Leadership Informed by Experience.

Early Career and Strategic Consulting

Following his academic studies at Dallas Baptist University, Huerta developed experience in strategic consulting, political affairs, organizational engagement, and public-sector initiatives.

His early professional work included consulting engagements and political campaign experience, including serving as press secretary during Greg Abbott’s first gubernatorial campaign.

These experiences helped establish a foundation in strategic communications, institutional relationships, public affairs, and the intersection of policy and business.

International Relations and Government Leadership

Huerta subsequently served as Assistant Secretary of State for Mexican and Border Affairs, with responsibilities involving Texas–Mexico relations, cross-border engagement, and institutional coordination.

During his tenure, he participated in planning and coordinating Governor Greg Abbott’s September 2015 visit to Mexico City, including engagements involving President Enrique Peña Nieto, senior Mexican government officials, and business leaders.

His work also included involvement in developing and negotiating a memorandum of understanding concerning transportation infrastructure and cross-border collaboration between the Texas Department of Transportation and Mexico’s Secretariat of Communications and Transportation.

His government experience provided exposure to international negotiations, economic development, border infrastructure, diplomatic engagement, and the coordination of complex institutional priorities.

Military Service

Huerta served approximately a decade in the Texas Army National Guard, including infantry service and an overseas deployment supporting Operation Enduring Freedom in the Horn of Africa.

His service also included domestic missions, counterdrug support, and mobilizations associated with Operation Guardian Support and Operation Lone Star.

During Hurricane Harvey in August and September 2017, he participated in search-and-rescue and relief operations in Katy, Texas.

He completed his military service in September 2025.

Financial Services and Real Estate

Following his government and military experience, Huerta developed a successful career in mortgage banking and real estate finance.

As a consistently top-producing mortgage banker and Property Wealth Advisor, he has worked with high-net-worth individuals, business owners, investors, residential builders, and real estate professionals.

His experience includes residential real estate financing, construction lending, investment properties, specialized lending programs, and complex financing structures.

Through this work, he has cultivated professional relationships with builders, developers, financial professionals, and other stakeholders throughout Texas and beyond.

Education

Huerta earned his bachelor’s degree and first master’s degree in Psychological Counseling from Dallas Baptist University.

He subsequently earned a second master’s degree in Conflict and Dispute Resolution, with an emphasis on Negotiations, from Southern Methodist University.

His academic background contributes to his understanding of decision-making, negotiation dynamics, institutional relationships, and the human considerations that shape complex strategic challenges.

Founding Vanguard Strategies

Huerta established Vanguard Strategies to bring together the disciplines and relationships that have defined his professional career.

His vision is to provide select clients with independent strategic counsel, informed perspective, and access to a thoughtful, relationship-driven advisory approach.

His leadership philosophy is grounded in discretion, integrity, disciplined judgment, and the belief that meaningful opportunities are often created through the right combination of strategy, experience, and trusted relationships.