FLOYDADA, Texas — Growing up in Floydada, a West Texas town of just a few thousand people, Aaron Chavarria knew opportunity didn’t always come knocking. Like many students in rural communities, he was looking for a path that offered both stability and the chance to build something bigger than himself.
Today, Chavarria is a regional site manager for the largest energy infrastructure developer in the U.S. — and he’s working to make sure that same path is visible to the next generation.
Chavarria manages NextEra Energy’s Lone Star East region and was recently recognized with the Texas State Technical College (TSTC) Trailblazer Award, an honor given to alumni who demonstrate professional achievement, leadership and meaningful service to their communities.
For Chavarria, the recognition represents more than personal success. It reflects a journey rooted in mentorship, technical education and a deep commitment to giving back.
Chavarria’s path into the energy space began with a decision shaped by a family member and a mentor. His older brother attended TSTC, and while Chavarria considered other options, including college athletics, a high school mentor helped him see the long-term potential of the energy industry.
“If I was 40 years younger, this is the path I’d take,” the mentor told him.
It was a message Chavarria took to heart.
TSTC’s energy program stood out for its hands-on training and strong connection to industry. As a state-funded institution, the college focuses on placing graduates into jobs, which gave Chavarria confidence that his education would translate directly into a career.
“TSTC wasn’t just about learning in a classroom,” he says. “We were meeting companies like NextEra Energy and seeing firsthand what the work really looked like.”
In October 2016, before officially graduating, Chavarria joined NextEra Energy as a technician at the Majestic Energy Center. It would be his first role in what has become a nearly decade-long career with the company.
Over the years, Chavarria steadily progressed through technical and leadership roles across Texas, including positions at the Lubbock, Roundhouse, Hubbard and McCamey energy centers. Each move brought new responsibility and a deeper understanding of the people behind the work.
In August 2023, he was promoted to regional site manager.
“This is the only company I’ve ever worked for,” Chavarria says. “From the beginning, I saw how much NextEra Energy values people. Not just the work, but the families and communities behind it.”
That people-first approach is something Chavarria now strives to model as a leader.
A significant part of what earned Chavarria the Trailblazer Award is his commitment to strengthening the relationship between NextEra Energy and TSTC.
Over the past several years, he has made quarterly visits to TSTC’s West Texas campus in Sweetwater, speaking directly with students about career opportunities in energy and what it takes to succeed in the field.
“When I’m on campus, I turn off notifications and give students my full attention,” he says. “For them, this moment matters. They’re showing up ready to interview, ready to change their lives.”
Chavarria also serves as co-chair of the TSTC Advisory Council, where he provides feedback on curriculum and helps ensure programs align with real-world industry needs. His efforts have expanded recruiting beyond Sweetwater to campuses in Abilene, Harlingen and other Texas communities.
For students from small towns, Chavarria’s story resonates.
“I want them to see what’s possible,” he shares. “I want them to know there’s a real path here if they’re willing to work for it.”
That visibility has made Chavarria a trusted voice on campus and a strong ambassador for both technical education and energy careers.
Outside of work, Chavarria spends his time with his two children, ages 7 and 13. A lifelong sports fan and fitness enthusiast, he approaches leadership the same way he approaches life—showing up, staying disciplined and putting others first.
When he thinks about legacy, titles and awards aren’t what matter most.
“I want to be someone who puts people before himself,” he says. “A good leader. A good father. Someone willing to help when it matters.”
For Chavarria, the Trailblazer Award isn’t a finish line. It’s confirmation that the work he cares most about is making a difference.
And for the students watching his journey, it’s proof that big futures often start in small towns.
