New assistant city managers, economic development director named in Bryan

“This structure creates greater synergy across departments, accelerates decision-making and positions Bryan to meet both current business objectives and the demands of sustained regional growth,” Bryan City Manager Andrew Nelson said in the release.

As assistant city manager, Russell will oversee development services, economic development, Coulter Airfield and other strategic initiatives and support the city manager in day-to-day operations, according to the release.

In his 30-plus years with the city of Bryan, Russell has previously served as code enforcement officer, building services coordinator, development services coordinator, development services manager, director of planning and development services, director of economic development, and managing director of economic development.

Guindi will oversee library services and community development in Bryan and support the city manager with operational oversight and support for strategic initiatives in her new role as assistant city manager, according to the release. In her 25 years with the city of Bryan, she most recently served the city as director of strategic projects and has also worked as Bryan’s planning manager, development coordinator and director of development services.

McDaniel, the city’s new director of economic development, serves as a liaison to the Bryan Business Council and the Greater Brazos Partnership. McDaniel will also lead staff at Bryan Commerce and Development and direct the city’s economic development initiatives, according to the release. He previously led The Research Valley Partnership, now known as the Greater Brazos Partnership, as president and CEO for more than a decade.

Quote of note

“These promotions reflect a deliberate, long-term alignment of leadership responsibilities to advance the city’s highest business and community priorities,” Nelson said. “By elevating proven leaders with deep institutional knowledge, the city is strengthening coordination between economic development, strategic planning, community development and real estate initiatives—ensuring that growth, the continued revitalization of Downtown Bryan, and expansion tied to Texas A&M [University] and the [A&M] RELLIS campus are managed through a unified, forward-looking strategy.”