The Washington’s Birthday Celebration Association (WBCA) has announced the selection of David Winfield Killam as the honoree for the prestigious Mr. South Texas Award for the 127th Washington’s Birthday Celebration.
“David Winfield Killam, a true son of Laredo and South Texas, embodies the spirit of leadership, dedication, and community impact. His deep-rooted connection to Laredo and the South Texas brush country has not only shaped his character but has also inspired him to make a profound difference throughout the region. Through his leadership in business, philanthropy, and civic engagement, David Winfield Killam truly deserves the honor of being selected as Mr. South Texas,”
said Fernando Montemayor, WBCA President.
The Mr. South Texas designation is presented to a deserving individual who has made a significant and lasting contribution to the growth and development of Laredo and the South Texas region. The formal announcement was made during a press conference held at Texas Community Bank (TCB) in Laredo. The event is sponsored and hosted by TCB.
“Texas Community Bank is pleased to sponsor the Mr. South Texas Luncheon and we congratulate Mr. Killam for being selected as the 2025 Mr. South Texas Honoree as part of the 127th Celebration,”
said Douglas G. Macdonald, President & CEO of TCB. “It is a well-deserved recognition. We’re excited to welcome such a fine and hardworking individual to our community and invite all Laredoans to join us in congratulating him.”
The Mr. South Texas Selection Committee, comprised of past presidents of the WBCA and former Mr. South Texas recipients who reside in Laredo, meet and discuss possible candidates. Committee members take great effort in creating an all-inclusive nominating pool of candidates from all walks of life who have made a significant impact on the area.
“It is a great honor to be named Mr. South Texas and my first reaction was surprise and then I was overwhelmed by a great sense of humility. I would like to thank the Selection Committee and the WBCA for selecting me, and I feel fortunate to join the illustrious list of past honorees,”
said Killam.
David Winfield Killam was born and raised in Laredo, Texas, a city he has always called home. He attended the Taft School in Watertown, Connecticut, and later obtained a bachelor’s degree from The University of Texas at Austin, followed by a Certificate in Ranch Management from Texas Christian University. David applied his business acumen to excel in the oil and gas industry, real estate development, and ranching.
David and the Killam family have been instrumental in supporting initiatives that enhance the quality of life in Laredo through education, healthcare, and economic development. One notable contribution is the land donation that led to the establishment of Texas A&M International University’s 300-acre campus, which has significantly contributed to higher education opportunities and regional growth.
In addition to land contributions, the Killam family established scholarship programs at various institutions, including TAMIU, to support aspiring students and improve educational outcomes in Laredo. They were also instrumental in underwriting the University of Incarnate Word Medical Residency Program and the Texas A&M School of Medicine OBGYN rotational program in Laredo, enhancing medical training and healthcare access.
David has also contributed easements and land for essential infrastructure such as waterlines, sewer lines, water towers, roadways, and highways, furthering Laredo’s economic prosperity. His commitment to land stewardship and conservation efforts has been recognized with numerous awards, including the Lone Star Steward Award and the Aldo Leopold Conservation Award.
He is a proud father of two sons and three grandchildren, who serve as cherished sources of joy and inspiration. David’s legacy extends beyond his achievements, serving as a role model for future generations and demonstrating that with hard work, dedication, and passion, anything is possible.
Together with the Mr. South Texas designation, Ambassador Killam becomes a member of a select group of national and international distinguished men and women who are honored for their dedication and countless hours of service and support to the Washington’s Birthday Celebration each year by an official induction ceremony and presentation of the Caballero Medallion.
One of the most celebrated and illustrious WBCA events is the Mr. South Texas Luncheon Hosted by Texas Community Bank, attended each year by dignitaries and honored guests from the United States and Mexico. This year’s luncheon will take place on Saturday, February 15, 2025, at 12 p.m., at the Laredo Country Club. Texas Community Bank generously sponsors the event.
The Mr. South Texas Luncheon Hosted by Texas Community Bank is one of more than 32 events in the Washington’s Birthday Celebration Calendar. Throughout the years, the Celebration has grown to be over a month long and consists of parades, dazzling pageants, fireworks, a carnival, an air show, a sizzling jalapeño festival, and much more.
Save the Date for the 127th Washington’s Birthday Celebration, which takes place January 16 – February 28, 2025.
