After a day of interviews with shortlisted candidates, the Economic and Workforce Development Committee voted Oct. 20 to recommend a slate of individuals to the full City Council for appointment to the San Antonio Ready to Work advisory board, with terms through May 31, 2027.

City Clerk Debbie Ruckasitter described the application and vetting process: a call for applicants opened March 1; the city clerk’s office and communications staff promoted the opportunity (web postings, social media, TVSA and a text message); 30 applications were submitted by the deadline and 25 were eligible after vetting. Staff also reported an applicant withdrawal earlier that day (Gilbert Martinez), which removed one candidate from consideration.

Candidates interviewed in person or submitted written statements. Committee members heard 2-minute opening statements and asked standardized questions about outreach strategies, participant support and employer engagement. Candidates who spoke on the record included Alexandra Perez, Anthony Garcia, Amanda Wright, Ben Peavey, Maria Jimena Saenz, Priscilla Aguilar and John Champion. Their backgrounds ranged from workforce program participants and community organizers to institutional employers and higher education staff.

The committee recessed into executive session pursuant to Texas Government Code sections 551.071 and 552.074 for deliberation and reconvened without taking official action in closed session. In open session Chair Villagran called for a motion; Councilmember Castillo moved the recommendation and Chair Villagran seconded. The committee recommended the following individuals for council appointment through May 31, 2027:

- Alexandra Perez — community organization category
- Jerry Gravener — current/previous workforce development program participant category
- Amanda Wright — current/previous workforce development program participant category
- Jennifer Cantu — local employer/in-demand occupations category
- Stephanie Gaines — local employer/in-demand occupations category
- Benjamin Peavey — local employer/in-demand occupations category
- Maria Saenz (Jimena Saenz) — local employer/in-demand occupations category
- Priscilla Aguilar — training provider/higher education institution category
- John Champion — recommended for an additional training provider/higher education seat if committee expansion is approved

The motion passed on a voice vote; the transcript records the motion as carried. Staff said they will notify appointees after full council approval, coordinate swearing-in, request financial disclosure forms and require participation in the Municipal Leadership Institute training within 90 days of appointment.