Last Updated on April 4, 2024
The San Antonio River Authority (River Authority) Board of Directors has sworn in two new at-large board members for Bexar County – Liza Gonzalez Barratachea and Patrice Melancon. Barratachea and Melancon were elected from a pool of five candidates in the November 2023 public elections.
“We are thrilled to start the new year off by welcoming Patrice and Liza to the Board of Directors,” said Jim Campbell, Chairman of the Board. “Their decades of experience, knowledge of the San Antonio River and dedication to Bexar County will contribute to the ongoing success of the River Authority.”
San Pedro Creek Culture Park in downtown San Antonio, Texas
The 12-member Board of Directors that governs the River Authority consists of two at-large members from each of Wilson, Karnes, and Goliad counties; two at-large members for Bexar County; and one member for each of four River Authority districts in Bexar County, for a total of six members representing Bexar County.
A water resources engineer with a master’s degree from the University of Texas, Patrice Melancon served as the Engineering Department Manager at the San Antonio River Authority from 2016 to March 2019. In retirement, she remains active in consulting and community service, holding several positions, including Board President of the Alliance Francaise de San Antonio and participating in various organizations, including Rotary and the Daughters of the American Revolution.
Liza Gonzalez Barratachea, a San Antonio native and Texas A&M University graduate, brings over twenty years of advocacy experience in public policy. Her experience with governmental entities includes serving as an advisor and staff for elected officials at various levels of government.
In addition to the two at-large members, the Board of Directors confirmed a slate of new officers to serve on the Board Executive Committee:
- Chairman of the Board – Jim Campbell, Bexar County District 4
- Executive Vice-Chair – Gaylon J. Oehlke, Karnes County
- Secretary – Jerry G. Gonzales, Bexar County District 1
- Treasurer – Derek J. Gaudlitz, Wilson County
- Members at Large – Lourdes Galvan, Bexar County District 2; and James Fuller, M.D., Goliad County
Elections for the River Authority Board of Directors are held every two years. Head to our website for more information on San Antonio River Authority Board of Directors and Committees.
