J. Rodney Gonzales

Biografía: Rodney Gonzales is the Assistant City Manager for the City of Austin’s Economic Opportunity & Affordability strategic outcome areas. He has 23 years of experience in key leadership positions in local government, 13 of which are with the City of Austin. He holds a Master’s Degree in Business Administration and a Bachelor’s degree from Texas State University (TSU). He is recognized as a Certified Public Manager from TSU, and he was a graduate level guest lecturer on the topic of public administration for several years at TSU. As the former Director for the City of Austin’s Development Services Department, Rodney led key reforms at DSD aimed at achieving greater delivery of service through implementing new technology, creating efficiencies in processes, and increasing employee training and resources. Rodney’s focus on workplace environment concerns and alignment of vision, actions, and guiding principles are intentional with a goal of developing a sustainable culture of excellent customer service. As the former Deputy Director of the City of Austin’s Economic Development Department, Rodney led major economic development and redevelopment projects resulting in significant job creation, retention and downtown revitalization. He spearheaded the City’s hosting of the inaugural 2012 and 2013 U.S. Formula One Grands Prix, which included not only city-wide preparation but also included regional, state, and federal agency involvement. Rodney has held the position of Director of Finance for the cities of Luling and San Marcos, two smaller communities in the Austin region. In those cities, he led a diverse mix of areas with a key focus on financial management and leading the annual budget process. In 2013, Mayor Lee Leffingwell selected Rodney to participate with the Mayor, Council Member Chris Riley, and local developer Terry Mitchell as a Fellow for the Urban Land Institute Rose Center for Public Leadership. In 2017, Rodney helped to establish the Stonewall Equality Employee Network (SEEN), which is the first organization-wide employee resource group for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer employees and allies (LGBTQ+). Rodney currently serves as a SEEN Board Member. Rodney also mentors City employees through the City’s Executive Academy. In his spare time, Rodney enjoys woodworking, which is a skill taught by his father, exercising, and bike riding.