PRESS RELEASE
Mayor Whitmire Swears in New City of Houston Municipal Courts Department Director and Presiding Judge
February 12, 2025 -- Following a unanimous city council vote to confirm her appointment, Mayor John Whitmire swore in Judge Nelly Treviño Santos as the new Director and Presiding Judge of the City of Houston Municipal Courts Department today, February 12, 2025.
Treviño Santos has a wealth of experience, with over 20 years of ensuring that the courts operate efficiently, and that citizens cases are heard in a fair and timely manner.
Previously, she served as Deputy Director and the Chief Financial Officer for the Municipal Courts. In this role, she oversaw the Finance Division, which included oversight of the expenditure and revenue budget, the jury administration process, the court interpreters, the Juvenile Case Manager Program (a truancy prevention and intervention program), the courts’ mail functions, and safety and facilities operations.
As Director and Presiding Judge, Treviño Santos will oversee the judicial, administrative and operations of the Municipal Courts.
"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 and that is the reason why I am so excited to swear you in this morning," said Mayor Whitmire.
Treviño Santos is a native Houstonian and first-generation Mexican American who was raised in Houston’s Second Ward and East End area. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from the University of Houston and earned her Juris Doctorate from the University of Houston Law Center. She is a licensed attorney.
“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,” said Treviño Santos.
Treviño Santos succeeds former Municipal Court Director and Presiding Judge Elaine Marshall who retired earlier this year.