City Council confirmed the appointment of Drew Huffman as public works director at the May 16 meeting. With 22 years of experience, Huffman was previously the assistant director of parks and oversaw the wastewater collection department in Denton, Esquivel said.
Huffman was in the U.S. Air Force as a pavement and drainage craftsman, so he oversaw several projects related to public works during his time in the military and on deployments, according to Esquivel.
“He is no stranger to the public works and getting projects done,” Esquivel said.
With Mike Baxter retiring from his role as marketing and tourism director earlier this spring, the city decided to change the role and create two positions, Esquivel said. The communications coordinator position was created to focus on the communications for the city, while the marketing and tourism manager position is centered on social media, the festivals and other tourism items related to the city.
Esquivel said Rebecca Beahan was hired to be the communications coordinator along with being the assistant to the city manager. Beahan will help with communications within and outside the city. She will handle citywide information within public works, city projects or emergency situations to better cover those areas.
Sasha Smith was hired to be the marketing and tourism manager, Esquivel said. She will be responsible for social media for the city along with all the marketing related to the city. This includes festivals, the depot and the information center.
