Texas Border Business
BROWNSVILLE, Texas – Following an extensive search to identify a proven financial leader, City of Brownsville’s Interim City Manager Alan Guard, CGFO, announced the selection of Stephen Muse, CGFM, as the City’s new Finance Director. Mr. Muse brings more than a decade of municipal finance experience and a strong record of fiscal stewardship, strategic planning, and leadership within the organization.
Mr. Muse has served the City of Brownsville since 2012 in progressively responsible roles within the Finance Department, including Interim Finance Director, Aviation Accounting Manager, and Financial Services Accounting Manager. Most recently, he served as Assistant Director, where he oversaw daily departmental operations, led the annual audit and budget processes, and acted as a key liaison between executive leadership and finance teams. During his tenure as Interim Finance Director, Mr. Muse successfully constructed the City of Brownsville Fiscal Year 2026 Budget, which was balanced and unanimously approved by the City Commission.
“Stephen brings a wealth of knowledge and institutional experience to this role,” said Mr. Guard. “Having served as Interim Finance Director, he has already demonstrated his ability to lead with integrity and precision. His work in developing a balanced and unanimously approved Fiscal Year 2026 Budget is a reflection of his technical expertise and also his commitment to transparency, collaboration, and sound financial management for the City of Brownsville.”
Throughout his career, Mr. Muse has led several high-impact initiatives, including the City’s first formal Five-Year Capital Improvement Plan totaling $83 million, the development of a $1.9 million Fleet Replacement Program, and multiple cost-saving efforts that generated measurable annual savings.
His background includes overseeing investment management, capital improvement planning, grant administration, and long-term financial forecasting, all of which strengthen the City’s financial foundation.
Mr. Muse holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from The University of Texas at Brownsville and is a Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM) .
“I am truly honored by the trust and confidence placed in me,” said Mr. Muse. “I am grateful for the opportunity to continue serving the City of Brownsville and its residents. As Finance Director, I am ready to elevate my service, strengthen our financial planning efforts, and ensure responsible stewardship of public resources in support of our community’s priorities.”
