City Manager’s Office
City News
On behalf of our elected officials and the dedicated men and women of the City of Pharr, I want to welcome you to our vibrant city. Pharr is a thriving community that prides itself on having various amenities for our residents and visitors, while maintaining our small-town charm that is exemplified in our tight nit community.
The City Manager’s Office is responsible for carrying out our elected official’s vision through sound policy implementation and fiscal responsibility, while providing leadership and guidance to department directors. Our office works closely with our city commission and staff to develop actions plans and programs in support of the City’s mission, vision, and values with the overall goal of enhancing the quality of life for all those visiting or residing in the City of Pharr.
We are committed to a high standard of excellence, and pride ourselves in the tremendous growth and progress our great city has experienced under the progressive leadership of our Mayor Dr. Ambrosio Hernandez and our city commission.
I am excited to serve as your City Manager and encourage you to stay connected via our website and social media platforms as we work diligently to ensure Pharr remains a city of choice to visit and raise a family.
Sincerely,
Dr. Jonathan B. Flores
City Manager
Dr. Jonathan B. Flores
City Manager
Jonathan B. Flores Ed.D., a native of Pharr, Texas is a municipal government professional with over twenty-two years of diverse law enforcement experience. Since 2005, he has worked in various roles and assignments, such as patrol, criminal investigations, major crimes, and as Assistant City Manager/Chief of Police for the City of Alton.
“I am extremely grateful to our Mayor Dr. Ambrosio Hernandez, and the City Commission for their continued support and trust in me to lead our great city. I am committed to carrying out their vision and standard of excellence while serving our employees and community through a servant leadership philosophy,” he added.
Dr. Flores is a graduate of the 90th session of LEMIT’s Leadership command college and has garnered recognition for his leadership at the local, state, national, and international levels including the International Association of Chiefs of Police 40 under 40 leadership award, Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Public Service Award, and the Texas Police Chief’s Association Leadership Award.
In 2023, Dr. Flores was inducted into the National Law Enforcement Hall of Fame for Distinguished Service in Toledo, Ohio. Dr. Flores is a TML Leadership Fellow and is currently in the process of earning credentialed manager candidate status through the International City Manager’s Association.
Dr. Flores is married to his high school sweetheart Rachel, and they have two wonderful children Michael & Dominique, and one Granddaughter Layla.
Cynthia Garza-Reyes
Deputy City Manager
Cynthia Garza-Reyes brings a vast background and experience in the policy arena. She served close to a decade working for United States Congressman Ruben Hinojosa (TX-15). She worked diligently in the Washington D.C. office and later in her career as the District Director in South Texas, where she managed and oversaw a congressional district of 8 counties with a constituency of 500,000 residents.
Upon the Congressman’s retirement, Cynthia was hired with the City of Pharr where she has served in numerous capacities for the past eight and half years. During her tenure with Pharr, Cynthia served as the Director of External Relations for the City, where she oversaw all critical infrastructure project funding sources relating to the city, Economic Development Corporation, the Pharr Connect powered by TeamPharr.Net broadband, and the Pharr International Bridge. She also oversaw all federal and state legislative policy priorities for the city, working directly below the Mayor.
Beyond her professional capacity, Cynthia holds leadership positions on several entities, including the Texas Border Coalition, the Texas Department of Transportation Border Trade Advisory Committee and a member of the Texas I69 Alliance. Cynthia is a graduate of Texas A & M University, College Station, Texas where she earned her bachelor’s degree. In her personal capacity, along with her family, Cynthia oversees Double G Farms; a Santa Gertrudis purebred cattle operation established in 1960 by her grandfather Gilberto Garza. Double G Farms is one of the longest standing Santa Gertrudis operations in the Rio Grande Valley and is a staple on both the state and national level. Cynthia resides in Edinburg, Texas with her husband Gabriel and her two children Sophia and Andres Reyes.
Hilda Pedraza
Assistant City Manager
Hilda Pedraza brings over 24 years of distinguished experience in municipal government to her role as Assistant City Manager for the City of Pharr, Texas. Her career exemplifies dedicated public service and strategic leadership in local government administration.
Pedraza began her municipal career with the City of Pharr in October 2000 as a part-time secretary, demonstrating exceptional growth and commitment by steadily advancing through various positions over more than two decades. She served as City Clerk since 2009 and was promoted to Assistant City Manager in 2023, reflecting her proven track record of excellence in public administration.
In her role as Assistant City Manager, she provides strategic oversight of municipal programs and operations, collaborating directly with the City Manager to implement the City Commission’s vision and strategic initiatives. Her responsibilities encompass budget coordination and development, policy formulation, procedural implementation, and personnel management.
Pedraza’s expertise in municipal administration is supported by both advanced education and prestigious professional certifications. She holds a Master of Business Administration from Texas A&M University–Kingsville, a Bachelor of Applied Science in Operations Management from South Texas College, and an Associate Degree of Applied Science in Public Administration from South Texas College. Her professional credentials include Texas Registered Municipal Clerk Certification, Certified Municipal Clerk through the International Institute of Municipal Clerks, and Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt Certification.
Pedraza maintains active involvement in professional organizations that advance the field of municipal administration. Currently, she serves on both the South Texas College’s Bachelor of Operations Management Program Advisory Council and the Houston Christian University’s Women in Leadership Program Advisory Board, demonstrating her commitment to both public service and educational excellence.
Through her extensive experience, advanced education, and ongoing professional engagement, Hilda Pedraza continues to serve as a valuable asset to the City of Pharr and a respected leader in Texas municipal government.
Dr. David D. Friedlein
Assistant City Manager
Dr. David D. Friedlein is a native of the Rio Grande Valley. He is a public service professional with 20 years of diverse law enforcement experience. Since 2004, he has served in various roles, including patrol, community-oriented policing, criminal investigations, public integrity, and financial services.
“It is an honor to serve the City of Pharr as their new Assistant City Manager,” said Friedlein. “I am excited to work with Dr. Flores and Pharr’s leadership team as we continue to make a positive impact in the lives of the citizens of Pharr,” he added.
Dr. Friedlein is a graduate of the 277th Session of the FBI National Academy and is a member of the FBINA Association. In 2023, he was selected to serve as a member of the FBINAA – Texas Chapter – Finance Audit Committee. He has been married to the love of his life Stephanie for 25 years, and they have four wonderful children Tyler, Shayli, Macy, and Cayden.