QUEST Staff
Project QUEST works hard to register, train, and place our applicants.
David J. Zammiello, President/CEO
David J. Zammiello began his role as Executive Director of QUEST on June 26, 2017. Zammiello most recently served as Vice President of USAA’s Property and Casualty Staff Operations during a thirty-two year career at USAA which concluded with an early retirement in December of 2016. During his last 20 years at USAA, he served in various senior level executive positions where he was responsible for providing visionary leadership and implementing strategic business plans.
Throughout his career with USAA, Zammiello was actively involved serving the San Antonio business and non-profit communities. He is a graduate of Leadership San Antonio (LSA 22) and served on the LSA 41 Steering Committee. Zammiello recently concluded a six year appointment to the Board of Directors of the San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. In addition, he continues to serve on the UTSA Alumni Association Board of Directors and chairs the Strategic Planning committee. Zammiello has served on the board of the Alzheimer Association, involved with San Antonio for Youth Literacy (SAYL) and United Way of San Antonio.
Lelani Mercado, Chief Program Officer
A native of El Paso, Texas, Lelani left the Sun City to attend the University of the Incarnate Word. She later met her husband a native of San Antonio and made San Antonio her new home. Lelani loves spending time with friends and family. At QUEST, she is the Chief Program Officer and truly believes in team efforts to create positive outcomes for participants. She has been at QUEST for 16 years and attributes this to the wonderful team she gets to work with daily and also the QUEST participants that are making the difference in their lives.
Eli Eguia Robinson, Director of Community Partnerships
Elizabeth (Eli) Eguia Robinson began her role as Director of Community Partnerships for Project QUEST in November 2018. Eguia Robinson has had a desire to serve the community and has worked in the nonprofit sector for both public and private educational institutions. She is a graduate of numerous distinguished programs: the Leadership San Antonio Class #43, Harvard University Kennedy School of Government’s Executive Leadership Program, and the National Hispana Leadership Institute’s Fellowship Program. She is also an alumni of the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) Summer Internship Program in Washington, D.C. Eguia Robinson serves on the Association of Fundraising Professionals San Antonio and South Texas Board since January 2020.
Mary E. Rodriguez, CFE Director of Accounting and Finance
Mary Ester Rodriguez, Director of Accounting and Finance, brings 30+ years’ experience in Accounting, Non-profit and Auditing. She received her Bachelors of Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting from Our Lady of the Lake University. She received her Certified Fraud Examiner’s License in 2010. She serves in the Counting Ministry at her Church. She enjoys fishing and photography.
Hugo Hernandez, Program Manager
Having joined Project QUEST in April 2005, Hugo has 15 years of experience in workforce development. He grew up in the Westside of San Antonio and is a first generation college student. Individuals realizing their educational and career goals is what drives Hugo to remain in the field.
Ruby Siddle, Program Manager
Ruby Garcia Siddle graduated Cum Laude from St. Mary’s University and joined Project QUEST Inc. in 2010 as a Public Ally through the Americorps program. Since 2012 Ruby has been a career advisor with Project QUEST under various career tracks, to include Nursing and Information Technology. Ruby’s passion is to thrive within an organization that values community, leadership, and the empowerment of individuals that works towards making a substantial change within the community.