Erik Walsh, a career San Antonio city employee and long time top deputy to Sheryl Sculley, today was unanimously named San Antonio's 20th city Manager, News Radio 1200 WOAI reports.
"he appointment of Erik Walsh is a significant moment in San Antonio’s history. And almost certainly, the signature decision that will be made by this City Council. Appointing a City Manager is the most important task that our City Council can face, and it doesn’t happen often.
It hasn’t been done for more than 13 years, and in fact, Erik Walsh will be only the 20th City Manager in San Antonio’s history. As we take measure of the historic gravity of this moment, I am proud of my City Council colleagues. They have accepted this responsibility with the professional approach that it merited," Mayor Ron Nirenberg said.
Walsh, 49, is a graduate of Central Catholic High School and Trinity University, and has worked for the City of San Antonio for 24 years. Over the last several years, Walsh has been Sculley's top deputy, overseeing key city services like the police and fire departments.
"I’m excited to welcome Erik Walsh as San Antonio’s 20th City Manager. Erik is a proven leader, who has risen through the ranks from budget analyst, to Deputy City Manager and now City Manager. Erik is a San Antonio native who truly understands the needs of our community and will guide us as San Antonio continues to grow," Northeast side Councilman Clayton Perry said.
Walsh was the favorite for the post from the beginning. 31 people applied for the job, and of the eight finalists, seven were current or former employees of Sculley.
Walsh will start work March 1, after Sculley's retirement is official.
1200 WOAI news reported this morning on the cushy benefits Walsh will receive. In addition to his $312,000 salary, which is limited by the terms of last year's charter revision, Walsh will receive generous monthly stipends for his car, his phone, and for general expenses.. 1200 WOAI news implied Wednesday that taxpayers are paying all of Walsh's federal taxes.. The city is only paying taxes on Walsh's expenses.