A graduate of the University of Arkansas, Mr. Ramirez serves his alma mater in a range of ways. He is currently a member of the Sam M. Walton College of Business Dean’s Executive Advisory Board, the Garrison Financial Institute Board of Directors, and the Arkansas Executive Forum. He serves on the Campaign Arkansas Steering Committee and chairs the Diversity Affairssubcommittee. He and his wife, Laura, co-chaired the University’s Chancellor’s Society in 2011 and 2012. Mr. Ramirez was the commencement speaker for the Sam M. Walton College ofBusiness in 2007, and in 2010, he received the College’s Business Service Award.

​

Mr. Ramirez has over 24 years’ experience in the financial services industry. Prior to joining TIAA-CREF, he worked at Merrill Lynch, where he was an advisor to individual and institutional clients. During his 19 years at TIAA-CREF, he has served in a variety of roles, including Individual Consultant, TIAA-CREF Trust Company Personal Trust Consultant, Wealth Management Director and National Director of Executive Planning.

 

Mr. Ramirez also serves as a board member for the Hispanic Leadership Alliance, which focuses on leadership development, scholarships and mentoring opportunities for Latinos. He is a member of ALPFA, whose mission is to empower and develop Latinos as leaders of character for the nation in every sector of the American and global market. He has spoken at a number of conferences, including those organized by ALPFA, The Academy of Medicine, Engineering &Science of Texas (TAMEST), and the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities.

 

A native of Dallas, Mario lives in Highland Village, Texas, where he has served on the City Council and as chairman of the Ethics Board. He and his wife have a daughter and two sons.