Photo above: The storytellers behind the message. The Office of Communications team stands alongside City Manager Isaac J. Tawil, proudly serving as the voices of City of McAllen. Photo courtesy City of McAllen.
McAllen, Michelle Rivera, Texas City Management Association, TCMA, Excellence in Ethics and Integrity Award, TAMIO, Texas Association of Municipal Information Officers, Office of Communications, Quinta Mazatlán, Nativa Plant Month, municipal government, public service
Staff Report
MCALLEN TX - The City of McAllen announced two statewide recognitions for municipal leadership and public communications, with Deputy City Manager Michelle Rivera and the Office of Communications each earning honors at separate conferences.
Rivera Honored for Ethics, Integrity
Rivera received the Excellence in Ethics and Integrity Award from the Texas City Management Association during the association’s annual conference last week in Arlington, Texas. The award recognizes her more than three decades of public service and her commitment to ethical leadership, mentorship, transparency, and community stewardship. Rivera has served as a TCMA trainer, conference presenter, and advocate for ethical decision-making in local government, and has contributed to ethics training and educational programs for elected officials and community leaders.
“Michelle embodies the highest standards of public service and demonstrates a people first approach to leadership,” City Manager Ike Tawil said. “Her dedication to integrity and mentorship has positively impacted countless employees, elected officials, and residents. This recognition is a reflection of the values she brings to our organization every day.”
Communications Office Earns Gold Award
The City of McAllen Office of Communications received a Gold Award from the Texas Association of Municipal Information Officers during its annual conference held June 3 in Austin, Texas.
The award recognized a video storytelling campaign produced in partnership with Quinta Mazatlán for Nativa Plant Month, an initiative designed to encourage the use of native plants, environmental stewardship, and sustainable landscaping practices. The campaign featured educational videos and community outreach efforts highlighting native plant species and their environmental benefits.
“This recognition reflects the collective work of the Office of Communications and our partnerships with all 41 City departments to share the stories, programs, initiatives, events, and public service campaigns that make a meaningful difference in the lives of residents,” said Irma Chapa, Director of Communications. “Every award is a testament to the collaboration, creativity, and commitment of our team and the departments we serve.”
The award-winning videos are available on the City of McAllen YouTube channel and were developed through a collaborative effort between the Office of Communications and Quinta Mazatlán staff.
Source - City of McAllen