Over the past several months we have been seeking to replace an irreplaceable chief of staff. The task was daunting and the bar was high. District G deserves only the best and brightest and I required nothing less. I wasn't content to just hire anybody. I wanted a chief of staff who possessed it all. Fortunately, after a long search, I found her.

  

I am very pleased to introduce our new chief of staff, Monica Aizpurúa. She is the best and brightest, possessing a keen intellect, fine sense of humor, wonderful organizational and interpersonal skills, and a compassion for the city and its residents.

  

Monica returns from the private sector to join the District G team bringing 13 years of prior City Hall experience to her position. She served in the following capacities:

  

• Chief of Staff, Office of Council Member Mike Sullivan, January 2008 - January 2013

• Chief of Staff, Office of Mayor Pro Tem Michael Berry, January 2002 - December 2007

• Scheduler, Office of Council Member Orlando Sanchez, January 2000 - December 2001

  

A lifelong Houstonian, Monica takes pride in her city and enjoys serving her community. She participates in Wreaths Across America every year in honor of her uncle and cousin. For the past six years she has participated in Candlelighters of Houston in memory of her cousin. Monica enjoys immersing herself in different cultures. She studied world dance in college at the University of Houston, learning and performing dances from all across the globe. She earned her Yellow Belt in Capoeira and is a former board member of the Brazilian Arts Foundation.

  

In her spare time, Monica's favorite family activity is road trips with her son Jose and her daughter Tristan. Sometimes she even brings the family dogs, Maverick and Beast, along for the ride.