Breadth of experience in both city government, venue financial management gives Resendez well-rounded perspective on municipal fiscal operations
The City of McAllen is proud to announce the appointment of Sonia Resendez as its new Director of Finance, effective March 2025. Resendez brings nearly two decades of experience in local government finance and a proven track record of fiscal leadership to the role, where she oversees the city’s financial operations, including debt management, investments, and financial reporting.
“Properly managing the city’s finances is one of the most critical functions of municipal government, and I am proud that McAllen has the right person for this important job,” said McAllen Mayor Javier Villalobos. “Sonia’s experience, dedication, and proven success make her an outstanding choice to guide our financial future.”
Resendez has served the City of McAllen since January 2016, holding key positions including Assistant Investment Officer, Finance Manager, and most recently, Assistant Finance Director. In these roles, she has played an integral part in managing the City’s financial operations, investments, debt management, and the preparation of the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR).
While serving as McAllen’s Assistant Investment Officer, she helped manage the city’s investment portfolio by working closely with investment officers to secure the best rates for the city. Under this stewardship, McAllen’s investment portfolio grew from $280 million to $470 million over 10 years. As Finance Manager, Resendez oversaw the Grants Division within the Finance Department, managing and overseeing grant funding that grew from $10 million in 2019 to a peak of $65 million in 2021, and $31 million in 2024.
She has also managed critical financial aspects of the McAllen Firemen’s Pension, the Anzalduas International Bridge, the McAllen-Hidalgo International Bridge and City of McAllen TIRZ (Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone).
“Sonia has demonstrated tremendous professionalism, integrity, and expertise throughout her career with the City of McAllen,” said City Manager Isaac J. Tawil. “The position of Finance Director carries incredible responsibility, as it safeguards our financial health and directly supports the services we provide to our residents. I am confident that Sonia’s leadership will ensure our city’s continued fiscal strength and transparency.”
Before joining McAllen, Resendez served as Director of Finance for both the City of Hidalgo and State Farm Arena (now Payne Arena). There, she successfully oversaw investments, audits, budgets and worked closely with event promoters to ensure accurate financial settlements.
“I am honored and excited to serve as Finance Director for the City of McAllen,” said Resendez. “It has been a privilege to work alongside such a talented team, and I look forward to continuing to uphold our city’s strong financial health while supporting the delivery of high-quality services to our community.”
Resendez earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from the University of Texas-Pan American, now UTRGV. She is married and the proud mother of two boys.
