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OUR TEAM STEPS UP TO BUILD HOME

Odessa Insider

ANewsletterforyou.

This issue is packed with inspiring stories of our employees making a difference! Additionally, you will find employee birthdays and work anniversaries.

This monthly newsletter was designed for all the dedicated employees who step up to make a difference in the City of Odessa every day, so we encourage you to flip through the many pages that recognize your great service to the City and community

We truly appreciate your ability to tackle various responsibilities and tasks, and set benchmarks that best position the City of Odessa for the future. Your forward-thinking approach leads to great success across the City and within your respective departments and divisions, and we always enjoy highlighting your great achievements and efforts each month.

Thank you for your notable preparation and hard work that leads to success in each assignment We are excited to tell more great stories of City of Odessa employees throughout the year

Communications Department

HeartsandHands: OdessaEmployees

HelpBuildaHome

City of Odessa employees volunteered their time to help build a home for Habitat for Humanity located off Windsor Drive in Odessa. Employees from several departments came together for the project, showing their commitment to supporting the community and making a difference for a local family.

To symbolize their unity, the volunteers all wore pink shirts that read, “It takes hands to build a house, but only hearts can build a home.”

HEARTSAND HANDS:ODESSA

EMPLOYEESHELP BUILDAHOME

Working together to make a difference! This was a ladies only project

Habitat for Humanity has built more than 200 homes across the region, including significant expansion in Odessa Recent and ongoing projects continue to add to that total, with plans to build dozens of new homes in Odessa following a December 2025 land donation

The Odessa City Council donated 7.65 acres of land n

move into a neighborhood and become a part of a community,” Mayor Cal Hendrick was quoted in a local publication. “It’s a monumental occasion for Odessa.”

Hearts

EnriquezRetiresAfter MoreThanThreeDecades withtheCity!

The current Director of Community Development was initially hired by then-Human Resources Director Allen Coco to serve in a part-time afternoon employee role in the Human Resources Department while she was still in high school in 1988 Once she reached 18 years old in 1989, she was hired on full-time and would spend the next three-plus decades in areas like Finance, Prosecutor’s Office, Legal, Municipal Court, Civil, Community Development and Animal Services

Naira Enriquez has served in various City of Odessa roles over the past 36 years, and is retiring on March 27, 2026.

“I want to do some things with my mother who is older and my children who are now adults There are places I would like to see and things that I would like to do,” said Enriquez

She has been fortunate to experience the City from so many different perspectives and contribute to all the positions that she has fulfilled over the decades

“The people and seeing the changes in the community that were being made throughout the years,” said Enriquez of the reasons that kept her with the City of Odessa for so long. “It’s been fun and a good place to grow and learn.”

Enriquez said, “I have seen so many positive things that are still happening with this City. I encourage those that are here to stay.”

RETIREMENT CELEBRATION

FORCAROLYNFEARS ANDJESSICAGARCIA

Celebrating two incredible careers, two lasting legacies, and more than 60 years of combined service, we honor Jessica Garcia and Carolyn Fears as they step into retirement.

Carolyn Fears dedicated an extraordinary 41 years to the City of Odessa. Born and raised in Odessa and a proud graduate of Ector High School (Class of 1976), Carolyn began her journey with the City at just 26 years old after spotting a job posting in the newspaper in November 1984. She started in Human Resources as a clerk, quickly advancing to senior clerk before finding her calling as a Claims Coordinator in Risk Management, a role she would faithfully serve in for four decades.

Carolyn’s philosophy was simple but powerful: “Treat people the way you want to be treated and enjoy meeting new people and doing things for them and with them.”

Her approach to service left a lasting mark on everyone she encountered. That mindset defined her career one built on kindness, consistency, and genuine care for others.

“Sometimes it’s not what we accomplish, but it’s what we do.” said Fears. “Treat people the way you want to be treated, enjoy meeting new people and do things for them and with them.”

RetirementCelebrationforCarolyn FearsandJessicaGarciaCont.

Alongside her, Jessica Garcia celebrates more than 21 years of dedicated service to the city. Her career began in third-party claims administration at the age of 36, where she worked closely with the City before joining the team when it became self-insured. From that moment on, she found not just a job, but a true passion For Jessica, the highlight of her career has always been the people.

“It’s about loyalty, hard work, and having compassion for people,” said Garcia. “Whether helping employees understand their benefits or guiding retirees through complex processes.”

She became a trusted and compassionate resource. Her commitment to going the extra mile and treating others with empathy made her a cornerstone of the department.

Both women share a common thread: a deep love for people, an unwavering work ethic, and a belief in doing the right thing even during challenging times. Their dedication has shaped the culture of service within the organization and touched countless lives along the way.

As they enter retirement, both look forward to welldeserved rest, time with family, and new adventures From traveling and remodeling to spending cherished moments with their grandchildren, this next chapter is full of opportunity. While daily routines may change, the impact they’ve made will not.

Thank you, Carolyn Fears and Jessica Garcia, for your years of service, your compassion, and the example you’ve set You will truly be missed, but never forgotten.

“Whether helping employees understand their benefits or guiding retirees through complex processes,” said Garcia “It’s about loyalty, hard work, and having compassion for people”

Recognizingthe ExceptionalWorkofOur Employees

Quality Service Awards are an acknowledgement of City of Odessa employees who use their positions to go the extra mile.

They included: Marshall Williams, Odessa Police Department

Nominated by: Chris Primeaux

“Corporal Marshall Williams represents the Odessa Police Department with pride, integrity, and a deep commitment to serving the community beyond his badge. Through his volunteer work with the Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run, he raises awareness and builds lasting relationships that reflect his heart for inclusion and service.

His annual participation in the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb demonstrates his respect for sacrifice and dedication to honoring fallen heroes. By serving cancer patients through West Texas Gifts of Hope and mentoring at-risk youth, he provides comfort, guidance, and hope to those who need it most. Corporal Williams consistently goes above and beyond in his duties, embodying the core values of his department and making a meaningful difference in the Odessa community.”

More Than

17 years of Outstanding Service

Jaime Rodriguez, Engineering Division

Nominated by: Engineering Division

“Jaime Rodriguez has dedicated more than 17 years of outstanding service to our organization and the public, consistently demonstrating professionalism and commitment. He has maintained exceptional performance and reliability. Jaime continued leading critical engineering projects, helping ensure multiple projects were completed on time. His positive attitude and willingness to support colleagues, even during difficult times, have made him a cornerstone of our team. Jaime’s resilience, work ethic, and commitment to quality service truly embody the very best of our company culture, making him exceptionally deserving of this recognition.”

“The Odessa Police Department provides 24-hour patrol coverage across the entire city, and Division C demonstrated exceptional proactive policing during the week of December 11, 2025 Rather than relying on chance encounters, Division C leadership identified burglary patterns, focused resources strategically, and ensured coordinated follow-through across the entire shift. Officers conducted follow-up investigations, increased directed patrols, and maintained a strong police presence in targeted areas all while continuing to handle regular calls for service. As a direct result of this focused effort, Division C located and arrested nine individuals for Burglary of a Building or Burglary of a Vehicle within a seven-day period. This accomplishment was not the result of coincidence, but of outstanding teamwork, analytical policing, and commitment—an exceptional level of performance that deserves recognition.”

Thank you for your incredible dedication to the City of Odessa and for shaping it in a positive way

Saluting

Rachel DeLeon has worked for the City of Odessa since 2018, and recently changed departments to become the new Solid Waste Administrative Assistant

“I want to continue to grow my knowledge in this department and see where it takes me,” said DeLeon. “You can learn something new every day.”

Solid Waste plays an important role for the City of Odessa and always strives to deliver quality customer service for local citizens. DeLeon quickly recognized the expectation and has already stepped up to deliver in that area

“I enjoy speaking to customers, especially when they seem appreciative of what we’re doing,” said DeLeon. “When they’re not happy, I like to make sure that they are happy at the end of the conversation.”

DeLeon previously served as the Water Distribution Administrative Assistant, and was excited to jump at a new opportunity when she was offered her current position She eventually began her new position on March 9.

DeLeon continues to stay busy by answering phone calls, placing work orders to the warehouse, and using the Tyler Munis software system.

She was drawn to the new job because she could lean on similar responsibilities from her past experience to find success Additionally, there was room for more learning and growth as a professional to pursue some new duties.

“Iwasreadyforsomething different,”saidDeLeon.“Solid Wasteseemedlikeagreat department.Igottoknow someoftheseemployeesof SolidWasteandIknewIwas comingintoasolid department.Andofcourse, WaterDistributionwasgreat too.It’sbittersweet,butit’s beenagoodchange.”

CELEBRATING THE GEOINTELLEGENCE DEPARTMENT (GIS)

The City of Odessa proudly recognizes our Geointelligence (GIS) Department as this month’s Activities Committee shout-out!

Though small in size, this dedicated team plays a big role in supporting the City’s operations every day. Their work often happens behind the scenes, but its impact is felt across the entire organization.

“It’s really fun to give a shout-out to GIS,” said Activities Committee Chair Lora Potter

Becsave Pacheco, the Database/Web Administrator for GIS. “It’s very meaningful for them to choose us,” Pacheco said. “We are such a small team, so it really means a lot that city leadership took the time to come out, highlight us, and show appreciation for the work we do.”

For the GIS team, the acknowledgment meant a great deal.

Thank you to the Activities Committee for recognizing the Geointelligence Department’s essential work that helps keep the City of Odessa running strong!

The City of Odessa's Activities Committee held its first “Food Truck Chuck” event where several local food vendors gathered at City Hall to offer lunch to City employees

Lora Potter, who helped organize the event, said she saw it as a way for employees to come together

“My favorite part is seeing all the networking that happens. They're going from department to department, sitting with each other, and really talking. They get to hang out and have a good time," said Potter

The Parks and Recreation Department also helped out by providing tents, chairs, and tables

City Employees Connect

FireRescueRecognized forAnsweringtheCall

Odessa Fire Rescue always steps up during crucial moments to keep the City of Odessa and its citizens safe, and was recognized for its outstanding service across the community during the Activities Committee shoutout in March

The Activities Committee highlights different City departments each month, and wanted to do something special for Odessa Fire Rescue.

The organization made up of employees from different City divisions picked a good time to provide an enjoyable get-together and deliver a morning spread that included breakfast tacos, salsa, donuts and coffee

Odessa Fire Rescue staff was grateful for the food and treats because they started their shifts on the right note, and felt the support from other City departments.

“The best way to start a day is donuts, coffee and a burrito,” said Assistant Fire Chief - Operations Cody Ritchie. “We really do appreciate the Activities Committee for coming out and taking some time out of their day to thank us We would also like to thank them for all the work they’ve been doing ”

FieldKeepsTrucking AlongAtSolidWaste

Eric Field is three months away from his 22nd job anniversary at the City of Odessa, and continues to serve an important role as a Solid Waste driver

“I really enjoy the job,” said Field. “That makes me even more responsible to get things done.”

Field had previous experience driving 18 wheelers across the United States and Canada, and had already earned his Class A license when he started pursuing his current City of Odessa opportunity in June 2004 Luckily for him, he was already wellqualified because the City only required a Class B license

Safety has always been a focus for Field, and that continues to be his daily goal while he works from the road

“Just trying to stay incident and accident free,” said Field

Field also enjoys his time away from work, and he usually stays busy with a hobby that was influenced by a fellow City of Odessa colleague

“I’m trying to get into woodcarving,” said Field. “I’ve been watching a whole lot of YouTube videos. I had a co-worker John Keith that has since passed. He gave me a bunch of woodworking supplies, magazines, and a huge chunk of basswood, which is perfect for carving.”