City of McAllen Names Irma Chapa as Public Information Director

Veteran communicator brings decades of public and private sector experience to lead citywide communications.

The City of McAllen is proud to announce the appointment of Irma Chapa as its new Director of Public Information, effective September 2, 2025. With more than 30 years of experience in both the public and private sectors, Chapa brings an extensive background in strategic communications, public affairs, and media relations to the role, where she will oversee the City’s communications strategy, community engagement, and digital media presence.

“Clear, transparent communication is essential to building trust with our community, and Irma has the leadership and experience to ensure McAllen continues to set the standard,” said McAllen Mayor Javier Villalobos. “Her unique blend of public service, media expertise, and private sector insight will strengthen how we connect with our residents and stakeholders.”

Chapa most recently served as Senior Vice President and Marketing Director of a local community bank, where she led marketing campaigns, digital media, and sponsorship engagement efforts. Prior to that, she served as Director of Strategic Communications for the United States Border Patrol at both the national level and here in the Rio Grande Valley sector, managing high-profile communications and crisis response initiatives.

Her career also includes leadership roles in healthcare communications as Corporate Communications Director at Valley Baptist Health System, as well as experience in broadcast journalism as a news anchor for Entravision’s Fox News at 9 p.m. and CBS 4’s Valley Central where she served as the Education Reporter and anchored evening broadcasts. Chapa earned a Bachelor of Arts in 1993 from Sam Houston State University.

“Public communication is about more than sharing information, it’s about building relationships with the people we serve,” said McAllen City Manager Isaac J. Tawil. “Irma’s experience in public affairs and her proven ability to navigate complex communication challenges make her an outstanding choice to lead our Public Information Office. She is not only an accomplished professional, but also someone deeply rooted in this community, and that combination will serve McAllen well.”

Chapa shared her enthusiasm for the new role: “I’ve always had a passion for journalism, mentorship and building collaborative partnerships and this position will allow me to serve in a municipal government capacity while also doing what I love as a journalist, telling stories of our wonderful city and our amazing employees who dedicate a love for McAllen when they step into their roles each day. I am humbled and excited for this opportunity, having raised two young Marines in this city, I understand the values that make up this amazing border city, and I look forward to sharing stories that reflect the heart of our community.”

As Director of Public Information, Chapa will oversee all city communications, media relations, public outreach, and digital engagement strategies, ensuring that residents remain informed, connected, and engaged with their local government.