Media Reports on Melissa Robinson's HPARC CEO Announcement
San Antonio Business Journal
On March 6, the San Antonio Business Journal featured Melissa Robinson in the article, “New CEO to lead Hemisfair group as arena talks advance.“
“The selection comes at a ‘critical time’ as efforts to transform the former World’s Fair site continue to take shape,” noted Senior Reporter W. Scott Bailey.
The mission is clear, Robinson said: “Capitalize on the history and the historic structures while at the same time pushing ourselves to deliver something new that can be transformative.”
The article highlights how HPARC will further elevate its branding as a major downtown destination, Robinson’s background, her leadership style, and opportunities ahead for thoughtful integration and stakeholder collaboration.
Hoodline
On March 7, Hoodline featured Melissa Robinson in the article, “Hemisfair Insider Tapped As San Antonio Arena Plot Thickens.”
Reporter Jesse Hoffman highlighted Robinson’s appointment as CEO and her long-standing role in helping guide the transformation of Hemisfair from the historic 1968 World’s Fair site into a vibrant district with parks, housing, and commercial development.
The article also explores how Robinson’s leadership comes at a pivotal moment as city and regional partners study the potential for a downtown sports and entertainment district, noting that aligning ongoing development with future opportunities will be a key test in the next phase of Hemisfair’s growth.
The Real Deal
On March 9, The Real Deal featured Melissa Robinson in the article, “Hemisfair Taps Melissa Robinson as CEO.”
The article highlights Robinson’s appointment as CEO of the Hemisfair Park Area Redevelopment Corporation and her extensive background in real estate and development, noting her previous service on the HPARC board and her time as Interim CEO during the leadership transition.
Reporter Eric Weilbacher also explores how her leadership comes at a pivotal time as Hemisfair moves into its next phase of redevelopment, including discussions surrounding a potential downtown sports and entertainment district and continued mixed-use development within the district.
The coverage underscores Robinson’s experience guiding complex projects and the opportunity ahead to build on Hemisfair’s momentum as a growing civic and cultural destination.
San Antonio Express-News
On March 17, the San Antonio Express‑News featured Melissa Robinson in the article, “Hemisfair redevelopment organization appoints new CEO.”
Reporter Madison Iszler highlighted Robinson’s appointment as CEO of the Hemisfair Park Area Redevelopment Corporation, noting her long-standing involvement with the organization, including service on the HPARC board and as interim CEO during the leadership transition.
The article highlights Robinson’s experience in real estate and development, noting that her deep institutional knowledge and community-focused approach will guide Hemisfair’s next phase of redevelopment, transforming the former 1968 World’s Fair site into a vibrant mixed-use district south of downtown while balancing growth with the site’s history and cultural significance amid ongoing conversations about a potential downtown arena and broader city development.
San Antonio Report
On March 25, the San Antonio Report featured Melissa Robinson in the article, “Only the second CEO in Hemisfair history, new leader’s career path positioned her for the job.”
Reporter Shari Biediger highlighted Robinson’s professional journey from finance and construction into real estate development and ultimately her leadership role at Hemisfair, where she has served on the board, joined staff leadership in 2022, and was named CEO in March 2026 after serving as Interim CEO for a year.
Reflecting on her path to Hemisfair, Robinson shared, “It’s very rare that you get to actually marry your professional acumen, your passion and your quest for learning and provide such a great community benefit.”
The article also notes that Robinson succeeds longtime CEO Andres Andujar and will help guide Hemisfair’s continued growth as a mixed-use district while maintaining its vision as a community gathering space as future development opportunities continue to take shape.
“At this transformational time for San Antonio’s urban core, Melissa is the perfect leader as the HPARC CEO with her expertise, strategic vision for further creating one of the world’s great public places, and community-first mindset,” Andujar said.