Interim Director, Juan G. Ayala

Juan Ayala

Career

A native of El Paso, Texas, Mr. Ayala retired as a Major General in the United States Marine Corps after 36 years of service. He is currently the Interim Director, Public Works Department for the City of San Antonio. In this capacity, he provides oversight for efficient delivery and completion of Public Works projects and services throughout the city.

Prior to his current role, he was Director, Military and Veteran Affairs Department for the City of San Antonio. In this capacity, he served as the City’s liaison to the military supporting the Mayor, City Council and City departments. He worked closely with military and civilian partners to ensure military missions and installations continue to thrive and grow in the region.

From March to August 2020, he was assigned as an Executive Temporary Loan to the San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. He concurrently served as the Chamber’s Interim President and CEO. Successfully completing the Chamber assignment, he was temporarily assigned from August 2020 to September 2021 as the City of San Antonio’s Operations Lead for the COVID-19 Response Team.

Prior to his retirement, Major General Ayala commanded all 24 Marine Corps installations worldwide. He was selected to lead the Department of Defense’s 2015 Warrior Games assisting the nation’s wounded, ill and injured warriors in their recuperative efforts. He is the former Inspector General of the Marine Corps. His service includes 4 combat tours in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. This included a year as the Senior Advisor to an Iraqi General who commanded the 1st Iraqi Army Division.

Past military assignments include:

  • Coordinated humanitarian assistance programs in 50 countries throughout Africa, Eastern Europe, and former Soviet Block countries.
  • Served as the Chief of Staff at United States Southern Command. He led staff in the implementation of U.S. national security objectives in 31 countries throughout the Western Hemisphere. This included coordinating detainee operations in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.
  • Led a Marine Logistics Group that supported combat operations throughout Iraq.
  • Supported humanitarian relief operations after the Haiti Earthquake of 2010.
  • Support Haitian/Cuban refugee operations in Cuba.
  • Coordinated civilian law enforcement counterdrug efforts along the U.S. Southwest Border.

Since 2016 he has taught Leadership and Ethics as a Visiting Instructor at the Walter Reed National Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland.

Education

  • MBA, Campbell University
  • MA in National Security and Strategic Studies, U.S. Naval War College
  • BA in Business Administration, University of Texas at El Paso

Accomplishments

  • Distinguished Service Medal
  • Defense Superior Service Medal
  • Legion of Merit with "V" Combat Distinguishing Device
  • Bronze Start Medal
  • Iraq Campaign Medal (4 stars)
  • Combat Action Ribbon
  • 2007 Excellence in Military Service Award from the League of Latin American Citizens (LULAC)
  • 2022 Heroes of Military Medicine Award from the Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine
  • 2023 LATINA Style Magazine Lifetime Achievement Award
  • 2025 NCAA Legends and Legacy Community Award Recipient

Professional Memberships

  • Serves on the Governor of Texas' Advisory Council on Cultural Affairs
  • Board member of Visit San Antonio
  • Board member of Blue Star Families
  • Board member of National Veterans Outreach Program (GI Forum)
  • President of the Texas Mayors of Military Communities