Texas Border Business
McALLEN, Texas – With more than 30 years of dedicated service in local government, McAllen Deputy City Manager Michelle Rivera has been honored with the Excellence in Ethics and Integrity Award from the Texas City Management Association (TCMA). The recognition reflects a distinguished career defined by ethical courage, servant leadership, and an unwavering commitment to strengthening governance, mentoring future municipal leaders, and serving the community with dignity and integrity.
Directly overseeing Development Services, Office of Communications, City Secretary, Grants Administration, and Health and Code for one of the fastest growing metropolitan areas in South Texas, Rivera balances transparency and public trust.
Her leadership style prioritizes principled decision making, listening, and fairness, while also emphasizing mentorship. She has personally guided six emerging professionals who have each advanced in their careers. Rivera was also instrumental in the development of a Youth Advisory Council, engaging high school students in a nine-month leadership program focused on civic responsibility and real-world decision-making in municipal government.
And, for more than a decade, Rivera has served as a TCMA “Train the Trainer” for Region 10, equipping municipal leaders with the tools and guidance necessary to uphold the highest ethical standards. She regularly presents ethics sessions at state and regional conferences, helping professionals meet continuing education requirements while reinforcing the core tenets of integrity and accountability.
“I am immensely proud of Michelle Rivera, who sets the standard for public service by challenging herself and those around her, leading with integrity and the highest ethical expectations, and fostering a culture where transparency, accountability, and servant leadership are practiced daily,” said McAllen City Manager Isaac J. Tawil. He went on to say that Rivera models balance, resilience, and community engagement through her unwavering dedication to health, wellness, and civic causes.
The TCMA Excellence in Ethics and Integrity Award honors Rivera’s distinguished career; with a workforce of 2,600, each team member takes pride in her efforts as she sets a standard of accountability that inspires colleagues locally and her peers across Texas.
