As Founder & CEO of VENNTION, Lori Castillo advises organizations navigating moments of growth, reinvention, and transformation, working at the intersection of strategy, culture, brand, and executive storytelling. She brings more than 15 years of executive leadership experience spanning branding, communications, culture transformation, innovation, stakeholder engagement, and market strategy across consumer goods, agriculture, hospitality, media, and nonprofit organizations.

Prior to founding VENNTION, Lori held several executive leadership roles at NatureSweet, where she helped shape the company’s brand evolution, communications strategy, cultural transformation, and purpose-driven positioning. During her tenure, she led award-winning initiatives, supported international growth, and helped elevate the company’s mission of transforming the lives of agricultural workers in North America.

Deeply engaged in the San Antonio community, Lori has held leadership and governance roles across a number of civic and nonprofit organizations. She serves as Immediate Past Chairwoman of Texas Public Radio, following her tenure as Board Chair during a pivotal period of organizational growth and leadership transition. She is also an alumna of Leadership San Antonio and has continued to serve the program in leadership roles, helping develop and connect emerging leaders across the community. Her civic involvement also includes the Texas Lyceum, the San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, the Hemisfair Park Area Redevelopment Corporation (HPARC), and service as a former Historic and Design Review Commissioner for the City of San Antonio.

Lori holds an MBA from The Ohio State University’s Fisher College of Business and a BBA from Texas A&M University. A native San Antonian, she returned home after nearly two decades living and working outside Texas and is passionate about investing her experience, relationships, and leadership in the community that shaped her.

Her leadership is grounded in curiosity, strategic thinking, relationship-building, and a belief that strong cultures create environments where people can thrive. She is particularly passionate about developing the next generation of leaders and helping institutions build the culture, confidence, and sense of possibility that allow young people to find their own path to impact.

Lori is proud to serve on the Keystone School Board of Trustees and to support a school community committed to academic excellence, curiosity, character, and preparing students to contribute meaningfully to the world around them.