ISERVEINSIDER
I am proud to introduce the ISERVE Insider, a new internal newsletter designed to keep employees informed, connected, and recognized across our organization. Each edition will highlight important updates, upcoming events, employee accomplishments, and the core values that guide our service
This July and August edition focuses on Integrity while recognizing employee anniversaries, welcoming new leadership, and sharing important open enrollment information
Thank you for the professionalism, commitment, and service you provide each day. I hope the ISERVE Insider becomes another way for us to celebrate our people, strengthen communication, and continue building a unified culture of service throughout the City of Brownwood
Thank you for serving,
ANNIVERSARY MILESTONES
JULY & AUGUST
Rebecca Bradley Landfill Superintendent
Rhonda Moody Dispatch Shift Supervisor
Austin Carlisle Detective III
1 YEAR 1 YEAR
Barton Nixon Light Equipment Operator I
Cooper Dennis Utility Operator I
Nathan Ivey ProjectQualityControlManager
Mark your calendars and watch for additional information for the City Employee Health & Benefits Fair and Open Enrollment Week
AUG 5 & 6 | City Employee Health & Benefits Fair
Location: Depot 8:30a, 10:30a, 1:00p & 3:00p Aug 5th times will allow extra time for newer employees to ask question and provide discussions
AUG 10 - 14 | Open Enrollment Week
Location: HR Office at City Hall All employees make plan selections in the HR Office at City Hall Watch for schedule emailed from HR
GUESS WHO?
This City of Brownwood employee grew up with the toughsounding nicknameRockyafter an unsanctioned action on their high school basketball court This mystery person can slalom water ski like a pro, stays grounded with trusty multicolored to-do lists, and is known for following rules - except when it comes to GPS directions, because they believe you must be smarter than the GPS or it will lead you astray Coworkers can always count on this individual to follow through with every task, even the most challenging ones, as proven when they pushed beyond their comfort zone by kayaking six miles down the Colorado River through multiple dangerous rapids
Guess Who? – Quick Rules
• Each edition features clues about a mystery employee based on fun, random facts
• Submit your guess asap to jruder@brownwoodtexas gov (One guess per employee, please )
• The first correct entry wins a $25 gift certificate to Intermission Bookshop!
• Winner will be announced via email as soon as we have one In the event of a tie, a random drawing will determine the winner
ISERVE FOCUS | INTEGRITY
RYAN WARD, ASSISTANT CITY MANAGER OF PUBLIC WORKS
Integrity is central to the leadership approach of the City of Brownwood’s new Assistant City Manager of Public Works His philosophy has been shaped over more than 30 years of experience in municipal operations, engineering, and public sector leadership across Texas and beyond From his start as an Engineering Technician with the City of Brownwood in 1996 to his later roles in San Angelo, Austin, Santa Fe County, and Lampasas, he has kept one belief at the forefront: leadership is service, and service must be rooted in integrity
His career includes capital improvement planning surveying traffic and roadway engineering, construction oversight, and statewide IT initiatives in engineering and GIS Through all of these roles, he has remained focused on character and consistency “Integrity is when words and actions align and mirror one another,” he said “This must be a conscious effort we make every day ”
One of his guiding principles comes from a quote by Warren Buffett: “Look for three things in a person: Intelligence, Energy, and Integrity
If they don’t have the last one, don’t bother with the first two ” He sees this as a reminder that skill and drive matter, but integrity is what earns trust and allows leaders to serve effectively
This value system is also what drew him back to Brownwood and into a newly created position during a time of organizational change He sees the role as a chance to support collaboration, strengthen processes, and build on the city’s strong momentum For him, integrity is not simply a core value but a daily obligation, especially in public service where the community expects transparency and accountability
As he steps into oversight of Public Works and Planning and Development, he hopes to model the same standards he holds personally “Leadership, in its most simplistic form, is servitude,” he said “If we keep this concept as the priority of all that we do, you can’t help but be successful ”
He believes that a life well lived is lived with purpose and integrity
UPCOMING EVENTS
July 19
Live on the Lawn Event Center
July 27 Family Night at the Aquatic Center Camp Bowie Aquatic Center
August 4 National Night Out Kickoff Law Enforcenment Center
August 16
Live on the Lawn Event Center
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City of Brownwood Organization Chart