Before There’s Pomp and
Circumstance, There’s
Planning and Teamwork.
Staff Spotlight: Henry Chica, Office of Protocol and Special Events
Meet Henry Chica, assistant director in the Office of Protocol and Special Events.
This year, Chica and the special events team helped coordinate 26 graduation ceremonies – nine in the fall and 17 in the spring; plus, they produced more than 100 special events for the University of Houston System.
That's a lot! We wondered how they do it.
What’s the key to all these high-profile events running smoothly?
Establishing a solid, working relationship with other departments and vendors.
Many moving pieces go into event coordination. Luckily, our office is comprised of event professionals from different backgrounds, and we benefit from the fresh, new ideas. Utilizing the strengths of everyone sets us up for success.
What’s one of the most rewarding parts about working at UH?
Commencement, by far. We get to celebrate the accomplishments of thousands of students. Each has their own story and journey, and we get to be a part of it.
No matter the position, anything we do for the University directly impacts the students. They’re the reason we’re here. I've enjoyed seeing all the graduates celebrate with their peers and seeing families cheer with joy from the stands.
What's one of the most challenging parts?
While commencement is my most rewarding, it is also the most challenging!
A lot of coordination, by many departments, goes into planning for this multi-day production. Working with that many people can be a challenge itself, but we have a great team who understands the end goal, and we strive for excellence.
I’ve enjoyed my time at UH. I’ve brought new perspective to my team, challenged myself and grown as an events professional.
What is your degree and where did you attend school?
I have a bachelor of science in kinesiology and master of science in exercise physiology, both from Stephen F. Austin State University.
What inspired you to go from kinesiology and exercise physiology to event planning?
I did clinical work in grad school and was going down the cardiac rehabilitation route. Freshman year, I joined the Student Activities Association, which was the programming board for Stephen F. Austin State University. I worked my way up and stayed involved in this group for six years, coordinating a wide variety of events.
I soon realized I enjoyed the thrill of planning an event, the stresses associated with it and seeing the final product. After graduation, I was hired to do special events and community outreach, and that experience further confirmed my career choice.
No matter how difficult the planning process is for an event, all the hard work is worth it in the end when you look at the faces of the guests.
What made you want to work at UH?
That's simple. One word in the name of the university: HOUSTON.
I was born and raised in Houston, and I knew it was time to come back home. I previously worked for Parks and Recreation in Lewisville, outside Dallas. I started working there after college, and it afforded me many skills that I would be able to use for years to come. But it was time to come home.
Name three words that best describe you.
Dedicated. Reliable. Hilarious. I enjoy a good laugh and making others laugh.
How do you keep your focus/good humor when running big events?
Finding the perfect support group keeps me focused and laughing at the same time.
Accountability has been the driving force in the Office of Protocol and Special Events. I've been really lucky with the team I joined. We instantly grew a bond in a short time.
There are plenty of instances when I forget that I haven’t known them for years. We've been able to work well with each other professionally, understanding that it's okay to laugh and have fun every once in a while.
This has really made us a strong team, and I appreciate, respect and value the skills each individual brings.
Is there a tool you use to keep yourself and projects organized?
To-do lists play a big role in keeping myself and my work organized. There’s just something about writing down a task, checking off a box or scratching through it that's so satisfying. Don’t get me wrong … sometimes I need a to-do list to find and complete another to-do list.
What do you do in your off time?
I enjoy hanging out with friends, trying new food, exploring the outdoors and cheering on the Houston Astros and Dallas Stars.
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