MEET ONE OF THE 2025 LEADERSHIP TRAILBLAZER: Alex Lopez
Today’s Trailblazer: Alex Lopez
The League caught up with Trailblazer Finalist, Alex Lopez, Assistant City Manager, San Antonio, Texas to talk about being named a Leadership Trailblazer and having a career in public service:
Q: Congratulations on being named a finalist for the Leadership Trailblazer Award. What does it mean to you to be nominated?
Being nominated for the Leadership Trailblazer Award is humbling and energizing. I deeply appreciate the recognition and consider it a celebration of the many colleagues, mentors, and community partners who have walked alongside me in service. It demonstrates that values of collaboration, innovation, and inclusion resonate in our profession, and it motivates me to keep opening doors for women.
Q: What led you to a career in public service?
I wanted a career where my work could improve lives, strengthen communities, and help shape a more equitable future. I was drawn to public service because I saw how local government directly impacts residents’ lives, allowing and my interests and strengths to strategically align.
Q: Who were your mentor(s) or advocate(s) in your career?
I have been fortunate to have three San Antonio city managers serve as both formal and informal mentors at various stage of my career. Alex Briseno was a professor in my MPA program and early on shared valuable perspective into the field. Sheryl Sculley was an advocate for women throughout our organization and directly supported my participation in various leadership development opportunities. My current city manager, Erik Walsh, trusts me with responsibilities that at times take me out of my comfort zone, helping me grow and learn in the process. I’ve also benefited greatly from strong relationships with colleagues from professional networks, such as the Urban Management Assistants of South Texas, TCMA, the Local Government Hispanic Network, and ICMA.
Q: What is the most important lesson you learned while progressing throughout your career?
The most important lesson I’ve learned is that the abilities that help someone standout and earn a promotion – such as technical expertise or task execution – are not always the same abilities needed to succeed in a higher role. Leadership positions demand new skills like strategic thinking, delegation and developing others, which require a different mindset that doing the work yourself. Success comes from recognizing that shift and intentionally growing into the broader responsibilities of the new role.
Q: What advice do you have for women just beginning their careers who would like to be an executive in local government someday?
Understanding your motivation is essential. Executive leadership roles require resilience, sacrifice, and a commitment to service that goes beyond personal ambition Clear purpose helps guide tough decision, sustain you through challenges and keep you grounded in the community’s best interest.
Q: What do you hope to leave as your legacy in local government when your career comes to an end?
I hope my legacy is measured in people and possibility. I want to be remembered for helping create pathways for women and underrepresented voices in leadership, for championing inclusive policies, and for strengthening the bond between local government and the communities we serve. I also hope the leaders that follow me feel empowered to innovate, collaborate and serve with heart.
Again, I want to congratulate you on being a Top 10 Finalist. With over 5 million employees in local government across the nation, you should be proud to be included in this elite group of talented women who were nominated!
