Dr. Héctor Cárdenas, with over 25 years' experience in public policy, international affairs, and technology strategy, has led or contributed to 80+ projects across the US, Mexico, Canada, Singapore, and Panama. His work has strengthened institutions and improved millions of lives. An expert in public policy analysis and information technology, Dr. Cárdenas focuses on integrity, transparency, and social responsibility to transform government decision-making processes. He helps governments achieve goals by redesigning processes, training teams, and adopting new technologies. 

Some of his notable achievements include transforming Mexico's consular documentation system, saving $350 million annually for Mexican citizens and reducing wait times drastically. He introduced innovative technologies for regulatory reform and technical standards in Canada and Mexico, benefiting society significantly. He also strengthened justice systems in Mexico and Panama, focusing on criminal, labor, and anti-corruption reforms, which helped remove Panama from the FATF grey list. Additionally, he supported the implementation of Mexico’s labor reform to ensure a functioning labor justice system protecting workers’ rights. 

Dr. Cárdenas has worked with global institutions such as the World Bank, Inter- American Development Bank, USAID, USDOL, the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, the French Development Agency, and various government agencies in Mexico, Canada, and beyond. 

Dr. Cárdenas has been teaching at the Goldman School of Public Policy at UC Berkeley since 2009 and is the faculty director of the school’s Master in Public Affairs program. 

In November 2024, Dr. Cárdenas was elected President of the Mexican Council on Foreign Relations. In this role, he aims to expand COMEXI’s influence both nationally and internationally while fostering intergenerational connections and promoting diverse perspectives within the Council. 

Dr. Cárdenas is the co-founder of The Ergo Group, a consultancy specializing in public policy and information technology strategy. As President and CEO he has lead the firm to deliver innovative projects that combine strategic analysis, project implementation, and advanced technological solutions. 

He holds a Ph.D. and a Master’s in Public Policy from the Goldman School of Public Policy at the University of California, Berkeley, a Master’s in Public Administration from the École Nationale d’Administration (ENA) in France, and a Bachelor’s in International Relations from El Colegio de México.