THE TEAM

Henok Zewdie – PRO/Liaison

Henok Zewdie, an Ethiopian descent, is a chief architect of the Houston Taxi Association. His in-depth knowledge of the industry has been greatly drawn upon in the reinvention process the taxicab industry has had to go through.

His precision and insight have been invaluable to pivotal decision-making moments that redefined our competitive advantage today.

Henok obtained an advanced degree from the Ethiopian Academy of Sciences and is an ordained minister who serves his community exceptionally. Henok, his beautiful wife and children are role models that continue to positively impact communities in the U.S. and their home country of Ethiopia. A man of faith and high integrity, Henok has a magnetic influence on all who is privileged to experience his interactions.

Edward Gee - Treasurer

Edward Belleh Gee emigrated from Liberia with his family to the United States in 2005 where they became U.S. citizens. Edward joined the taxicab industry in 2016 when the industry was rapidly changing from the old taxicab industry to the new innovative model.

As the Treasurer of the Houston Taxi Association, he has contributed immensely by utilizing his vast experience in financial management to ensure that the financial needs of the organization and members are met, and the association is in compliance with business and regulatory requirements.

Edward is a graduate of the Zwedru Multilateral Vocational and Technical Institute in Financial Management. He is also a graduate of the Liberian National Police Training Academy with a certificate in police science where he was a lieutenant and served as Chief of Patrol with the Grand Gedeh Police Detachment. He is also the Ambassador of the Liberian Community Association of Houston. He is very passionate with justice, equality, transparency, hard work, and respect for all.

Bissong Bissong – Vice President

With over 30 years experience in the taxicab industry, Bissong has been on the frontline and using his skills to reshape the industry. He is a tireless activist who doesn’t shy away from any strategy that would produce solutions for the rapidly-changing taxicab industry.

He is an influential leader in the Cameroun Community in the diaspora, and an active member of the Key Club of Houston. He and his wife love to travel, host guests, and organize events. He is a great advocate of climate change and works closely with the City of Houston policy makers to make an impact.

Martin Desantiago – CFO

Martin Desantiago is the CFO of the Houston Taxi Association. A strong pillar in the Houston Hispanic Community, Martin is a voice of reason and has an ingenious way of combining the CFO duties with marketing which comes naturally to him.

Martin obtained a bachelor’s degree from the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México where he specialized in mechanical engineering. His migration to the U.S. decades ago with his wife and two children changed his career path to the transportation industry. An avid sportsman, Martin continues to make his yearly “pilgrimage” to Mexico to visit his 90-year-old mother and his extended family members.

Raymond Ito – President / Chief Information Officer (CIO)

Raymond holds a BA in Communications Studies from the University of Maryland. He holds a Masters of Business Administration (MBA) in Financial Management, and a Masters in Information Systems from the University of Maryland Global Campus Graduate School of Management and Technology. Raymond fosters continuous integration and continuous development, and believes that with God ALL things are possible.

Raymond Ito is the President and Chief Information Officer of the Houston Taxi Association. He became involved in the taxicab industry in 2012 when the ride-sharing model (Uber/Lyft) totally disrupted it. It was a pivotal moment for the taxicab industry to be obliterated or reinvent itself and be aligned with the new market and technological realities. A visionary with a very dedicated team, and working closely with the great leadership of the City of Houston, the Administration & Regulatory Affairs Department (ARA), and the management of the Houston Airport System (HAS), Raymond and his team successfully introduced innovative strategies that value people more than any other resource. The strategy reinvented the taxicab industry. And due to new technologies and competitive pricing introduced by the ride-sharing model, Raymond was motivated to focus on the CIO role. With his wearing the two “hats", the Houston Taxi Association successfully created a win-win theatre for all stakeholders in the ground transportation space in Houston!

Sam S. Nyuma - Secretary

Sam S. Nyuma, a man with legendary organizational skills is the Secretary of the Houston Taxi Association. His wealth of experience and background in successfully steering other institutions made him the unparalleled choice for this position.

Sam obtained two Bachelor's degrees in Economics and Maritime Transportation and Security Management from both the University of Liberian and the Texas Southern University respectively. He also obtained a Masters of Business Administration (MBA) from the Cuttington University Program.

Sam is humble beyond description and a strong believer in the Holy Scriptures. Him and his beautiful wife and two children actively serve their community and always seek ways to positively impact others.