Texas Border Business
By Roberto Hugo González
The unexpected resignation of Roel “Roy” Rodriguez, P.E., is a surprise and could pose a significant and monumental challenge for city leaders of McAllen in the near future. Selecting his successor will require meticulous consideration of anyone aspiring to step into his role. Rodriguez, as city manager, is a champion who has shown exceptional performance, initially as an engineer and subsequently as a city manager. He announced his resignation on www.myrgv.com.
Rodriguez’s retirement marks the end of an era for McAllen, given his significant contributions over two decades. His decision to stay through the budget process shows a commitment to a smooth transition. The city’s current financial strength and stability demonstrates his effective leadership.
Photo by Roberto Hugo Gonzalez
Mayor Javier Villalobos aboard a plane to Washington, gave Texas Border Business his thoughts on Roy’s departure. “You should always exit your career when you are on top, and Roy is doing just that. He leaves our great city in the best shape ever. Finances are excellent, employee morale is great, and the Commission is cohesive. He will be missed dearly. Our hope is that he does not leave too far and will be accessible to us if needed for consultation.”
Photo by Roberto Hugo Gonzalez
Laura Warren of The Warren Group also commented on Roy’s retirement. “Roy has been an exemplary leader for the city of McAllen. His vision and leadership have kept McAllen at the forefront, setting an example that will leave lasting marks on the city. His retirement is well-deserved, but his presence will be greatly missed.”
Photo by Roberto Hugo Gonzalez
Commissioner Victor “Seby” Haddad said, “McAllen is indebted to Roy for his years of dedicated service and steadfast leadership. He is a true professional who inspires those around him to aim for excellence on a daily basis. I wish him well upon his upcoming retirement and I am honored to have served as an elected official under his exceptional tenure and thank him for his principled guidance.”
Finding a successor could be challenging for the commission due to Rodriguez’s high standards and the intricate understanding required to manage McAllen’s extensive operations. His emphasis on leaving at the city’s peak highlights his desire for a legacy of success and stability.
Comments from Jim Darling, Former City Attorney, City Manager, and McAllen Mayor. When asked about the difficulty of replacing Roel “Roy” Rodriguez, Jim Darling reflected on the challenge ahead:
“Do you think that it’s going to be a very difficult task to replace Rodriguez, taking into consideration the growth and the success of the city?”
Photo by Roberto Hugo Gonzalez
“Replacing Roy will undoubtedly be challenging, especially considering the city’s growth and success under his leadership. However, we’ve faced similar transitions before and have always managed to find someone capable of taking things to the next level. I have confidence in the strong team Roy has built. Whether the City Commission looks internally or externally for his successor, I believe we will be in good hands. Roy has done a fantastic job, and while we will certainly miss his leadership, this is a natural part of having an outstanding city manager.”
Photo by Roberto Hugo Gonzalez
Also, Texas Border Business contacted Mike Blum asking him his opinion about Roy’s resignation and he said, “He’s been a great city manager and has built a great team of other professionals who were in the assistant city manager roles and built a great city that’s highly recognized Valley wide and nationally.” Blum is a former McAllen City Planner 1973, Community Development Director 74-76, Assistant City Manager 78-79, and PUB member 1982-1999.
Rodriguez’s departure will necessitate a leader who matches his technical skills, tenacity, and experience and shares his dedication to the community’s wellbeing. The city’s continued prosperity will depend on the commission’s ability to select a candidate to uphold and build upon Rodriguez’s achievements
Leadership and Legacy: The Journey of McAllen City Manager Roel “Roy” Rodriguez
Humble Beginnings
Roel “Roy” Rodriguez, P.E., the City Manager of McAllen, Texas, exemplifies the American dream through his journey from humble beginnings to a pivotal role in public administration. Born the sixth of nine children to Cesario and Beatriz Rodriguez, Rodriguez’s upbringing in a hardworking, tight-knit family instilled in him the values of humility and diligence. His father, an accomplished horseman, and his mother, both rooted in rich Mexican heritage, shaped his character and work ethic.
Forging a Career
Rodriguez’s professional journey began after graduating from Harlingen High School in 1981, leading him to earn a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Texas A&I University and a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Texas-Pan American. His career took him across various cities, including Oklahoma City, Tulsa, and Beaumont, Texas, where he held significant management positions. Each move was a step towards honing his skills and preparing him for his eventual role in McAllen.
Making McAllen Shine
In McAllen, Rodriguez spent ten years overseeing the city’s infrastructure as the head of Public Utilities, managing water and wastewater operations. His tenure saw McAllen’s utilities reach new heights, making it one of the most prosperous cities in the region. His dual role as Assistant City Manager showcased his versatility and capability in managing complex municipal operations.
In March 2014, Rodriguez was named interim City Manager and officially took on the role in May 2014. His transition was marked by significant challenges, including filling key positions in the city’s administration amidst retirements and resignations. Despite the hurdles, Rodriguez’s extensive experience and strategic approach enabled him to successfully navigate these challenges.
Leadership and Vision
Rodriguez’s leadership is characterized by his ability to maintain and improve city operations, evidenced by his oversight of 35 departments $660 total budget, and over $250 million operating budget. His strategic hiring of three assistant city managers—Michelle Leftwich, Jeff Johnston, and Joe Vera—further strengthened McAllen’s administration. Each hire brought unique strengths, reflecting Rodriguez’s keen eye for talent and his commitment to excellence in public service.
Personal Reflections and Legacy
Balancing a demanding career with family life, Rodriguez remains deeply connected to his roots and committed to his family’s well-being. His decision to settle in McAllen for the long term accentuates his dedication to providing stability for his children and his wife, Noelia Mancha.
Rodriguez’s impact on McAllen extends beyond infrastructure and administrative efficiency. His leadership style, characterized by integrity, transparency, and a passion for public service, has earned him the respect of his colleagues and the community. He has had many honors too many to enlist, one of them was “City Manager of the Year” by the Texas City Managers Association is a demonstration of his contributions and leadership.
Roel “Roy” Rodriguez’s journey from a small-town boy to McAllen’s City Manager is a story of perseverance, dedication, and visionary leadership. His ability to navigate complex municipal challenges while maintaining a deep commitment to public service and community improvement sets him apart as a remarkable leader. McAllen, under his stewardship, continues to thrive and evolve, reflecting his belief that the city is “one step from heaven.”
Being named interim City Manager in March 2014, and beginning as such on April 1. A few weeks later on in May 2014, Rodriguez was selected to fill the position of McAllen City Manager and to report directly to the Mayor and City Commission.
