The City of McAllen is proud to announce that Assistant City Manager Michelle Rivera has been named the 2024 Assistant of the Year by the Texas City Management Association (TCMA). This prestigious honor, awarded in memory of Valerie Bradley, recognizes Rivera’s outstanding leadership, ethical commitment, and significant contributions to both the City of McAllen and the profession of local government management.
McAllen is part of TCMA Region 10, which proudly nominated Rivera for this accolade, citing her unwavering dedication and leadership in managing development services for a fast-growing city. Throughout her career, Rivera has exemplified the highest standards of ethical governance and has played a crucial role in ensuring McAllen’s growth is both sustainable and community focused.
McAllen Mayor Javier Villalobos praised Rivera’s leadership, stating, “Michelle Rivera is an exceptional leader whose hard work and dedication have shaped McAllen’s development in countless ways. Her ability to balance the demands of a growing city with ethical governance and strategic vision makes her truly deserving of this honor.”
City Manager Isaac J. Tawil echoed these sentiments, emphasizing her impact on the city’s progress. “Michelle’s expertise and leadership have propelled McAllen forward in ways that benefit our residents daily. From overseeing capital improvement projects to ensuring the seamless adoption of the Comprehensive Plan and Unified Development Code, her contributions have left an indelible mark on our community.”
Rivera expressed gratitude for the recognition, saying, “It is an incredible honor to receive this award from TCMA. Serving the City of McAllen and working alongside such dedicated professionals has been one of the greatest privileges of my career. I am deeply committed to fostering ethical governance, professional development, and innovative city planning to ensure McAllen remains a great place to live and work.”
Rivera’s career spans nearly three decades, during which she has served in key leadership roles, including multiple terms on the TCMA Executive Board representing Region 10 – South Texas. She has also twice served as President of TCMA Region 10 and has played a vital role in mentoring future city management professionals through the TCMA City Managers of Tomorrow Task Force and the City of McAllen mentoring program.
Her accomplishments include spearheading the construction of the McAllen Performing Arts Center, managing all of McAllen’s Capital Improvement Projects, and overseeing Tax Increment Reinvestment Zones that fund critical infrastructure improvements. She also played a pivotal role in launching McAllen’s “Shelter Dogs for the Day” program, an initiative that has since been replicated in other Texas cities.
Beyond her professional achievements, Rivera is a dedicated community member, having served as a Sunday school teacher, Girl Scout leader, and competitive runner. She is AICP-certified, an ICMA Credentialed Manager, and a Certified Public Manager, further underscoring her dedication to professional excellence. She is however, most proud of her role as mother, to two daughters.
The City of McAllen congratulates Michelle Rivera on this well-deserved honor and looks forward to her continued leadership in shaping the future of the city.
Rivera will be recognized at a p presentation of awards ceremony that will be held at the TCMA Annual Conference Awards Luncheon on Friday, June 20, at the Henry B. González Convention Center, located at 900 E. Market Street, San Antonio.
