Matthew Polanco, a professional with nearly three decades of experience at all levels of government, will serve as chief of staff for Bexar County Judge-elect Peter Sakai, according to a Nov. 23 news release.
The winner of the Nov. 8 general election to succeed outgoing County Judge Nelson Wolff, Sakai picked Polanco, who will provide strategic vision and direction for development, implementation and attainment of Sakai’s policy goals, according to a news release.
The release said Polanco last served as the government relations director for local tourism/convention organization Visit San Antonio. Polanco previously owned his own consulting company and worked for the HNTB Corp., the city of San Antonio, the Texas Department of Insurance, and the late U.S. Rep. Frank Tejeda.
As project manager and public involvement task leader with HNTB, Polanco delivered programmatic oversight, review and coordination with the Texas General Land Office to implement the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development-funded Community Development Block Grant disaster recovery for Texas cities and counties hit by hurricanes Ike and Dolly, the release said.
He served as manager for the city of San Antonio’s Intergovernmental Relations Department, leading the development and implementation of the city’s federal and state legislative programs and providing direct support to City Council, the city manager’s office and departmental leadership.
During his employment with TDI, Polanco served as assistant program administrator for the property and casualty program, leading the coordination and development of business plans, annual reports, strategic plans, and was responsible for reporting of “performance measures” to the Texas Legislative Budget Board, the release said.
While working for Tejeda, Polanco worked on numerous legislative issues, earmarked requests and oversaw the district office in South Texas.
Sakai said in a prepared statement he is pleased to have someone with Polanco’s public affairs knowledge, understanding of the community and history of working relationships at all levels of government on his team.
“He will be a tremendous resource as I continue to serve the citizens of Bexar County through my initiatives focused on economic development, public safety,and health care to mention a few,” Sakai said.
Sakai and Precinct 4 Commissioner Tommy Calvert, also victorious Nov. 8, will take their oaths of office in a Jan. 1 ceremony at the Bexar County Courthouse.
Grant Moody, who won a Nov. 8 special election for Precinct 3 commissioner, was sworn into office Nov. 23 and immediately participated in his first Commissioners Court meeting that day. Sakai will succeed Nelson Wolff, who is retiring after 21-plus years as county judge.
Moody, a Republican, beat Democrat Susan Korbel to serve out Republican Trish DeBerry’s remaining term as Precinct 3 commissioner—a term that will end at the end of 2024.
