McCombs Executive Joseph Shields Joins Alamo Trust Board

The Alamo Trust continues its board expansion as major site renovations progress toward completion.

Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Philanthropy

Isometric editorial illustration of a historic mission chapel facade, representing the management and development of the Alamo site in San Antonio. — Joseph Shields, executive vice president at McCombs Enterprises, has joined the board of the Alamo Trust Inc. to help oversee the site's $700 million redevelopment. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Should private business figures hold leadership roles in the governance of local historic landmarks?

Joseph Shields, an executive vice president at McCombs Enterprises, has joined the board of the Alamo Trust Inc. The nonprofit organization works alongside the city of San Antonio and the Texas General Land Office to manage the historic site.

Why it matters

The appointment comes during an extensive period of growth for the Alamo complex. The board oversees management and development initiatives as the site undergoes a massive $700 million redevelopment project.

The Alamo Trust is currently executing a $700 million redevelopment project for the site. This overhaul includes the newly completed Ralston Family Collections Center and the Texas Cavaliers Education Center, as well as a restored Cenotaph.

The players

Joseph Shields

He serves as the executive vice president of McCombs Enterprises and has joined the board of the Alamo Trust Inc.

Red McCombs

He is a notable philanthropist who previously served on the Alamo board of directors and collected 7,000 Old West artifacts.

Alamo Trust Inc.

This nonprofit entity is responsible for the daily management and oversight of operations at the Alamo site.

Andrea Shields

She is set to co-chair an upcoming fundraising ball alongside her husband to support the ongoing development of the site.

The details

Shields brings leadership experience to the nonprofit, which manages the daily operations of the Alamo site. He and his wife, Andrea Shields, will further support the organization by co-chairing a fundraising ball in the coming year.

February 27, 2027: Joseph and Andrea Shields co-chair a fundraising ball.
Spring 2028: The Alamo Museum and Visitor Center is scheduled to open.

Market Landscape

The involvement of McCombs Enterprises leadership continues a trend of high-profile corporate engagement in the $700 million Alamo site redevelopment project. This move underscores the strategic importance of private partnerships in funding large-scale public heritage efforts in San Antonio.

Residents can expect continued physical changes to the local landscape as the $700 million project advances. These improvements, including the museum and visitor center, will eventually offer new educational resources for the local community.

The takeaway

The appointment of high-level executives to non-profit boards often signals a shift toward more aggressive fundraising for public projects. Readers looking to support local history can participate in major events like the upcoming fundraiser to help meet redevelopment milestones.

What happens next

Joseph and Andrea Shields will co-chair the fundraising ball on February 27, 2027. Additionally, the new Alamo Museum and Visitor Center is scheduled to open in spring 2028.