CITY OF BRENHAM ANNOUNCES NEW ASSISTANT CITY MANAGER
Assistant City Manager Ryan Rapelye (RAP-a-lee) of Del Rio has been named as Brenham’s new Assistant City Manager – General Government replacing Rex Phelps who took a similar position with the City of Haltom City in April.
“I am pleased to announce that Ryan will be the newest member of our city team at the City of Brenham beginning next month. He brings 15 years of municipal experience to the position with a track record of accomplishments,” City Manager Terry Roberts reported.
Prior to serving the last five years as the Assistant City Manager in Del Rio, Rapelye spent seven years in the City Manager’s office in San Antonio handling a number of different responsibilities including economic development, council-staff relations, and special projects. He began his municipal career with the City of College Station in 2001 working three years as an Assistant to the City Manager and Budget Analyst.
As Assistant City Manager in Del Rio, Rapelye served as the day to day operations manager for the City for all city departments. In addition to overseeing daily operations, Rapelye handled development of the Council agenda and review of packet material. He was heavily involved in representing the City with the business community and was a principle liaison to outside agencies. Those agencies included the County government, Laughlin Air Force base, chamber/economic development leaders as well as business and government leaders from the adjacent border city of Acuna.
While Del Rio has a population of 40,000, Acuna has a population of 200,000 and is listed as one of the fastest growing cities in Mexico. Del Rio and Acuna have numerous twin city business operations in their cities with roughly 3,000 Del Rio citizens crossing the bridge daily to work across the border.
Rapelye oversees the City’s economic development program and works closely with government officials and business leaders to foster a positive economic climate. He worked on economic development projects in San Antonio as well.
“I believe Ryan will be a good fit for our organization. He has the breadth of experience of leading multiple city departments as well as skills in dealing with people within the organization and in the community,” Roberts said. “His references both in Del Rio and San Antonio gave him high marks for his work in those communities,” Roberts concluded.
There were 80 applicants for the position including several with city manager or assistant city manager experience, some with background in specific city department operations and a few local candidates. There were probably 20 to 25 resumes that we spent time giving closer scrutiny.
During the interview Rapelye said he believes in a high degree of customer service and he always looks for ways to improve the delivery of municipal services. He intends to develop and strengthen relationships with the business community and other governmental jurisdictions.
In reviewing his background in other communities, Rapelye demonstrated a record of achievement and one who has been successful at every stop in his career, Roberts added.
“I look forward to welcoming Ryan to our team” Roberts said. He is a 1997 graduate of Texas State University in San Marcos with a degree in Public Administration - Political Science. He obtained his Masters in Public Administration in 2001 from Texas Tech University with a concentration in border municipal management. Ryan has a five year old daughter, Alexandra.
He will join our staff June 13th.
Story and photo courtesy of: City of Brenham