City council names Erik Walsh as proposed finalist for city manager position

SAN ANTONIO – The San Antonio City Council named Deputy City Manager Erik Walsh as the finalist for the city manager position on Wednesday night.

"Erik has advanced from budget analyst to Deputy City Manager during his 24 years with the city, demonstrating strong leadership abilities and a collaborative spirit while rising through the ranks,” Mayor Nirenberg said in a statement. “His skill and experience overseeing crucial public safety departments will enable him to serve San Antonio well.” 

The top two finalists out of eight applicants, Walsh and San Antonio Assistant City Manager Maria Villagomez, advanced to a second round of interviews on Tuesday. The second round of interviews was conducted in a special City Council meeting Wednesday afternoon in the Municipal Plaza Building. 

“Both finalists brought extraordinarily strong credentials and ability to the table. The city would be in good hands with either of these talented leaders, but after much discussion it was clear that Erik is best prepared to address the issues and circumstances facing San Antonio today," Nirenberg said in a statement. 

The position became vacant when Sheryl Sculley announced in late November that she plans to retire after 13 years with the city.

A final decision will be made on Jan. 31. 


About the Authors:

David Ibañez has been managing editor of KSAT.com since the website's launch in October 2000.

Ivan Herrera has worked as a journalist in San Antonio since 2016. His work for KSAT 12 and KSAT.com includes covering breaking news of the day, as well as producing Q&As and content for the "South Texas Pride" and "KSAT Money" series.