First generation born in the United States and San Antonio’s very own,
Tino Duran was a tough Alazan-Apache Courts kid who was kicked out of six
elementary schools because he had a “discipline problem.” The
problem was he only spoke Spanish. However, determined to succeed, Tino mastered
the English language, became Student Body President, ROTC Colonel, and newspaper
editor while in high school. Years later Tino was inducted to the Sydney Lanier
High School Hall of Fame for outstanding professional achievement and serving
as role model for students.
After high school, Tino served four years in the United States Air
Force. When his duty was over he attended St. Mary’s University and
received a B.A. in Political Science and later an M.S. in Public Administration.
Upon his graduation from St Mary’s in 1963, he worked for the Bexar
County Juvenile Probation Department. A year later, Senator Yarborough contacted
Tino informing him about his appointment as Executive Assistant to the Lyndon
B. Johnson Administration. Since then, Tino Duran has held multiple high-ranking
positions such as Executive Assistant the Mayor John Gatti, Executive Director
for the Housing Authority of Bexar County, President of the National Association
of Hispanic Publications and Executive Vice-President of the San Antonio Hispanic
Chamber of Commerce.
Today, Tino Duran is president of Duran Duran Industries, and publisher
of La Prensa de San Antonio. He has been awarded numerous awards for his community
involvement and business success. Some of his most recent awards include:
the 2006 Community Service Award presented by the San Antonio North Chamber
of Commerce, the 2005 Henry B. Gonzalez Public Service and Integrity award
presented by the Public Administration Department of San Antonio College,
the 2002 Media Award presented by the San Antonio Police Officers Association,
and the 2002 Henry Guerra Journalism Award presented by the San Antonio Hispanic
Journalists.