The San Angelo City Council on Tuesday recognized Mayor Brenda Gunter and Col. Angelina M. Maguinness, USAF, for their leadership and contributions to the community during a regularly scheduled meeting.
Mayor Gunter was honored by Lori Wilson, District Director, on behalf of Rep. Drew Darby, who presented a formal resolution from the Texas House of Representatives acknowledging her eight years of service.
“The contributions that you have made to this city is just remarkable, and it will always be remembered in the State of Texas—we have got you in the records, in the rolls, and this House Resolution commemorates a small portion of what you have done for us,” Wilson said.
Gunter, elected in 2017 as the first woman to serve as San Angelo’s mayor, focused her administration on economic development and downtown revitalization.
Her tenure included major infrastructure initiatives such as the Hickory Aquifer expansion, improvements to the Lake Nasworthy sewer system, and Concho River water projects.
Transportation enhancements were also noted, including street improvements and airport runway expansions.
Gunter served on the Ports-to-Plains Alliance Board, chaired the San Angelo Metropolitan Planning Organization Policy Board, and held state-level appointments, including chair of the Texas Department of Transportation I-27 Advisory Committee, and member of the TxDOT Texas Freight Advisory Committee.
A former corporate executive and longtime business owner, Gunter has been involved with organizations such as Angelo State University’s Norris-Vincent College of Business Advisory Council, the San Angelo Area Foundation, and United Way.
She was named Citizen of the Year by the San Angelo Chamber of Commerce in 2009 and was recognized as a Pillar of San Angelo in 2019.
“What I can say is that there has been no greater honor than having the position of mayor for the City of San Angelo for eight years,” Gunter said. “The citizens of this city deserve so much—they give so much, they’re a part of why we had an economic development—it’s a part of our success as our community.
“I cannot think of a greater thing than serving as mayor, and trying to help push forward all the quality-of-life issues that make a difference in the state of Texas — and this city — and our citizens.
“I love this city. I wasn’t born and raised here, but it’s my home and what will be my home for the rest of my life, and I will continue to pursue endeavors and things I can do to move this city forward in any capacity that I might be able to serve in.”
Colonel Maguinness Receives Key to the City
Following Gunter’s recognition, the council honored Col. Angelina M. Maguinness, commander of the 17th Training Wing at Goodfellow Air Force Base, with a Certificate of Honor and a key to the city.
“Great things come in twos, and this morning we’re here to honor Col. Maguinness at Goodfellow,” said Mayor Tom Thompson.
The certificate highlighted Maguinness’s efforts since assuming command in June 2023, including the launch of the “One Community” strategic initiative to foster unity between Goodfellow and San Angelo.
She also expanded the base’s Honorary Commanders Program, engaged with civic organizations such as the San Angelo Chamber of Commerce and Purdue Global, and mentored local youth through leadership-development programs.
“I am so humbled by this recognition — I certainly don’t deserve it,” Maguinness said. “There are 14,000 service members and civilians and contractors that work on Goodfellow Air Force Base, and within the 17th Training Wing, that really deserve this honor.
“They are the ones that do the hard work every day, they’re the ones that maintain that community partnership because they live in your community.
“There is no better military community than San Angelo, Texas, and I applaud you for continuing to open your arms to the service members and their families as they come in here, as well as all of our civilian personnel that work at the base,” she added.
Mayor Thompson noted the rarity and significance of presenting a key to the city, saying, “You don’t get these things lightly—these things come with service dedication—you earn this.”
