David Brace, who has served as the city’s senior director of public works for the past two years, will become chief operating officer and deputy to the mayor. He replaces Christi Branscom, who has served in that role since 2013.
Sheryl Ely will become the new director of parks and recreation on Sept. 26, with the pending retirement of longtime director Joe Walsh. For the past two years, Ely has been the city’s deputy director of public service. Ely holds a master’s in planning from UT. She worked nine years with the state Local Planning Assistance Office, including six years as regional director.
“David and Sheryl are already invaluable members of my team, and their hard work and great collaborative leadership will serve all of us well in their new positions,” Mayor Madeline Rogero said in a press release.
Brace will oversee Public Service, Parks and Recreation, Engineering, Plans Review and Inspections, Fleet Services, Finance, Purchasing, Information Systems, Employee Benefits and other departments. He will have assistance from Chip Barry, deputy chief of operations.
Rachel Butzler, the city’s solid waste manager, will be promoted to deputy director of public service to fill Ely’s position.
Nicholas Bradshaw will be deputy director of Fleet Services. The department maintains the city’s fleet of more than 1,400 vehicles and equipment used by employees.