Shavano Park City Council voted unanimously April 17 to authorize City Manager Bill Hill to formally offer the city secretary position to Kristen Hetzel.

Hetzel said she would become available May 1 to replace Trish Nichols, who worked for the city for two years.

Nichols accepted a human resources position with a local private school, Hill said.

Hill said three people applied for the city secretary position, with two candidates becoming finalists. However, one of those finalists withdrew consideration, Hill added.

Hetzel said much of her professional career has been focused in human resources, which is included in Shavano Park’s city secretary position.

Hetzel previously oversaw the city of San Marcos’ human resources program, beginning in March 2022. Before that, she served as the city of Cibolo’s human resources manager from July 2013-March 2022, Hetzel said.

Prior to Cibolo, Hetzel was a senior human resources analyst with Bexar County for four years. Additionally, Hetzel spent four years working locally in the private sector, Hetzel's resume shows.

Hetzel studied at The University of Texas at San Antonio, St. Mary’s University, Our Lady of the Lake University and, most recently, Texas State University, Hetzel's resume shows.

She possesses a doctorate in leadership studies, a master’s degree in industrial/organizational psychology, and several certificates, including public management.

Hetzel said while she previously worked in growing towns larger than Shavano Park, working with a variety of people provided her with a positive professional perspective.

"It made me re-evaluate my values and made me realize how I like being with the people and getting to know the people I’m working with and seeing them,” she said.