TREVINO
By ARABELLA SERRATA
editor@sbnewspaper.com
LAGUNA VISTA, TEXAS—Former San Benito City Manager and Resaca City native, Victor Trevino was recently hired as City Manager for a Laguna Madre-area community.
Trevino was named Laguna Vista City Manager roughly three months after LVPD Deputy Greg Cruz was ushered in as interim city manager in December 2024, following the departure of former City Manager, Rendie R. Gonzales.
Trevino has extensive history working within Cameron County. He was the programs director for the County for five years and was at the Olmito Water Supply Corporation for ten years. He also served as the Chief Executive Officer of the San Benito Public Housing Authority for 14 years, and was San Benito City Manager for seven years, totaling nearly 40 years of experience.
He left his City Manager job in San Benito in 2008 and has decided to return to the role for a new city.
“I wanted to get back into being a City Manager, and it was available. I like the community…” said Trevino. “Every day is different. Every day there are problems, and you solve them, and then you get new ones… It’s always gratifying, even the negative things, because you get to make changes that take place. Sometimes it happens quickly, sometimes it takes more time, but it feels good when you solve problems for your community.”
Trevino hopes to receive firsthand recommendations for action from the community. “I want to know what the community and city commission have in place already, and then, hopefully, be a part of that development,” said Trevino.
Trevino was raised in the Resaca City where he attended San Benito schools and immersed himself in the community after completing his studies. That strong community connection helped citizens come to him with their concerns and comments when he took on leadership roles in San Benito, he explained. “…Even though they are different communities, in the end, all of them are people, and they have different views,” said Trevino. He added that he seeks to take these views and channel them into positive change for the community. “Sometimes, all it takes is listening,” said Trevino.
He graduated from San Benito High School in 1972 and earned an associate of arts degree from Texas Southmost College in 1974. He continued his studies at the University of Texas at Austin where he graduated with a degree in psychology and government in 1976 and finished at the Harvard Graduate School of Education with a master’s degree in administration and policy in 1979.
Trevino knew early in his career that he wanted to help his community. “I knew I was going to come back [from college] because I wanted to make a difference in my community,” said Trevino. He planned on serving his hometown through the city or school boards. He eventually worked on both throughout his career. He carefully curated his education to the work he was striving for.
“I set these goals, and I’m glad I achieved them, but now I hope to do the same thing for Laguna Vista,” said Trevino, adding that he hopes to work well with Laguna Vista’s administration, and also with its citizens.
“I’m going to be there to listen to them,” said Trevino. “I hope that they express what they want so I adjust my goals, and it coincides with their thinking…”
Trevino’s first official day as Laguna Vista City Manager is March 24. “I’m looking forward to it, and I hope they are as well,” Trevino concluded.
1 comment
Thank you for reporting on local happenings. Keep up the good work.