Various Sources
The man who was hand picked by former City of Brownsville Manager Helen Ramirez – herself selected by her predecessor Noel Bernal – has been chosen for the position by the members of the city commission.
Alan Guard, named interim city manager last December 2025, was chosen by Mayor John Cowen and the commissioners during the regularly scheduled city commission meeting on Tuesday.
Alan Guard, named interim city manager last December 2025, was chosen by Mayor John Cowen and the commissioners during the regularly scheduled city commission meeting on Tuesday.
“Alan is the ideal candidate to serve as Brownsville’s City Manager because of the leadership he has demonstrated during his service as Interim City Manager,” said Cowen.
“He understands where the City is today, where we are headed, and what needs to be done. We must remain focused on responsible growth, excellent public service, and meeting the needs of our residents, and he understands those priorities firsthand.”
Guard will enter into contract negotiations with Cowen following his selection. It is assumed that he will earn between $250,000 to $300,000 as did Ramirez and Bernal. Remember that Ramirez brought Gard from Ana, Texas, a metropolis of 29,000 people while Brownsville's population is climbing toward 200,000 and is becoming an industrial trade center along an international border.
“I am honored and ready to continue serving the people of Brownsville in this enhanced role,” said Guard. “Brownsville is a City with tremendous momentum, and I look forward to working alongside the Mayor, City Commission, staff, and community to continue advancing the priorities that matter most to our residents.”
On May 26, the city approved a new organizational (consolation prizes) structure that creates two Co-Deputy City Manager positions. Current Assistant City Manager and Chief of Police Felix Sauceda, Jr. and Assistant City Manager Doroteo Garcia, Jr. will assume these roles, providing them with expanded responsibilities overseeing all City departments, opportunities for cross-training, and provides them the opportunity to pursue their ICMA-CM designation and Certified Government Finance Officer credentials.
The city statement hinted that both Brownsville natives' lack of that credential may have played a role in them not being selected. This continues the city's hiring of non-Brownsville native administrators at the city manager's position.
Current Chief of Staff Marina Zolezzi will serve as Interim Assistant City Manager, while the city will begin the process of hiring a new Chief of Police following Sauceda’s transition into his new role.
7 comments:
The city did the right thing! Finally! Congrats Mr. guard!
Well Yes and No, they did the right thing for the city or for them(Commissioners) they (commission) want control over the City Manager at all times, but not this time. Looks like the outsider won the position and the asst. is a local pick. Will see what happens now. Who will win in the end.
How is it yes … and No … it’s simply Yes they did! The only boss a city manager has is the city commission. It’s their job to steer the direction of the city through the city managers office. Learn how government works then make an actual comment that has substance.
Did the white mayor want a white city manager?
Eeees posseeeeble
Doro Garcia did not get position because of Erin and Ernie Hernandez. These two are worse than Zeke Silva and Pat Auhmada. Also Tino Villarreal wants to be Mayor so he needs a white guy. Do you all know if Gus De Leon is related to La Rana De Leon? There is a big money bet on this. JJ told staff at bisd that he helped get Gus De Leon Elected and that Gus De Leon owes him. Sera verdad?
What do you mean who will win in the end? Alan is the new city manager, period!
Nice teeth.
Post a Comment