New Braunfels names new assistant city manager, creates department of transportation and capital improvements

The city of New Braunfels has named Jared Werner as the city’s new assistant city manager following the Nov. 12 departure of former Assistant City Manager Kristi Aday, according to a Nov. 15 press release.

Aday worked with the city for eight years to create the information technology department, and the communications and community engagement department, according to the release. She also worked to shift the funding source of river recreation operations from tax dollars to visitor fees.

Werner began his career with the city in 2007 when he worked in the parks and recreation department. Since joining the city staff he has served as the management and budget coordinator, director of human resources, and most recently as the chief financial officer, according to the release.

“Jared’s long-term commitment to the city and extensive knowledge of our organization made him an ideal candidate for this role,” City Manager Robert Camareno said in the press release. “I have full confidence in his ability to continue moving this organization forward in service to our wonderful and growing community.”

The city also announced the creation of the transportation and capital improvement department, which will oversee the transportation, facilities and capital programs divisions that were previously housed in the public works department.

Garry Ford was named the director of the new department and will lead transportation planning, traffic engineering, capital public improvements, and street, bike and pedestrian design projects, according to the release. Ford has worked with the city for nearly 10 years and most recently acted as the assistant public works director and city engineer.

Solid waste, fleet, streets and drainage, development engineering, and watershed management will continue to be handled by the public works department, the release said.

​​“The creation of this new department will place a greater emphasis and attention on transportation and capital projects,” Camareno said. “With the continued growth of the community, these projects are more important than ever.”