In late April, Southlake City Manager Alison Ortowski named Stacey Black and James Brandon the City’s Assistant City Managers. At the Tuesday, May 7, 2024, City Council meeting, the Council approved a resolution on approving the designation of Black and Brandon as acting City Managers if City Manager Ortowski is unavailable.
Black has been with the City since 2001 when she was hired as a Human Resources Analyst. She was promoted to Human Resources Supervisor in 2008, Director of Human Resources in 2010, and Senior Director in 2021.
“Stacey has been a driving force behind the development and implementation of strategic workforce policies and initiatives designed to ensure we remain a high-performing employer of choice,” said Ortowski. “Her insight and leadership have not only enhanced the performance of our human resources department but have also instilled a culture of collaboration and excellence throughout our organization,” she added.
Brandon joined the City in 2013 as the Assistant Chief of Police. He started his public service journey in 1996 as an officer with the Illinois Department of Corrections. Brandon was promoted to Southlake’s Chief of Police in 2015.
“James’ expertise in strategic planning, risk mitigation, and performance management has significantly contributed to the success of our police department,” said Ortowski. “James’ experience, unwavering dedication, and visionary leadership will undoubtedly continue to drive the creation of a strong culture, commitment to accountability, and the highest standards of service,” Ortowski stated.
In their new roles, Black will focus on workplace excellence, organizational learning and development, and future readiness, while Brandon will oversee capital asset strategy and performance, emergency management, and community safety.
“Stacey and James bring exceptional skills, experience, and dedication to Team Southlake,” said Ortowski. “We are excited to work with the community and the City Council to continue serving this City with excellence and integrity.”
The 114 Trash Monitoring Team, comprised of members from the Planning and Development, Parks and Recreation, and Public Works Departments, earned the Teamwork award at the 2024 Employee Appreciation Awards for their ongoing dedication to patrolling 114 and picking up trash when necessary.
This collaborative effort helps keep our city beautiful, our roadways clear, and is a shining example of why Teamwork is one of the most important values here in Southlake.
Check out the video below to learn about the important work the 114 Trash Team does to serve our citizens and keep Southlake beautiful!
Planning & Development Team: Mike White, Joshua Cruz, Thomas Aguirre, Seantay Carpenter
Public Works Team: Eugene Nunez, Juan Noyola, Alex Noyola, Alex Mosqueda, Juan Puente, Caleb Foley, Kenny Wright, Michael Rodriguez
Parks & Recreation Team: Jose Guzman, Noah Grossman, Tony Mack, Isaac Bartholomew, Junior Camacho
Employee Appreciation 2024 - Teamwork Award Video
The City of Southlake celebrated Employee Appreciation Week during February 13- 17 and several Community Services employees were recognized with city-wide awards.
Our mission at the Community Services Department is to create world-class experiences and the following employees go above and beyond every day to live that mission. We are very proud to work with such dedicated and exemplary teammates.
Values Award: Innovation
Our Fitness Supervisor, Jake Coldren won the Innovation Award for his outstanding work coordinating the Fit City Challenge! Check out this video to learn more about his awesome efforts.
Values Award: Integrity
Hospitality and Sales Assistant Malia Belk embodies integrity in everything she does, especially when reconciling p-cards. Her commitment to safeguarding city resources makes her an excellent asset to the team!
Values Award: Teamwork
The Water Meter Reading Team earned the Teamwork award for replacing over 8,000 endpoints in water meters throughout the City. While this was a multi-department effort, our Parks team jumped in to help deliver this monumental project!
Director’s Award: Community Services
Parks Supervisor Terry Lee received this year’s Director’s Award for the Community Services Department. A hard-working Parks professional, Terry lives the Southlake Way values every day. He is a reliable team member and supervisor that takes tremendous pride in his work. You can see his commitment to excellence whenever you visit Bob Jones Park! Congratulations on this recognition, Terry!
Congratulations to everyone for representing the excellence of our department throughout the City! Your hard work does not go unnoticed, and we are very proud to work with such outstanding individuals!
The City of Southlake celebrated Employee Appreciation Week during February 13- 17 and several Community Services employees were recognized with city-wide awards.
Our mission at the Community Services Department is to create world-class experiences and the following employees go above and beyond every day to live that mission. We are very proud to work with such dedicated and exemplary teammates.
Values Award: Innovation
Our Fitness Supervisor, Jake Coldren won the Innovation Award for his outstanding work coordinating the Fit City Challenge! Check out this video to learn more about his awesome efforts.
Values Award: Integrity
Hospitality and Sales Assistant Malia Belk embodies integrity in everything she does, especially when reconciling p-cards. Her commitment to safeguarding city resources makes her an excellent asset to the team!
Values Award: Teamwork
The Water Meter Reading Team earned the Teamwork award for replacing over 8,000 endpoints in water meters throughout the City. While this was a multi-department effort, our Parks team jumped in to help deliver this monumental project!
Director’s Award: Community Services
Parks Supervisor Terry Lee received this year’s Director’s Award for the Community Services Department. A hard-working Parks professional, Terry lives the Southlake Way values every day. He is a reliable team member and supervisor that takes tremendous pride in his work. You can see his commitment to excellence whenever you visit Bob Jones Park! Congratulations on this recognition, Terry!
Congratulations to everyone for representing the excellence of our department throughout the City! Your hard work does not go unnoticed, and we are very proud to work with such outstanding individuals!
The Community Services Department consists of various world-class employees that help us create world-class experiences for our residents. This year, the employee that shone above the rest is Director Award recipient Janie Ocampo!
Janie Ocampo is one of two Office Assistants in our department and brings over ten years of knowledge and experience to her position. Super kind, resourceful, and patient, Janie keeps the department afloat as the department’s purchasing liaison, Adopt-A-Street program manager, and customer service specialist. Janie knows this department inside and out, and it's apparent through her excellent internal and external customer service!
“Janie has a real positive attitude and demeanor that is contagious within our team,” stated Director Chris Tribble.
“She has a genuine desire to serve our community, and she has a wealth of knowledge. Janie is the go-to person in our department for all different types of questions and bridges the gap across all the divisions in Community Services. Janie is the voice of the department. She’s the one that typically answers the phone and has all the answers for our customers. Janie understands every aspect of our operations, including all the policies and procedures that we need to follow, and she’s able to articulate that very well to all our customers.”
Janie keeps this department running with kindness and ease!
Congratulations on your well-deserved recognition, Janie!
Everyone in the Community Services Department strives for world-class customer service and nobody does it better than Recreation Specialist Oscar Rodriguez!
Oscar Rodriguez is the servant-leader behind our premier Adaptive Recreation program. A full-time teacher during the day, Oscar leads all Club Metro evening activities and ensures participants have the time of their lives. His devotion to his fellow staff members and Club Metro participants comes through every day through his kindness, mentorship, and passion for Adaptive Recreation.
Club Metro is one of our most popular programs, and Oscar’s involvement is a major factor behind its success.
“When we all think about Oscar, we realize how many families in our community love him. He’s been the face of our Adaptive Recreation program for many years. We wouldn’t be the same without him. He’s an enthusiastic, inspiring leader to our team, and he leads with passion and excellence in everything that he does,” stated Director Chris Tribble.
“Oscar is the heart and soul of our Adaptive Recreation program. His passion for recreation enriches the lives of many kids in our community. The people who come to his programs adore him and think the world of him. Oscar is invaluable, passionate, and devoted. I hope that Oscar continues to find great satisfaction in the work he does, not only in the City but as a teacher. Our programs wouldn’t be the same without him.”
Congratulations, Oscar! Thank you for teaching us what world-class customer service really is!
Everyone in the Community Services Department strives for world-class customer service and nobody does it better than Recreation Specialist Oscar Rodriguez!
Oscar Rodriguez is the servant-leader behind our premier Adaptive Recreation program. A full-time teacher during the day, Oscar leads all Club Metro evening activities and ensures participants have the time of their lives. His devotion to his fellow staff members and Club Metro participants comes through every day through his kindness, mentorship, and passion for Adaptive Recreation.
Club Metro is one of our most popular programs, and Oscar’s involvement is a major factor behind its success.
“When we all think about Oscar, we realize how many families in our community love him. He’s been the face of our Adaptive Recreation program for many years. We wouldn’t be the same without him. He’s an enthusiastic, inspiring leader to our team, and he leads with passion and excellence in everything that he does,” stated Director Chris Tribble.
“Oscar is the heart and soul of our Adaptive Recreation program. His passion for recreation enriches the lives of many kids in our community. The people who come to his programs adore him and think the world of him. Oscar is invaluable, passionate, and devoted. I hope that Oscar continues to find great satisfaction in the work he does, not only in the City but as a teacher. Our programs wouldn’t be the same without him.”
Congratulations, Oscar! Thank you for teaching us what world-class customer service really is!
The City of Southlake officially celebrated Employee Appreciation Week last week, and several Community Services employees received awards.
Every year the City honors several outstanding employees that go above and beyond to provide world-class customer service to our residents. These employees are chosen based on their commitment to the City’s values. The Champions Club Membership Experience Team received the Accountability Values Award this year!
Champions Club members know that the Membership Experience Team is there for them every step of the way. This team embodies accountability and excellence in their field, from setting up facility tours, starting memberships, communicating efficiently, and planning engaging member appreciation events. Guest Services Supervisor Erika Bashaw, Membership Services Coordinator Marianne Burton, and Community Relations Coordinator Dana Blankenship make up this dream team. Together, they work hard to ensure Champions Club members have a world-class experience every time they visit.
Erika, Marianne, and Dana “take personal responsibility and interest in the customer-first,” stated Community Services Director Chris Tribble. “This team respectfully challenges each other to do better, to work hard. They push all the different angles of communication to make magic happen. They have fun and truly enjoy all their work, and our members feel it, and not only that, but our team sees it. This team is dedicated, fun, and inspired. What they do permeates throughout our department. They all have a very bright future here in this organization, and I wish them nothing but continuous success.”
Congratulations to Erika, Marianne, and Dana for being recognized for your hard work! We are so glad to have you on the team!
The City of Southlake officially celebrated Employee Appreciation Week last week, and several Community Services employees received awards.
Every year the City honors several outstanding employees that go above and beyond to provide world-class customer service to our residents. These employees are chosen based on their commitment to the City’s values. The Champions Club Membership Experience Team received the Accountability Values Award this year!
Champions Club members know that the Membership Experience Team is there for them every step of the way. This team embodies accountability and excellence in their field, from setting up facility tours, starting memberships, communicating efficiently, and planning engaging member appreciation events. Guest Services Supervisor Erika Bashaw, Membership Services Coordinator Marianne Burton, and Community Relations Coordinator Dana Blankenship make up this dream team. Together, they work hard to ensure Champions Club members have a world-class experience every time they visit.
Erika, Marianne, and Dana “take personal responsibility and interest in the customer-first,” stated Community Services Director Chris Tribble. “This team respectfully challenges each other to do better, to work hard. They push all the different angles of communication to make magic happen. They have fun and truly enjoy all their work, and our members feel it, and not only that, but our team sees it. This team is dedicated, fun, and inspired. What they do permeates throughout our department. They all have a very bright future here in this organization, and I wish them nothing but continuous success.”
Congratulations to Erika, Marianne, and Dana for being recognized for your hard work! We are so glad to have you on the team!
The City of Southlake officially celebrated Employee Appreciation Week last week, and several Community Services employees received awards.
Every year the City honors several outstanding employees that go above and beyond to provide world-class customer service to our residents. These employees are chosen based on their commitment to the City’s values. The Champions Club Membership Experience Team received the Accountability Values Award this year!
Champions Club members know that the Membership Experience Team is there for them every step of the way. This team embodies accountability and excellence in their field, from setting up facility tours, starting memberships, communicating efficiently, and planning engaging member appreciation events. Guest Services Supervisor Erika Bashaw, Membership Services Coordinator Marianne Burton, and Community Relations Coordinator Dana Blankenship make up this dream team. Together, they work hard to ensure Champions Club members have a world-class experience every time they visit.
Erika, Marianne, and Dana “take personal responsibility and interest in the customer-first,” stated Community Services Director Chris Tribble. “This team respectfully challenges each other to do better, to work hard. They push all the different angles of communication to make magic happen. They have fun and truly enjoy all their work, and our members feel it, and not only that, but our team sees it. This team is dedicated, fun, and inspired. What they do permeates throughout our department. They all have a very bright future here in this organization, and I wish them nothing but continuous success.”
Congratulations to Erika, Marianne, and Dana for being recognized for your hard work! We are so glad to have you on the team!
