About Us

All things public

For most, the connection between the public and private worlds is distinct and well defined; however, for those who operate in that reality, that definition is more dynamic than clear.  Whether it be in a for-profit business, not-for-profit, or an institutional setting, the importance of fund development, financial management, and relationship-building is vital to organizational success. At Totem, we strive to establish that value by planning, engaging, and adapting, so that our clients can maximize the benefit of that public-private connection – and focus on what they do best.

Transforming ideas into action

Jose L. Ceballos
Principal

In February 2007, Jose L. Ceballos launched Totem LLC to specialize in organizations requiring customized strategic management services.  As a high-energy executive with more than 20 years of experience, Jose believes in the value of long-term relationships.  His leadership style brings collaboration to the table to get projects delivered; he thrives in team settings and building synergy.  He is experienced in working at a one-to-one level with public entities and officials, non-profit organizations, and community stakeholders.  Jose holds a Master of Business Administration from Texas A&M University – Commerce, and a Bachelor of Science from Texas A&M International University.  He has a passion for the human element in all things; and every once in a while is known to chuckle.

Trainings and Credentials:

  • ADJUNCT PROFESSOR at Texas A&M International University, School of Business and Finance, 2014-present
  • INTERNATIONAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL, Business Retention and Expansion, November 2019.
  • INTERNATIONAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL, Economic Development Credit Analysis, July 2018.
  • INTERNATIONAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL, Neighborhood Development Strategies, March 2018.
  • TEXAS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL, Economic Development Sales Tax (380, 4A/4B), August 2017.
  • TEXAS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL, Texas Open Meetings Act, August 2017.
  • TEXAS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL, Texas Public Information Act, August 2017.
  • TEXAS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL, Competing in Economic Development? Use Metrics, July 2017.
  • INTERNATIONAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL, Real Estate Development and Reuse, June 2017.
  • TEXAS ETHICS COMMISSION, Texas Ethics Symposium – November 2014.
  • TEXAS A&M ENGINEERING EXTENSION OFFICE, Local Government Project Procedures Qualification for the Texas Department of Transportation Course CON812, October 2013.
  • AMERICAN UNIVERSITY, Public Affairs and Advocacy Institute – January 2011.
  • AMERICAN UNIVERSITY, Campaign Management Institute – May 2010.
  • SENIOR PROFESSIONAL HOUSING MANAGER (SPHM), National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials (NAHRO), highest level of trade certification for housing authority executive, 2004.
  • SECTION 8 HOUSING MANAGER (SHM), National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials, 2003.
  • HOUSING CREDIT CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL (HCCP), National Association of Home Builders, 2005.
  • HOUSING QUALITY STANDARD INSPECTOR (HQS) – Texas Housing Association, 2003.
  • HOMEBUYER COUNSELOR, Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs, 1999.
  • CERTIFIED CONSUMER CREDIT COUNSELOR, National Foundation for Consumer Credit, 1997.
  • FAIR HOUSING AND ACCESSIBILITY AND ADA/504, Fair Housing Solutions, LLC, 2004.
  • U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE INTERN, Bureau of Export Enforcement through the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities, June – August 1994. Security clearance obtained.
  • HOUSING QUALITY STANDARD (HQS) INSPECTOR by the Texas Housing Association.
  • CERTIFIED TEXAS STATE HOMEBUYER EDUCATION COUNSELOR by the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs.

jose@totemstrategies.com
+956-337-7058

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