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Harlingen WaterWorks selects BPUB director for general manager’s job
By Fernando Del Valle at MyRGV
· July 7, 2026
· 4 min read
Marie C. Leal (Courtesy: Texas Society of Professional Engineers)
HARLINGEN — After a three-month search, the WaterWorks System’s board of directors has selected Marie Leal, the Brownsville Public Utilities Board’s directing engineer, to serve as general manager.
Leal, who on Monday accepted the ...
Key takeaway Leal, who on Monday accepted the board’s offer which would come with a $250,000 salary, would take over for Roy Rodriguez, the former longtime McAllen city manager who has served as interim director for more than a year.
Why this matters in The Brownsville
The selection of Marie Leal as general manager of Harlingen WaterWorks System brings a seasoned leader with deep roots in the Rio Grande Valley to the helm of a critical utility provider. With her background in engineering and experience at the Brownsville Public Utilities Board, Leal is well-positioned to navigate the complex challenges of providing water and wastewater services to a growing community. Her expertise will be particularly valuable as Harlingen continues to develop and attract new businesses, putting additional strain on its infrastructure. The fact that Leal has spent her career in the Valley, including as a partner in a Harlingen-based consulting firm, suggests she has a strong understanding of the region's unique needs and challenges. As the city commissioners prepare to consider her appointment, residents can expect a steady hand at the wheel of WaterWorks, with a focus on responsible stewardship of public resources and infrastructure that supports long-term growth.
About this story
Original reporting by MyRGV . The Brownsville surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit MyRGV . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 7, 2026 ·
Source: MyRGV ·
Reading time: 4 min
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What is this story about? Marie C. Leal (Courtesy: Texas Society of Professional Engineers)
HARLINGEN — After a three-month search, the WaterWorks System’s board of directors has selected Marie Leal, the Brownsville Public Utilities Board’s directing engineer, to serve as general manager.
Leal, who on Monday accepted the ...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 7, 2026 by MyRGV and curated for The Brownsville readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Fernando Del Valle at MyRGV. To learn more about how The Brownsville selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Brownsville, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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