Judge Nelly Treviño Santos appointed director of Houston municipal courts

Following a unanimous vote by the city council, Mayor John Whitmire has officially appointed Judge Nelly Treviño Santos as the new Director and Presiding Judge of the City of Houston Municipal Courts Department. The swearing-in ceremony took place on February 12, 2025.

Treviño Santos brings over two decades of experience to her new role, having previously served as Deputy Director and Chief Financial Officer for the Municipal Courts. Her responsibilities included managing the Finance Division, overseeing budgets, jury administration, court interpreters, juvenile case management programs, mail functions, and safety operations.

In her capacity as Director and Presiding Judge, Treviño Santos will be responsible for judicial and administrative operations within the Municipal Courts.

Mayor Whitmire expressed his confidence in Treviño Santos's abilities: "I am so proud of all my appointments since becoming Mayor of this great city. They all have a high level of expertise and share passion for public service. We are bringing together experienced, competent and honest individuals in my administration. When Judge Marshal was ready to retire, I got advice from council on who is the best experienced committed public servant and repeatedly Ms. Santos’ name was brought to my attention. She comes from a long line of public servants and is highly respected and experienced."

A native Houstonian with Mexican American roots from Houston’s Second Ward and East End area, Treviño Santos holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from the University of Houston and a Juris Doctorate from the University of Houston Law Center.

Upon her appointment, Treviño Santos stated: “I am grateful for Mayor Whitmire’s confidence in me to lead the Municipal Courts Department. It is an honor and privilege to serve the public and work with such a talented staff of dedicated public servants who strive each day to provide a high level of customer service and a fair and efficient administration of justice.”

She succeeds Elaine Marshall as Municipal Court Director following Marshall's retirement earlier this year.