While San Antonio is known for its rich Spanish heritage and landmarks like the Alamo, it also happens to have a population of nearly 1.5 million people. Add to that the thousands of tourists who visit the city each month and the city definitely provides its share of challenges to the public servants working under the direction of  San Antonio City Manager Sheryl Sculley. Sculley recommended that we meet Maria Villagomez, who she felt would make a great candidate for a Community Hero profile.

As her video profile reflects, Villagomez’ responsibilities as assistant city manager touch many elements of San Antonio city life. She describes it as an honor to work across the Human Services spectrum helping to deliver services to the city’s youth, children, seniors, and homeless residents. She also oversees the city’s many parks and animal care services. Villagomez sums it up by saying, “Local government is a very rewarding line of work. It can be challenging at times but I wouldn’t change it for anything.”