Judson W. Robinson III

President and CEO

Judson W. Robinson III became President & CEO of the Houston Area Urban League (HAUL)  in 2008, seeing it as an opportunity to serve as a civic leader and advocate for the under resourced in Houston. As a long-standing civic leader, Robinson has played a crucial role in  shaping Houston landmarks such as the METRO Light Rail Project, NRG Stadium, The  Toyota Center, Minute Maid Park, and the Hilton Americas Hotel. Over the past 16 years,  Robinson has led the award-winning Houston Area Urban League, and in July 2023, he  proudly hosted over 10,000 attendees at the National Urban League conference in  Houston. Since 1968, HAUL has been instrumental in developing a diverse, well-educated  workforce in Houston, and today, the organization reflects on its past 55 years while  focusing on the next 55. 

Recently, Robinson was appointed to the Board of Trustees at his alma mater, Fisk  University, where he is committed to ensuring students have the resources and support  needed to contribute to the future of the United States. 

A third-generation Houstonian, Robinson has a successful background in business,  politics, and community service. Raised in Pleasantville, a historically Black neighborhood,  he learned early on the importance of dedicating one’s life to public service. Judson earned  a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from Fisk University and began his career at  IBM, excelling in sales, marketing, and account management. 

Following in his father's footsteps, Robinson entered local politics. He was elected to the  Houston City Council, serving from 1992-1997 as Council Member At-Large Position 5.  During his tenure, he served as Vice Mayor Pro-Tem, chaired four Council committees  including the Redevelopment and Revitalization Committees, and founded the City’s  Committee on Business and Tourism. He led key development initiatives such as  Midtown’s Redevelopment, the Cotswold Project, and the redevelopment of Texas Avenue,  home to the Houston Area Urban League headquarters. 

After three terms on the City Council, Robinson worked as an entrepreneur in his  consulting firm. Later, he accepted a position as Regional Vice President with Professional  Service Industries (PSI), one of the nation’s largest materials testing laboratories. Following  five years at PSI, he was appointed Deputy Commissioner for Commissioner Sylvia R.  Garcia at Harris County, managing the Precinct’s $30 million operating budget. 

Robinson frequently provides commentary on local and national issues in various news  and information broadcasts. He continues his public service through involvement with  nonprofit organizations such as the United Way of Greater Houston, the SBA Small  Business Development Council Advisory Board, Menninger Clinic, Uptown Redevelopment  Authority, Greater Houston Partnership, and Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated.

His accolades include being named to Who’s Who in Black Houston, Leadership Houston,  American Leadership Forum (Class 11), and being recognized by Comcast NBCUniversal  as a Houston-based civil rights champion. He was also the Prairie View A&M University  Commencement Speaker in Summer 2021. 

Robinson is a member of the Harris Health System Community Benefit Coalition, where his  passion for eliminating health disparities is a major priority. 

Judson is a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, where he has served on the Parish  Council and volunteered annually for the Bazaar. He is also a long-time supporter of the  Galveston/Houston Diocese. 

In addition to his community service and civil rights advocacy, Robinson is a licensed  realtor. Above all else, he is happily married to Cora Robinson, and they have three  children—Jerika, Cortney, and Judson IV. He is also the proud grandfather to Farrah, Kingston, Guru, and Dove.