Texas Border Business
By Roberto Hugo González | Texas Border Business
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Texas Governor Greg Abbott has appointed McAllen City Manager Isaac J. “Ike” Tawil to serve on the board of the Texas Municipal Retirement System (TMRS). This position places him among the state’s top municipal leaders, overseeing more than $43 billion in retirement funds and representing over 200,000 employees across Texas.
Tawil’s appointment was announced during his remarks at the McAllen Chamber of Commerce’s Government Affairs Series, where he expressed gratitude for the opportunity to represent not only McAllen but municipalities statewide. “I am thrilled,” Tawil said. “I’ve taken every opportunity I can to serve the State of Texas in whatever capacity I can. Being able to serve on this board is a tremendous honor.”
The TMRS Board of Trustees oversees one of the largest and most stable municipal retirement systems in the country, managing investment strategies, member benefits, and policy implementation for participating cities. Tawil said his role on the board will help ensure that local governments remain strong employers capable of supporting their workforce with reliable benefits. “We need to make sure we have a municipal workforce that is ready to support the state’s economic development efforts,” he said. “A healthy, sustainable retirement system is key to that.”
Tawil emphasized that the appointment also creates opportunities for McAllen to stay closely connected to policy decisions that shape municipal governance across Texas. “By being part of TMRS leadership, McAllen has a seat at the table in discussions that impact cities statewide,” he said. “It’s a great way to keep our community plugged into state initiatives and future planning.”
The appointment comes as McAllen continues to align its local development strategy with statewide goals for economic growth and workforce readiness. Tawil pointed to ongoing collaboration between the city and the Governor’s Office of Economic Development, which is working to attract advanced manufacturing and technology industries to Texas. “The Governor has a very robust economic development agenda,” Tawil said. “We’re making sure McAllen stays engaged with those efforts so that we can take advantage of the opportunities they bring.”
Tawil explained that serving on the TMRS board also reinforces his long-term commitment to public service and fiscal responsibility. “It’s about stewardship,” he said. “We’re talking about the retirement funds of hundreds of thousands of public servants—people who dedicate their lives to their communities. Managing those resources carefully is a responsibility I take very seriously.”
The city manager noted that his appointment represents both an honor and a responsibility to advocate for municipalities across Texas. “This isn’t just about McAllen,” he said. “It’s about ensuring that all cities have the support they need to recruit and retain the best employees, provide essential services, and continue driving Texas forward.”
As McAllen continues its record of growth and civic innovation, Tawil’s role on the TMRS board strengthens the city’s influence in statewide policymaking. “This is another way for McAllen to contribute to the success of Texas,” he said. “We’re proud of what we’ve accomplished locally, and now we have an opportunity to help shape the policies that will define the future of cities across our state.”
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