BTA Mexico congratulates Olaguibel on new City of McAllen appointment

MCALLEN, Texas – The Border Trade Alliance of Mexico has congratulated McAllen Superintendent of Bridges Juan Olaguibel on his recent promotion.

Olaguibel has been named assistant city manager, overseeing McAllen’s EB-5 and foreign investor programs, international relations, intergovernmental relations, and special projects. 

“We wish Juan Olaguibel the greatest success in his appointment as Assistant Manager of the City of McAllen. We are confident that his leadership and dedication will be key to this new chapter,” BTA Mexico said, in a statement on social media.

Olaguibel will continue to remain in his position as Superintendent of Bridges for the McAllen International Bridge System. He has two bridges under his supervision, Hidalgo and Anzalduas.

“Juan’s extensive experience in international affairs and his proven leadership at McAllen’s international bridges make him uniquely qualified to excel in this new role,” said McAllen City Manager Issac J. Tawil. “We look forward to his contributions in strengthening McAllen’s position as a global gateway and fostering economic growth.”

During his tenure as Superintendent of Bridges, Olaguibel has played a critical role in managing the City’s international crossings, facilitating trade and travel, and enhancing relationships with key stakeholders at the local, state and federal level on both sides of the U.S.-Mexico border, Tawil explained.

He said his leadership ensured the smooth, safe and efficient operation of one of the busiest international bridge systems in the region, a vital economic engine for McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley, spearheading the expansion of the Anzalduas International Bridge to become a fully commercial international land port.

In his new role, Olaguibel will manage the City’s EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program, a key initiative that attracts foreign investment to McAllen through job-creating projects, Tawil explained. He will also lead efforts to expand international partnerships and promote McAllen as a premier destination for global business and investment.

With Olaguibel at the helm of these vital initiatives, McAllen is poised to strengthen its international ties, attract global investment, and enhance its reputation as a vibrant, forward thinking city, Tawil predicted.

“Olaguibel will spearhead strategic special projects designed to align with McAllen’s vision for innovation, economic resilience, and quality of life. These projects will further solidify McAllen’s role as a leader in regional and international collaboration,” a press release from the City of McAllen states.

According to the press release, Olaguibel will, in his new role, “enhance intergovernmental relations, working closely with local, state, and federal agencies from both the United States and Mexico, to advocate for McAllen’s priorities and secure funding and support for critical projects.”

The press release says Olaguibel’s expertise “will ensure McAllen’s voice is heard on important issues affecting the region.”

McAllen Mayor Javier Villalobos says Olaguibel is his “travel companion” when he is on trade missions in Mexico. 

“I have seen what he does, what we do in Mexico. Thank you, Juan.”

At a groundbreaking ceremony for the expansion of the Anzalduas International Bridge in October, 2022, Villalobos recalled a famous telephone call he received when he and Olaguibel were traveling to Monterrey. 

“Juan and I are getting close to Monterrey and he’s driving, because he drives over there. I’m not good at it. Well, I kind of fell asleep getting to Monterrey, and I get a call,” Villalobos recalled.

“I picked up the phone. The connection wasn’t very good. ‘Mayor, this is Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg.’ Whoa. Hold on a second. You know what? That was cool.

“But what was cool was his next sentence. ‘Mayor, congratulations, we have awarded the City of McAllen a $25 million INFRA grant.” That was amazing.”

The funding went towards the expansion of Anzalduas International Bridge, Villalobos explained. 

“Juan, thank you very much for always doing… I see what he does. It is incredible. We’re working it. So, when you see us in Mexico, we’re working for you,” Villalobos.

Olaguibel holds a Bachelor of Arts in International Business and a master’s in business administration from the University of Texas-RGV and brings 26 years of experience in international relations, economic development, and municipal management. City leaders believe his deep understanding of McAllen’s position as a border city will guide his efforts to foster sustainable growth and development.

“I am honored to take on this new role and excited to build on McAllen’s strong foundation of international cooperation,” Olaguibel said. “I look forward to driving initiatives that bring new opportunities and prosperity to our community.”

Olaguibel will join the City of McAllen administration team that includes City Manager Tawil, Assistant City Michelle Rivera, who oversees development, planning, and code enforcement; Assistant City Manager Jeff Johnston, who oversees transit, public works, human resources and employee benefits, as well as serving as the City of McAllen’s Emergency Operations Coordinator; and Assistant City Manager Joe Vera, who oversees convention center facilities, golf course, parks and Quinta Mazatlán, serving as the Executive Producer for the McAllen Holiday Parade.

Olaguibel is married to Rebecca and is a proud parent of three sons. Rebecca is retail development director for the City of McAllen, reporting directly to the city manager.

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