Texas Border Business
The Brownsville City Commission voted unanimously at its regular meeting on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, to appoint Mr. Alan Guard, CGFO, as Interim City Manager for the City of Brownsville effective December 20th.
The appointment follows the announcement made last September by City Manager Helen Ramirez, ICMA-CM, AICP, of her planned departure from the municipality. Ms. Ramirez, who has served the City since 2019, first as Deputy City Manager and later as City Manager since 2022, will officially conclude her tenure on December 19, 2025.
Mr. Guard currently serves as Deputy City Manager for the City of Brownsville, where he has played a pivotal role in advancing major city initiatives supporting economic development, infrastructure modernization, and operational efficiency.
“Naming Mr. Guard as Interim City Manager was an easy choice,” said Mayor John Cowen, Jr., City of Brownsville. “Alan’s experience, deep knowledge of city government, and the many projects he has led in Brownsville since his arrival have demonstrated his commitment to our community and his ability to deliver results. The City Commission and I are confident in his leadership as we continue to move Brownsville forward.”
Mr. Guard has more than three decades of experience in public administration, strategic operations, and municipal leadership. He is known for his collaborative approach, providing guidance across multiple departments and aligning city operations with the Brownsville City Commission’s strategic goals and community priorities.
Mr. Guard’s extensive background in city management, finance, and public safety has earned him recognition for implementing performance-based management practices and data-informed policy solutions.
“I am truly honored to be named Interim City Manager for the City of Brownsville,” said Mr. Guard. “I am ready to continue delivering the stellar services that our residents have come to expect, while maintaining fiscal responsibility and working collaboratively with the City Commission to lead our municipality. I thank Mayor Cowen and the City Commission for their trust and support.”
“Alan has consistently demonstrated exemplary leadership, deep knowledge of city projects and organizational culture, and a strong commitment to fiscal responsibility,” said Ms. Ramirez. “I am grateful to the Mayor and City Commission for their continued support throughout my tenure, and I leave Brownsville knowing it is in excellent hands under Alan’s capable leadership as a caring leader who will continue to strengthen the momentum we have built as One City!”
Mr. Guard’s appointment ensures a seamless transition in leadership as the City continues its focus on sustainable growth, transparency, and delivering high-quality municipal services to the residents of Brownsville.
The City Commission will launch a national executive search for the next City Manager. The selected leader will be tasked with maintaining the momentum set in motion by the current leadership team.
Mr. Guard is a graduate of the University of Texas at El Paso and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science. He also holds a Master of Arts in Political Economy from the University of Texas at Dallas.
