San Antonio Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones Hires Another New Communications Director

The latest hire, Andrew Fuentes, is the fourth communications director for the mayor since she took office last June.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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San Antonio Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones has hired another new communications director, Andrew Fuentes, to replace the previous director, Phillipa Martinez-Berrier, who worked in the position for about five months under a contract between Jones' office and a D.C.-based firm. Fuentes, a San Antonio native, previously worked for U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein. He is the fourth communications director for Jones since she took office last June, following Gary Cooper and Carlos de Leon who both left the position quickly.

Why it matters

The high turnover in the communications director role for Mayor Jones highlights the challenges she has faced in her administration, including a recent investigation into an alleged Code of Conduct violation over accusations she verbally attacked a city councilwoman. The frequent changes in this key position could signal broader issues in the mayor's office.

The details

The contract for the previous communications director, Phillipa Martinez-Berrier, cost taxpayers $10,000 per month, drawing criticism from a conservative city council member. The new hire, Andrew Fuentes, is a San Antonio native who previously worked for U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein. He is the fourth communications director for Mayor Jones since she took office in June 2025.

  • Mayor Jones took office in June 2025.
  • Gary Cooper was 'reassigned' as communications director after less than a week on the job.
  • Carlos de Leon left the communications director position after less than 72 hours.
  • Phillipa Martinez-Berrier worked as communications director for about five months under a contract between Jones' office and a D.C. firm.
  • Andrew Fuentes was hired as the new communications director in February 2026.

The players

Gina Ortiz Jones

The mayor of San Antonio who has had high turnover in the communications director role in her administration.

Andrew Fuentes

The latest communications director hired by Mayor Jones, a San Antonio native who previously worked for U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein.

Phillipa Martinez-Berrier

The previous communications director who worked in the position for about five months under a contract between Jones' office and a D.C. firm.

Gary Cooper

The first communications director hired by Mayor Jones, who was 'reassigned' to a different city office after less than a week on the job.

Carlos de Leon

The second communications director hired by Mayor Jones, who left the position after less than 72 hours.

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What they’re saying

“My style of leadership is grounded in my lived experience, and that approach does not always align with the traditional templates of female leaders or my colleagues' views.”

— Gina Ortiz Jones, Mayor (sacurrent.com)

“Lord, grant him strength.”

— City Hall staffer (sacurrent.com)

What’s next

The investigation into the alleged Code of Conduct violation by Mayor Jones is ongoing, and the city council may call for a vote to censure her depending on the results.

The takeaway

The high turnover in the communications director role for Mayor Jones highlights the challenges she has faced in her administration, and the frequent changes in this key position could signal broader issues in the mayor's office that will need to be addressed.