Frances Gonzalez serves as a Senior Director for Asset Funders Network (AFN). In this role, she focuses on developing and advancing policy that creates and supports areas of opportunity for families and children in the Southwest (Texas and New Mexico). Her efforts have contributed toward programs providing access to affordable housing, community economic development, social and human resources in San Antonio and at the federal level.
Before AFN, Frances served as Deputy and Interim Chief of Staff for the Honorable Julián Castro, Secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development in Washington, D.C. Her portfolio included leading the Secretary’s educational initiatives, leading policy teams involved in supporting community development and revitalization efforts in Ferguson, Baltimore, Detroit, and oversight of implementation of key priorities. Prior to HUD, she served as Mayor Julián Castro’s Assistant to the Mayor for Policy where she led key policy projects such as the Mayor’s Fitness Council, supported the implementation of SA2020, led the Mayor’s Eastside transformation initiatives and was lead staff for water and transportation issues. For over nine years, as Assistant City Manager and Assistant to the City Manager, Frances oversaw the staff, budgets, and projects of various city departments, many serving the most vulnerable in the community.
Frances received a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Government from University of Texas Pan American and a Master of Arts in Urban Studies from Trinity University. She resides in San Antonio, Texas.
Contact: frances@assetfunders.org
Administrative support: TBD
Pronouns: she/her/hers