03-06-2018
SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS - The ranks of the Port San Antonio Board of Directors continue to add seasoned professionals from throughout the community. The Board oversees the organization’s strategic vision—ambitious plans to grow key employers in the region, particularly in the aerospace, cybersecurity and advanced manufacturing sectors. The 11-member Board is appointed by corresponding members of the San Antonio City Council, including the Mayor.
Thomas “T.J.” Mayes, Chief of Staff for Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff since 2016, is the new appointee of San Antonio District 1 City Councilman Roberto Treviño. San Antonio District 2 City Councilman William “Cruz” Shaw has appointed local business owner Margaret Wilson-Anaglia to be his representative on the Port’s Board.
“The range of experience of our board members and our shared passion for creating transformative opportunities for San Antonio are what drives our work,” said Board Chair Victoria Garcia. “Councilmembers Treviño and Shaw have provided two star players to our team; we look forward to adding T.J.’s and Margaret’s voices as part of our ongoing work to grow a place where generations of San Antonians are building their futures.”
An attorney dedicated to public service, Mayes’ legal career includes working as both assistant city attorney and deputy general counsel for several South Texas communities, including the cities of Pleasanton and Pearsall. He also teaches law and public policy courses at the University of Texas at San Antonio.
Mayes’ public-sector experience also includes serving as Chief of Staff to former District 8 San Antonio City Councilman Ron Nirenberg—now Mayor of San Antonio. Some of the issues Mayes helped spearhead during his tenure with District 8 were the prioritization of 2017 bond projects, the renewal of the Edwards Aquifer Protection Program and the development of a citywide digital infrastructure initiative.
“T.J. brings a breadth of public- and private-sector talent and leadership that will serve the Port and his board colleagues well as the organization continues to drive important sectors of our economy,” said Councilman Treviño. “A lot is taking place at the Port, and T.J. has boundless energy and an expansive knowledge about our community’s long-term vision. He will be a great fit.”
“I’m excited to join a team that is thinking big and generating real results for our target industries and employment sectors in San Antonio,” said Mayes. “I look forward to collaborating with my fellow board members as we tackle ambitious projects ahead.”
Wilson-Anaglia is the President & CEO of Al’s Gourmet Nuts—a locally-based specialty food products company she founded in 2000, which distributes throughout the U.S., including for corporate promotions, fundraising and special events. In addition, she brings over 30 years of public- and private-sector entrepreneurial experience to her business. Prior to embarking on her journey with Al’s Gourmet Nuts, she was a Manager in the City of San Antonio’s Economic Development Department.
“Margaret has deep roots in our community and is a passionate advocate supporting the growth and well-being of her neighbors,” said Councilman Shaw. “As an entrepreneur and small business owner, she brings a very important perspective to Port San Antonio’s board—reinforcing the organization’s commitment to create opportunities that have a positive impact in the lives of families and a range of enterprises throughout our region.”
“I’m honored to have been selected in this new role to continue serving my community,” said Wilson-Anaglia. “The Port has a rich history and a strong future in San Antonio. I want to help ensure that it continues to prosper as a place that brings together our people’s best talent and other key community stakeholders to ensure that the Port is a key economic development driver in San Antonio.”
Wilson-Anaglia also currently serves on the Bexar County SMWBE Advisory Committee. She previously served on the Brooks Development Advisory Board, the MacArthur High School PTSA Board as well as the Garner Middle School and Northwood Elementary School PTA boards.
During her career and public service, she has received numerous distinctions. Among them, she was recipient of the 20 x 20 Award by ACCION Texas; the Entrepreneurial Spirit Award for Innovation by the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO); a PTA Honorary Life Membership Award; and the Women’s Leadership Award / Family Business by the San Antonio Business Journal.
Wilson-Anaglia holds a Master of Arts degree from Trinity University and a Bachelors of Business Administration from the University of the Incarnate Word.
Her secret is to always embrace the season in one’s life and know that faith and family are first and one’s passion for business will follow. She is married to Albert and is the mother of two awesome boys, Joseph and Paul.
