Assistant city manager appointments approved

The San Marcos City Council voted to approve the appointment of Joe Pantalion and Stephanie Reyes as assistant city managers during Tuesday’s meeting. 

Reyes has served as interim assistant city manager since August, while Pantalion will fill a vacancy left by Steve Parker, who is set to become Seguin’s city manager. 

Additionally, City Manager Bert Lumbreras has formalized his appointment of Chase Stapp as the city’s director of public safety. 

Pantalion recently served as assistant city manager for the City of Richardson. He previously worked for the City of Austin for 21 years and worked in various positions, including director and deputy director of the watershed protection and development department. Pantalion holds a bachelor of science in civil engineering from the University of Texas at Austin. Pantalion takes his position on Jan. 20.

“Joe’s history of successfully managing a diverse group of municipal operations, including stormwater management, affordable housing, facilities and transportation, planning and development will provide San Marcos with continued success in these areas,” Lumbreras said in a statement. “His ability to develop strategic partnerships and obtain external funding for key city projects are integral components for our future vision for our great city.”

Reyes becomes a permanent assistant city manager and takes the position vacated by Collette Jamison, who retired during the summer. Reyes has worked for the city for 18 years and previously served as chief of staff prior to becoming interim assistant city manager. During her time, she’s served as assistant director of human resources and assistant to the city manager. 

Reyes will continue to oversee administrative services, including the city manager’s office, human resources, information technology, communications and intergovernmental relations, parks and recreation and destination services and finance. She holds a masters of public administration from Texas State University and is a San Marcos High School alumna. 

Reyes’ appointment is effective immediately. 

“Stephanie is an outstanding leader with strong management skills and has been a very effective part of my executive team,” Lumbreras said. “She has more than proven herself, not only during the last four months in her interim capacity, but throughout her entire work career and service to our community.”

Stapp served as interim director of public safety since August and his appointment is effective immediately. Stapp previously served as San Marcos’ chief of police. He will oversee police, fire, emergency management, municipal court and neighborhood enhancement. 

“Chase brings a wealth of knowledge and success in public safety and law enforcement to this newly created position within our city,” Lumbreras said. “He is a thoughtful and creative leader who has garnered great respect both within the community and the overall organization.”