About HAUL
Our President

Judson W. Robinson III assumed the role of President & CEO of the Houston Area Urban League in 2008, viewing it as an opportunity to lead civically and advocate for the under-resourced in the Houston Area. As a civic leader for many years, Robinson helped shape the landscape of many Houston destinations. Projects such as the METRO Light Rail, NRG Stadium, Minute Maid Park, and the Hilton Americas Hotel to mention a few. For the past 16 years, Robinson has led the award-winning Houston Area Urban League. Culminating his tenure, he proudly hosted over 10,000 attendees at the National Urban League conference in Houston. Under his leadership, HAUL is poised to lead the development of a diverse, well-educated workforce in Houston for the next 55 years.

A third-generation Houstonian, Mr. Robinson boasts a successful background in business, politics, and community service. Raised in Pleasantville, a historically Black neighborhood, he learned from an early age the importance of dedicating one's life to civil service. Judson earned a Bachelor of Arts in business administration from Fisk University and began his professional career at IBM, excelling in sales, marketing, and account management.

Ultimately entering local politics, Robinson was elected to the Houston City Council serving from 1992-1997 as Council Member At-Large Position 5. Serving as Vice Mayor Pro-Tem, he chaired four Council committees, including the Redevelopment and Revitalization Committees, and founded the City’s Committee on Business and Tourism. Focused on community development, he led initiatives like the Cotswold Project and the effort to redevelop Texas Avenue, home to the headquarters of the Houston Area Urban League.

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

Judson can often be found providing commentary on local and national issues, on various news and information broadcasts. He continues his public service with nonprofit organizations, including the United Way of Greater Houston, Menninger Clinic, Uptown Redevelopment Authority, SBA Small Business Development Council Advisory Board, Greater Houston Partnership, and Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated. In addition to his community service and civil rights advocacy, Mr. Robinson is also a licensed realtor. Above all else mentioned, he is luckily married to Cora Robinson, and they have three children – Jerika, Cortney, and Judson IV. He is the grandfather to Farrah, Kingston, Guru, and Dove.