Heri Cortes is a dedicated Harrisonburg resident whose life is defined by resilience, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to family and community. Born and raised in San Rafael, Veracruz, into a humble family of twelve siblings, Heri began working at age 11 to support his loved ones. That early experience instilled in him the discipline and work ethic that have guided his life and career.
His journey is one of diverse achievement and profound personal transformation. At 17, he began a career as a professional soccer player in the third division, mastering the spirit of teamwork and discipline. He later built a solid professional foundation in the financial sector, working for premier institutions such as Banco Nacional de México and Bancomer, and served his community as a middle and high school teacher, where he invested in the potential of the next generation.
Central to his identity is his commitment to service, a value reinforced through his path of recovery. For the past five years, Heri has been a proud member of the "Nuevo Amanecer" group within the Alcoholics Anonymous elite network in Mexico City. He credits this journey with helping him live a life of clarity, free from alcohol. Today, he actively pays that support forward by visiting local recovery groups throughout the region, offering hope and solidarity to others on a similar path.
As a local transportation business owner, Heri possesses an in-depth understanding of the unique needs of Harrisonburg and Rockingham County. He knows that an efficient, accessible, and modern transportation system is essential for a thriving city. He understands the challenges our community faces and has a clear vision: to deliver a transport system that is more efficient, more affordable, and more professional for the people of Harrisonburg, Rockingham, and surrounding areas. His mission is to ensure all residents can commute safely and effectively to their jobs, schools, and essential services.
Above all, Heri is a family man. He has been happily married for 32 years to the mother of his three daughters. As a proud grandfather, Heri is running for City Council to ensure that the community his family calls home remains a place of opportunity, progress, and support for everyone.