Texas Border Business
BROWNSVILLE, Texas – Brownsville Mayor John Cowen, Jr. and the City Commission have selected Alan Guard, ICMA-CM, CGFO, to serve as Brownsville’s next City Manager. The decision was made during the regularly scheduled City Commission meeting on June 16, 2026.
Mr. Guard, who has served as Interim City Manager, was selected for the depth of experience, professional credentials, steady leadership, and institutional knowledge he brings to municipal government. His appointment provides continuity at a pivotal moment in Brownsville’s history as the City continues its unprecedented growth, major capital investments, and economic expansion.
“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 Mayor John Cowen, Jr. “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.”
Mr. Guard, who holds the distinguished ICMA-CM designation and Certified Government Finance Officer credentials, will enter into contract negotiations with Mayor Cowen following the Commission’s selection.
“I am honored and ready to continue serving the people of Brownsville in this enhanced role,” said Mr. 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.”
Beyond maintaining stability and ensuring continued progress, this leadership decision
represents a deliberate investment in the future of Brownsville’s own municipal leaders.
For many who have championed the growth and advancement of local talent, this moment represents exactly what responsible succession planning should look like. With nearly four decades of municipal experience, Mr. Guard brings a level of expertise that cannot be replaced but must be transferred. His role provides a unique opportunity for the City’s next generation of leaders to learn from his experience, engage in all aspects of municipal operations, and develop the skills necessary to one day lead the organization.
As part of this vision, the City Commission recently on May 26, 2026, approved a new organizational 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 the ability to pursue their ICMA-CM credentials.
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 Mr. Sauceda’s transition into his new role.
This leadership model reflects Brownsville’s commitment to developing local talent from within. It creates a true pipeline for future City leadership by combining decades of proven municipal experience with intentional mentorship, professional development, certification opportunities, and hands-on executive training.
The City of Brownsville’s greatest legacy will be measured by the leaders we prepare to carry this community forward for generations to come.
