments include:
- BA Chemistry UT Austin 1979
- DDS Baylor College of Dentistry 1984
- MD UT Health Science Center San Antonio 1995
- Certificate in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery 1996
- USAF 1984-2006, Retired Colonel
- Private Practice at Alamo Heights Oral Surgery 2007-present
- First Presbyterian Church, San Antonio
Dr. Medley’s interests are studying God’s work and His plan for my life, University of Texas sports, especially football, traveling (anywhere), golf, scuba diving, skiing, time with his wife and family.
Since 1985, Dr. and Liz Medley have been lifelong friends with Rey Feo 75, John and Royal Contessa, Leslie McFadden.
Ronnie Suarez – Day Minister/Administrative Minister
President of Integrity Roofing and Siding, Ronnie Suarez leads the award-winning, Texas-grown family business responsible for roofing thousands of homes and businesses across the San Antonio area. With more than 35 years of experience, Ronnie recognizes that roofing is about much more than the types of shingles. His core tenet is to work with honesty and respect for all: the customer, the craftsmen, and the community.
Ronnie began working in the roofing industry in 1990 when he was 16, loading shingles at jobs for his father’s roofing company. Over the years he learned all aspects of the roofing business from cleaning up job sites to project estimation and management. In 2006, when he launched Integrity Roofing and Siding, his father came out of retirement to join him as production manager. His wife Stephanie later joined the team, and now serves as vice president.
Ronnie’s business philosophy is centered on integrity: never cutting corners, always owning up to mistakes and making them right, and striving to be the best service provider who will always do the right thing. The approach has been effective. Integrity Roofing and Siding has earned numerous awards including nine Angie’s List Super Service Awards, Home Advisor top ratings, James Hardie Siding Preferred Contractor status, and Owens Corning coveted Platinum Preferred Contractor rating.
Since starting Integrity Roofing and Siding, Ronnie has made giving back to his community a priority. He is active in supporting education, fighting poverty, and assisting health-related non-profit organizations throughout San Antonio. Ronnie has supported St. Mary’s University, Central Catholic High School, and St. Anthony’s Elementary School, joined the fight against food scarcity at the San Antonio Food Bank, supported the work of disability-focused groups including the Walker Belden Foundation, as well as the efforts of the Children’s Bereavement Center of South Texas and University Health Foundation.
Throughout the region, Integrity Roofing and Siding has managed the repair and installation of 5,000 roofs and counting. Along with Stephanie, Ronnie focuses on the growth of their business, pursues new endeavors, and devotes time in supporting good works throughout the city. He cherishes family time with their children Madison, Matthew, and Max, hosting family dinners and movie nights, attending sporting and community events, traveling, and enjoying the outdoors.
Jeff Robert Carlson – Night Minister
Jeffrey Robert Carlson was born and raised in San Antonio, Texas. He began his own flooring business, Carlson’s Flooring, in 1987 at the young age of twenty-six. Carlson’s Flooring is a family-owned and operated business that has been serving San Antonio and surrounding cities for over thirty-five years.
Jeff has two children and two grandchildren. His family expanded when he married Paula Carlson, a native San Antonian, two years ago. Together they have six children and five grandchildren.
Jeff has been involved with the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo since 2011 by serving on the Raffle Committee, being a Sponsor, and supporting the youth livestock auction. He is also a member of Legatus, a national Christian business organization. Jeff became involved with The Rey Feo Scholarship Foundation when he served on a committee for former El Rey Feo, Jimmy Greene. In February 2022, he officially became a Consejo.
In his spare time, Jeff enjoys fishing, hunting, playing golf, and spending time with his family.
Karrie Fristoe – Education Minister
Karrie Fristoe is a retired Colonel, who served nearly 27 years in the U.S. Army as a Medical Service Corps Officer specializing in Healthcare Administration. She served in a variety of command and staff positions from Platoon Leader to Brigade Command. Karrie deployed in combat and humanitarian missions to Southwest Asia and South America. Her culminating assignment was as a Brigade Commander in the Army’s only Recruiting Brigade with the responsibility of recruiting healthcare professionals and chaplains with administrative oversight of Special Operations recruiting efforts. After retirement, she started a Women’s Owned and Veteran Owned business to provide innovative strategies, consulting services, and project management support to Department of Defense organizations.
Karrie is a graduate of the Army War College with a master’s degree in Strategic Studies. She also has a master’s degree from Baylor University in Healthcare Administration. Her undergraduate studies are from the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. Included among Karrie’s many decorations and awards are the Legion of Merit and Bronze Star. Additionally, she was presented several international awards including the German Armed Forces Badge (Silver) along with the Israeli and Australian parachutist badges. Karrie has been designated a Kentucky Colonel by the Governor of Kentucky and a Yellow Rose of Texas by the Texas Governor. She is a member of the Order of Military Medical Merit.
After retirement, Karrie continued her pursuit of service by volunteering and involving herself in community activities. Karrie is an Honorary Member of the Military-Civilian Club of San Antonio where she served in numerous volunteer positions including Military President and President of the Military-Civilian Charitable Foundation. She is a lifetime member of the Fiesta San Antonio Commission and a graduate of the San Antonio Masters Leadership Program Class #17. In addition, she served on various committees on the Fiesta San Antonio Commission and served on El Rey Feo LXX’s court as Historian. After learning about the legend of Rey Feo, she expanded her resume becoming the author and publisher of a children’s book, “The Rise of El Rey Feo.” She has enjoyed the community spirit in San Antonio and the philanthropic support of charitable organizations.
Karrie is married to Jon Fristoe, also a retired Colonel. They have one son, Andrew, an airline pilot. Upon retirement in 2015, Jon and Karrie made their home in San Antonio, Texas.
Maria Ramirez – Events Minister (Historian)
Maria de Lourdes Ramirez was born and raised in a small town in Mexico and later moved to San Antonio, Texas. She has 4 children, 16 grandchildren, and 4 great-grandchildren. She met the love of her life Joe Ramirez and married in 1980. Shortly after moving to San Antonio, she worked at the San Antonio State Hospital for 16 years as a Job Placement Coordinator and ran a small business as a wedding coordinator after hours and on weekends. She purchased The Last Straw Florist shop in north central San Antonio 41 years ago. She grew her business from a small local community floral shop into a thriving business that provides floral décor for conventions, special events, weddings and funerals as well as obtaining many individual and corporate accounts. In doing so, she used her organizational and creative skills in many ways during the span of her career. She was selected and designated as the lead designer and coordinator for the floral décor when Pope John Paul II visited San Antonio and was the only florist in the state of Texas to be a part of the floral design team to work on President Clinton’s Inaugural celebration. Her most recent volunteerism includes helping the Rey Feo’s with fundraising campaigns, such as The Candlelight Ball, and Noche de los Reyes Anteriores Ball. She has served on several non-profit boards including the Women’s Club of San Antonio, LoBello Women’s Club, Military Civilian Club, Can High School, and Volunteer Services Council for the San Antonio State Hospital. She was awarded the Yellow Rose of Texas for Outstanding Woman and Role Model by former Governor Rick Perry. She has served as an Elected Commissioner for the Fiesta Commission and worked on committees including Fiesta Opening Ceremony, Community Relations, Merchandising, and Host Committees. Maria was awarded the prestigious award, The Order of The Cascaron for her volunteerism with Fiesta and numerous PMOs. She continues to be a very active member of the Fiesta Commission, and she loves everything about flowers, Fiesta, and people.
Ernie Zuniga – Communication Minister (Advance Minister)
Since 2006, Ernie Zuniga has woken up San Antonio area residents bright and early every weekday as the anchor and co-host of FOX San Antonio’s highly-rated morning show, “FOX News First”. Before that, he spent nine years as a sports anchor and reporter here in San Antonio, Texas; Phoenix, Arizona; and in his hometown of Victoria, Texas.
Zuniga attended Texas A&M University and graduated with a degree in Communications from the University of Houston-Victoria. He is also a graduate of St. Joseph High School in Victoria.
Ernie has devoted much of his time in recent years to several local non-profits, including the March of Dimes, and 100 Club of San Antonio. Currently, he sits on the board of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society South Central Texas Chapter and City Fans 210, a collective that supports UTSA Athletics. He is also a member of the Rey Feo Consejo Educational Foundation.
Every year Zuniga emcees dozens of events for these and other causes. In 2018, he was crowned “King of the Riverwalk,” after helping to raise more than $20,000 for the San Antonio River Walk Association.
Ernie is a fixture at many Fiesta events and has developed a local reputation for his love of Fiesta medals. In recent years, he has auctioned off his yearly collections of medals and donated the proceeds to charity.
Ernie has a motto of “family first.” He has been married to his wife Tami for more than 23 years. Together, they have a teen daughter Ava and twins, Luke and Madeline.
Justin Rodriguez – State Minister (Community Outreach Minister)
Born and raised in San Antonio, Justin Rodriguez is a proud lifelong resident of San Antonio’s west side. He earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of the Incarnate Word and his law degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Justin began his career in public service as a juvenile prosecutor for the Bexar County District Attorney’s Office where he worked diligently to assist young offenders in their rehabilitative efforts. Elected to the Board of Trustees of the San Antonio Independent School District in 2004, Justin served in that role for three years before being elected to the San Antonio City Council and representing District 7 for two terms from 2007-2011. Improving the quality of life for residents by enhancing educational outcomes and creating economic opportunities for hardworking families has always been his focus.
In 2012, Justin was elected to the Texas House of Representatives. Serving three full terms as State Representative for House District 125, he was re-elected for a fourth term in 2018. During his time in the Legislature, Justin advocated for increased access to and affordability of higher education, voting rights, and accessible and affordable healthcare for all Texans. A strong advocate for San Antonio and Bexar County on the House Appropriations Committee, he sought and secured several leadership roles during his tenure including Deputy Whip for the House Democratic Caucus, and was part of the leadership team of the Mexican American Legislative Caucus.
On January 4, 2019, Justin was appointed to serve as Bexar County Commissioner for Precinct 2 and was then elected in November 2020 to fulfill the remaining two years of the unexpired term of long-time Commissioner, Paul Elizondo.
For his service, Justin has been recognized as a “40 Under 40” Rising Star by the San Antonio Business Journal and was named one of the “20 Latino Democrats to Watch Over the Next 20 Years” by the Houston Chronicle. Justin and his wife Victoria are raising their three children near the campus of St. Mary’s University in the heart of San Antonio’s west side.
Yolanda Pineda Valenzuela – Philanthropy Minister
Yolanda Pineda Valenzuela is a well-known community collaborator and an expert in nonprofit organizations from a huge array of causes. Yolanda was Vice-President of a local child abuse cause nonprofit for 15 years and after leaving almost 7 years ago has continued her fight for the children of Texas. In 2018, Yolanda became an entrepreneur and is the CEO/Founder her own consulting firm, Alamo City Consultants.
She immediately obtained contracts from agencies across Texas that needed consulting in various areas of their organizations and continues to assist nonprofits across our community. In addition, in 2019 Yolanda became the Executive Director for Kym”s Angels Foundation after Philanthropist Kym Rapier reached out for her services. Kym’s Angels has donated over 100 million dollars in the last four years. In 2022 Kym’s Angels donated $100,000 to Rey Feo 73 and this year donated one million dollars to Rey Feo 75 as education is an important part of our portfolio. Yolanda is excited for the lifelong differences that Kym’s Angels makes across this entire world and for her ability to meet with 50-75 nonprofits each year. Yolanda regularly emcee’s events and has been Keynote speaker and presenter on a regular basis.
Yolanda has a Master’s Degree in Counseling & Guidance and is currently pursuing a PhD in Psychology (80% complete). She has earned a National Nonprofit certification and has more than 20+ years of Nonprofit experience in all areas of Nonprofit organizations, 25 years as an expert in Child Abuse, and 25 years as an expert in Special education. Yolanda has received many accolades from her service to the San Antonio nonprofit community. She received the Business Journal nonprofit Employee award, the SA Women’s Chamber Meteor award, In 2022 she was Girl’s Inc. Honoree and Keynote speaker at their annual luncheon. In 2023, she was honored by Ecumenical Center with the Legacy award, by Down Syndrome Association with the Impact award and by Angie’s Angels Foundation with the Damon Billeck Inspiration award. Most recently she was honored on the State Capitol floor by State Representative Josey Garcia as Women’s History Honoree.
Yolanda is a proud member of Leadership San Antonio class 36. She has served on many boards but is most proud of her service of 17 years an appointee by Commissioner’s court to the Bexar County Child Welfare Board for which she was President for 7 of those years. Yolanda was born in Wiesbaden, Germany as her father served 26 years in the U. S. Army as CSM and retired in San Antonio. She is married to Gilbert Valenzuela and they have 2 children, Gilbert & Anna. Faith and family are an important part of Yolanda’s life.
Abe Luna – Day Minister (Transportation Minister)
Abe Luna, born and raised in San Antonio, Texas, is a public servant at heart and an active citizen in his community. He has volunteered countless hours in his Church, his school, and his sons’ schools. Abe’s various fundraising actions involve participation on numerous committees and boards over the years. He has served as PTC President (2 years) and PTC Board Member (2 Years) for Mount Sacred Heart School, Men’s ACTS Retreat Team Member for St. Anthony de Padua Catholic Church (3 years), volunteer for The St. Mary’s Fiesta Oyster Bake (10 years), Past Secretary (2 years) and current Board Member (4 years) for The Central Catholic Alumni Board which has included multiple fundraising committees resulting in achieving six figure goals every year. In addition, Abe served on a capitol campaign committee that raised over $12 million for the most recent addition to the footprint of the Central Catholic High School Campus.
Abe is the very proud Dad of his two sons, Abe Luna III and Marc Luna a.k.a. The Luna Bros. His devotion to their education and development as young men and future leaders has always been Abe’s number one priority. In doing so, he has been involved with organizations that support his sons’ schools and extracurricular activities. Both young men are exceptional student-athletes at Central Catholic High School with a strong work ethic, and foundation based on their Catholic Faith.
Abe is also the President of Trusted Source Executive Services, a professional sales & services company, and exhibits a culmination of Abe’s 30 years of experience in various sales and services industries. He has continued his commitment to serving others by creating a business that specializes in Auto Sales & Services and Business Development, specifically for business owners and top-level executives.