Issuu

DRIVEN TO SERVE

ODESSA Insider

Finding the Funding Dr. Susan Lara

A CAREER WITHOUT BOUNDARIES: BECSAVE ARPERO

Finding Room to Grow Bianca Porras

Employee Resource Corner

Keep Odessa Flowing Eloy Diaz

Making Every Drop Count Thomas Justice

Getting the Job Done Raul Navarrete

Your Monthly Dose of City Employee Positivity and Helpful Information

Table Of Contents

DRIVEN TO SERVE

A CAREER WITHOUT BOUNDARIES

FINDING ROOM TO GROW

FINDING THE FUNDING

KEEP ODESSA FLOWING

BACK-TO-SCHOOL BINGO

EMPLOYEE RESOURCE CORNER

ADOPTABLE ANIMALS

UPCOMING EVENTS

BIRTHDAYS/ANNIVERSARIES

Odessa Insider

DRIVEN TO SERVE Meet Vanessa Benavides

When Vanessa Benavides climbs into the driver’s seat of a Solid Waste truck, she sometimes gets a reaction she doesn’t expect. “Surprise! There’s a woman behind the wheel.” For Vanessa, it’s a reaction that makes her proud. As a Solid Waste Driver for the City of Odessa, Benavides spends her days collecting trash and doing her part to keep the community clean. She’s one of 10 women among the City’s 38 Solid Waste drivers, and after two years with the City, she has found a place where she enjoys both the work and the people beside her. When you enjoy what you do, Benavides says, “The day goes by so fast.” She credits her coworkers and the relationships they’ve built for making even the busiest days enjoyable. Originally from Midland, she is also a working mom with a 2-year-old daughter and is currently expecting. Her daughter has already had the unique opportunity to see her mom at work. Benavides hopes she grows up seeing just how much hard work and dedication go into serving a community. When she’s off the clock, Benavides enjoys slowing things down and spending time with her daughter, including trips to the park. She also wants Odessa residents to know that their efforts are being noticed. Benavides says she and her coworkers have seen more residents breaking down cardboard boxes before placing them out for collection, making their jobs a little easier. Whether she’s behind the wheel, helping keep Odessa beautiful, or spending time with her growing family, Benavides is proud of the work she does and proud to show that there’s plenty of room for women in the driver’s seat.

A CAREER WITHOUT BOUNDARIES

A career with the City of Odessa doesn’t always follow a straight line. For Becsave Arpero, that meant discovering new opportunities, developing new skills, and finding a career path she may not have originally envisioned. Arpero, a Database/Web Administrator for Geointelligence, has been with the City of Odessa for two and a half years and in her current role for just under a year. Originally from New Mexico, she moved to Odessa four years ago. Her career with the City started at Keep Odessa Beautiful, where she served as an Administrative Assistant, but it didn’t stay there. What began as an administrative role eventually opened the door to a completely different career path that allowed Arpero to combine technology, data, and her growing understanding of how the City operates. Today, Arpero develops and maintains applications, dashboards, web maps, and data resources that help City departments, leadership, and the public better understand Odessa from a geographic perspective. “I’ve been fortunate to have great leaders in both departments who have encouraged me, challenged me, and helped shape me into the professional I am today,” Arpero said.

Along the way, she has also gained a broader perspective of City government and the many people and departments working together to serve Odessa. “Each role and each leader has taught me something different, giving me a better understanding of City processes, allowing me to build friendships with people across departments, and supporting my growth both professionally and personally,” she said. Arpero’s journey is a reminder that professional growth doesn’t always mean leaving an organization. Outside of work, Arpero enjoys playing golf and going off-roading with her husband.

Odessa Insider

FINDING ROOM TO GROW

M E E T B I A N CA P O R R A S

Sometimes, moving forward doesn’t mean leaving, but finding a new opportunity where you are. That was the case for Bianca Porras, who is approaching five years with the City of Odessa. After beginning her City career in the Legal Department, Porras decided she was ready for a new challenge and transferred to the Information Technology Department, where she now serves as a Senior Administrative Assistant. “I liked my position at the Legal Department, but I wanted to grow within the City,” Porras said. “I am thankful that the City allows you to grow.” Today, she provides administrative and technical support for IT, handling everything from personnel and payroll files to maintaining databases and assisting with the daily needs of the department. It’s a role she says has turned out to be a great fit. “The time went by so fast,” Porras said. “I am hoping to retire with the City.”

City of Odessa

That connection to Odessa extends well beyond her career. Born and raised here, she has had a front row seat to the community’s growth and enjoys seeing the new opportunities and activities that have come along with it. “I love all the events that the City has to offer,” she said. Porras likes to stay busy both at work and at home, but when it’s time to slow down, she turns to her creative side. She enjoys reading, crafting, and especially painting. As Odessa continues to change, the Odessa native is looking forward to growing right alongside it. She believes there’s still plenty ahead for the community she calls home and the City career she hopes will take her all the way to retirement.

FINDING THE FUNDING:

A NEW CHAPTER IN CITY SERVICE 06

Odessa Insider

Finding the Funding:

A NEW CHAPTER IN CITY SERVICE DR. SUSAN LARA

Behind many of the projects and services that move a city forward is the critical work of finding the funding to make them possible. Dr. Susan Lara, Grant Writer and Government Affairs Coordinator, brings decades of experience in education, leadership, and grant writing to her new role with the City of Odessa. As the City’s first dedicated grant writer in recent years, Lara fills an important role that helps turn community needs into funding opportunities while stretching local tax dollars further. In her position, Dr. Lara works with City departments to identify funding opportunities, assess needs, develop grant proposals, connect with community partners, and track external funding alongside the Finance Department. She also researches proposed legislation and keeps the City Manager’s Office informed about how potential changes could impact the City. Before joining the City, Dr. Lara built an extensive career in education, beginning as a migrant and bilingual education teacher and later spending 31 years as a Professor of Education, including eight years as Vice President of Student Services. She most recently served as a grant writer for ECISD for five years. 07

Odessa Insider

Finding the Funding:

A NEW CHAPTER IN CITY SERVICE DR. SUSAN LARA

Originally from Kansas, Dr. Lara has built strong ties to the Odessa community. One of her most unique hobbies is collecting Mexican folklórico and mariachi dolls, a collection that began while she was at UTPB and eventually grew to more than 80 dolls.

Outside of work, she volunteers and writes grants for Odessa Family Pathways, is involved with LISTOS West Texas, and enjoys reading, spending time with her grandchildren and dogs, visiting friends, and spending time with her 91-year-old mother. “If you had asked me five months ago if I was going to go to work in City Government, I would have never thought so. However, it has been a good learning experience and a wonderful adventure to work with everyone here.” Dr. Lara would like to thank city employees for making her feel welcome and helping her so much. 08

Odessa Insider

KEEP ODESSA FLOWING

MEET THOMAS JUSTICE

Before a water meter is ever installed at a home or business in Odessa, there’s work happening behind the scenes to make sure it’s ready to go. For the past seven years, Thomas Justice has been part of making that happen. As a Leadership Coordinator with the City of Odessa Utilities Department, Justice prepares and sets water meters, issues meters to contractors and checks construction sites when leaks arise. His work takes him throughout the city and gives him a sense of independence. He says one of his favorite parts of the job is being trusted to manage his responsibilities and work independently. With different assignments and locations each day, he appreciates having the freedom to get the job done. Originally from Del Rio, Justice has found a career he genuinely enjoys with the City of Odessa. And when he’s not working? That can be a tough question. “I work all the time,” Justice joked. When he does get some downtime, he enjoys keeping things simple and watching movies. After seven years with Utilities, Justice still enjoys coming to work and being part of a department that helps keep an essential City service running. For him, it’s about doing meaningful work and being happy to show up each day.

Odessa Insider

KEEP ODESSA FLOWING MEET RUBEN GUZMAN

Most people don’t spend much time thinking about what happens after they turn on a faucet or flush a toilet, and Ruben Guzman would probably say that’s a good thing. As Field Supervisor over Sewer Collections, Guzman works with his team behind the scenes to keep Odessa’s sewer system flowing and helping prevent overflows throughout the city. It’s a responsibility he has taken on as part of a career with the City of Odessa that now spans 17 years. For Guzman, though, the City is more than a workplace. “It’s a second home,” he said. Born and raised in Odessa and a graduate of Odessa High School, he has watched his hometown change significantly over the years. As the city has expanded, so has the infrastructure needed to serve the people who call it home. “The growth is substantial,” Guzman said. Still, despite how much Odessa has changed, he believes it continues to offer what residents need. “Odessa has everything you need.” What has kept him with the City for nearly two decades is simple: the people. The relationships he has built along the way have made his work feel like much more than just a job. Outside of work, Guzman enjoys walking and spending time with his family. With children ranging in age from 2 to 33, family keeps him busy and has also given him plenty of perspective on perseverance. His advice to others is something he tries to live by: never give up on your dreams. Getting started can be the hardest part, Guzman says, but once you find the motivation to keep moving, stopping becomes much harder. After 17 years of helping keep Odessa flowing, Guzman is still moving forward.

Odessa Insider

KEEP ODESSA MEET ELOY DIAZ

FLOWING

No two days look quite the same for Eloy Diaz. One morning may begin with a water line break, while the next could take him across town to address a damaged fire hydrant or sewer issue. After 21 years with the City of Odessa, that unpredictability is still one of the things he enjoys most about his work. “I’m not in one specific place,” Diaz said. “Every day is a new location.” As a Water Distribution Field Manager, Diaz helps oversee the work that keeps some of Odessa’s most essential infrastructure operating. He and his team respond to water line breaks, install water taps, address sewer issues, repair damaged fire hydrants, and handle other maintenance needs throughout the city. Much of that work happens behind the scenes, but its impact reaches thousands of residents every day. Whether responding to an unexpected problem or completing routine maintenance, Diaz and his team help ensure residents can continue relying on the water and sewer services that are essential to their lives. For Diaz, Odessa is more than a place where he works. Born in Mexico and raised in El Paso, Diaz made his way to Odessa and built a life here. He has also developed an appreciation for some of West Texas’ simpler sights, particularly Odessa’s sunrises and sunsets. Diaz continues to find purpose in work that keeps him moving and allows him to give back to the community he calls home.

Odessa Insider

MAKING IT ALL COME TOGETHER Meet Raul Navarrete

For Raul Navarrete, there’s satisfaction in watching a job come together. Crews have to be in the right place, equipment needs to be ready, and everyone needs to know what comes next. “I like making sure everything is organized and gets done,” Navarrete said. For the past five and a half years, Navarrete has served the City of Odessa as a Field Supervisor for Water Distribution. He oversees crews and coordinates maintenance and repairs involving the city’s water and sewer systems, helping ensure each job is handled properly and completed on time. The work can bring something different each day, from complicated repairs to unexpected emergencies. Through it all, Navarrete focuses on keeping his crews organized and the work moving for residents.

Born in Midland and raised in Odessa, Navarrete has spent most of his life calling Odessa home. Now, his work gives him the opportunity to serve the community that helped shape him while playing a role in maintaining services residents depend on every day.

Away from work, much of Navarrete’s time centers around family. He is a proud father of three sons, ages 24, 19, and 14, and enjoys spending time with them whenever he can. He also enjoys traveling and experiencing new places outside of West Texas. After five and a half years with the City, Navarrete continues to bring organization, leadership, and a steady hand to a job where plans can change at a moment’s notice. For him, there’s something rewarding about seeing the work come together, knowing another job has been completed for the community he calls home.

Odessa Insider

City of Odessa

Back-to-school bingo Activities Committee

Among the many things that bring City of Odessa employees together, bingo happens to be one of them! The Activities Committee (ACCO) organized this year's Back-to-School Bingo, which had three winners, each receiving a lunch box to celebrate the start of the new school year. Deandrea Carson took first place with blackout bingo. After several years of participating, she was excited to finally claim a win. "After playing bingo with the City for four years, it was cool to finally win," Carson said. Elsa Gavaldon and Jenay C. Loera also joined the winners with regular bingo wins, each taking home a lunch box. Activities organized by ACCO, like bingo, give City employees a fun way to connect across departments while adding a little friendly competition to the workday. Congratulations to Deandrea, Elsa, and Jenay, and thank you to ACCO for organizing the activity and to everyone who participated!

Odessa Insider

BACK-TO-SCHOOL BINGO Winners

DEANDREA CARSON

ELSA GAVALDON

Odessa Insider

PLANT BINGO WITH A PURPOSE

For the first time, the City of Odessa hosted Plant Bingo, a fun event presented by the City of Odessa Parks and Recreation Department at the Lawndale Community Center. What makes this event even more special is that Plant Bingo supported a great cause. The event served as a fundraiser, with proceeds helping City of Odessa employees in need. A special thanks to our City of Odessa Charity Committee, pictured above, for helping make events like this possible and supporting our fellow employees when they need it most. Pictured from left to right are James Kodad with Code Enforcement, Elizabeth Prieto with Planning, Lorenzo Rivas with the Fire Marshal’s Office, Norma Aguilar, City Secretary, and Rosa Quiroz with the Odessa Police Department. Pictured below is Evette McClure with Utilities.

EMPLOYEE RESOURCE CORNER Mental Fitness

This month, Lyra is highlighting the transformative power of mental fitness. Just like committing to a physical fitness routine can bring short- and long-term benefits to your health, taking time to build “mental muscles” has benefits too. It can make you feel calmer and steadier every day and help you build essential skills, like focus and emotional regulation, so it’s easier to navigate stressful moments when they happen. Not sure where to start? Try one of these mental fitness exercises today! Practice deep breathing (try this Lyra resource to start) Go for a walk outside Listen to a soothing soundscape (try this Lyra resource to start) Schedule an appointment with a Lyra provider

Join the Mindful Moments Webinar on September 14, 11:00 a.m. CDT or 7:00 p.m. CDT Take a mindful pause to reset and reconnect. This guided session offers brief education on what mindfulness is, followed by a guided mindfulness practice designed to help awaken attention and awareness to the present moment. Mindful awareness can help you navigate life’s ups and downs and be present for what matters most. Register Here.

Fitness center

SEPTEMBER IS YOGA AWARENESS MONTH

7 Benefits of Yoga 1. Improves strength, balance and flexibility

Yoga builds strength, improves balance, and increases flexibility through mindful movement and deep breathing. 2. Helps relieve back pain Yoga can reduce lower back pain and improve mobility. 3. Eases arthritis symptoms Gentle yoga may help reduce joint pain, stiffness, and discomfort.

SEPTEMBER

lFITNESS SCHEDULE

Yoga and More

Mon. & Thu.*

5:15 p.m.

Yoga and GO

Tuesdays

12:10 p.m.

DEEP (Stretch)

Tuesdays

5:15 p.m.

Gym Orientation

Sept. 2, 9, & 30

2:00 p.m.

No class on Sept. 7. No Gym Orientation Sept. 16 and 23.

The City of Odessa offers four instructor-led yoga classes each week.

Yoga can support physical and mental well-being, from improved balance and flexibility to stress management.

4. Supports heart health Regular yoga may reduce stress, inflammation, blood pressure, and other heart disease risk factors. 5. Promotes better sleep A consistent yoga practice can help relax the body and mind, making it easier to fall and stay asleep. 6. Boosts energy and mood Yoga can increase energy, alertness, and positive feelings while reducing stress and negative emotions. 7. Helps manage stress Yoga supports stress management, mindfulness, mental well-being, healthy eating, and quality sleep.

Source: Hopkins Medicine

Employee Resource corner Here are seven key areas to focus on:

September is Healthy Aging Awareness Month

Healthy aging can start at any age! The healthy choices we make today can help us maintain our health, independence, and quality of life as we grow older. Healthy aging isn’t about how old you are. It’s about how you take care of yourself along the way. Start today! Source: https://www.cdc.gov/healthy-aging

1. Nutrition: Eat a balanced, nutrientrich diet that fuels your body. 2. Physical Activity: Stay active with exercises and activities you enjoy. Consistency is key! 3. Mental Health: Keep your mind stimulated, continue learning, and get enough quality sleep. 4. Social Connections: Stay connected with family, friends, and your community. 5. Emotional Well-Being: Manage stress, maintain a positive outlook, and seek support when needed. Try yoga, meditation, or journaling. 6. Injury Prevention: Protect yourself by improving balance and strength, taking steps to prevent falls, and driving safely. 7. Healthcare: Stay current with checkups, screenings, vaccinations, and management of ongoing health conditions.

Employee resource corner

September is Food Safety Awareness Month What to Know

September is a good time to remind everyone that safe food handling can help prevent foodborne illness. Remember these four simple steps: 1. Clean: Wash hands for 20 seconds before handling food. Clean surfaces, utensils, and cutting boards with hot, soapy water. Rinse produce, clean the lids of cans and jars before opening. 2. Separate: Keep raw meat, poultry, seafood, and eggs away from produce and ready-to-eat foods. Store raw meat on the refrigerator’s lowest shelf and use separate plates and utensils for raw and cooked foods. 3. Cook: Use a food thermometer to ensure meat and poultry reach safe temperatures. Avoid raw or undercooked eggs, meat, seafood, and foods containing raw flour. Heat microwaved foods evenly. 4. Chill: Refrigerate perishables, leftovers, and deliveries within two hours, or one hour above 90°F. Keep your refrigerator at 40°F or below and your freezer at 0°F or below. Shop for perishables last and refrigerate promptly.

Source: http://www.fda.gov/food

Clean. Separate. Cook. Chill. These four simple steps can help reduce the risk of foodborne illness and keep you and your family safe.

FRAUD PREVENTION

PROTECT YOUR BENEFITS FROM FRAUD Employee benefit accounts like FSAs and other plans contain funds and sensitive personal information, making them attractive targets for fraud. Learn how to spot warning signs and take steps to protect your benefits before fraud impacts you.

Why fraud prevention matters RED FLAGS Urgent or threatening language (“act now” or “your account will be locked”) Requests for sensitive information (passwords, PINs, Social Security number, or bank details)

From phishing attacks to unauthorized account access, fraud is a growing risk. If someone gains access to your account, they could: • Spend your benefits dollars. • Change account details or reimbursement information. • Access your personal and health information. Resolving fraud can take time and may delay access to funds when you need them most.

Poor grammar, distorted logos, or unusual formatting Suspicious links or sender addresses that don’t match the provider

Source: https://www.wexinc.com

Discyoourver benefits

healt insuranhce

OPEN

dental insurance

vision insurance

wellness programs

Save The Date OPEN ENROLLMENT OCTOBER 14 - 28, 2026

OPEN ENROLLMENT FAIR OCTOBER 21, 2026 | 11:00 A.M. - 2:00 P.M. Benefits & Wellness

benefits@odessa-tx.gov

Waiting for a Family

Adoptable Animals

odessa-tx.gov/adoptableanimals

Upcoming Events SEPTEMBER 7

Labor Day Office Closures

SEPTMEBER 8

Wreath Laying Ceremony Cpl Arlie Jones Cpl John (Scott) Gardner Sunrise 7:00 a.m.

SEPTEMBER 8

SEPTEMBER 16

Proposed Property Tax Rate Meeting 6:00 p.m.

SEPTEMBER 17

Planning and Zoning Meeting 1:30 p.m.

Odessa City Council Work Session/Meeting 3:30 p.m.

SEPTEMBER 19

Drive Thru Animal Vaccine Clinic 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

SEPTEMBER 9

Community Health Fair 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

SEPTEMBER 19

Emergency Preparedness Fair 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

SEPTEMBER 10

Odessa Development Corporation Meeting 3:00 p.m.

SEPTEMBER 22

Odessa City Council Work Session/ Meeting 3:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.

SEPTEMBER 12

Wreath Laying Ceremony: Cpl Abel Marquez Sunrise 7:00 a.m.

SEPTEMBER 25

Friday Night Flicks - Hoppers 6:30 p.m.

SEPTEMBER 12

Autumn Blaze 5K 8:00 a.m.

SEPTEMBER 12 Fall Citywide Cleanup Kickoff 8:00 a.m.

SEPTEMBER 12

Concerts in the Park - RED Taylor Swift Tribute 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

ODESSA-TX.GOV/CALENDAR

A Roadmap for

ODESSA’S Future

Every great community has a vision. But a vision without a plan is just an idea. That's why the City of Odessa created a new Strategic Plan to serve as a roadmap for where we're headed and how we'll get there.

The Strategic Plan isn't about checking boxes. It's about making thoughtful decisions that improve everyday life for our residents. Whether it's investing in public safety, maintaining our infrastructure, strengthening neighborhoods, supporting economic development, or enhancing quality of life, every priority points toward the same goal: making Odessa an even better place to live, work, and raise a family. What makes this plan different is that it gives every City department a shared direction. Instead of working independently, we're all working toward the same vision: In Odessa, we are a safe, family-centered community of choice, united by civility, driven by opportunity, and grounded in trust. Every project, every investment, and every decision is connected to that vision. The Strategic Plan isn't something that sits on a shelf. It's a living guide that will help shape budgets, set priorities, and measure our progress in the years ahead. It's our commitment to being transparent, accountable, and focused on what matters most to our community. Because building a stronger Odessa doesn't happen overnight. It happens one thoughtful decision at a time. That's exactly what this Strategic Plan is designed to do.

odessa-tx.gov/strategicplan

STRATEGIC pLAN

A Roadmap for Odessa’s Future

The City Council's Strategic Plan is a roadmap for Odessa's future. It identifies six key focus areas that guide City decisions and help departments work together toward shared goals. Together, these priorities support a stronger, safer, and more connected community.

Our Vision “In Odessa, we are a safe, familycentered community of choice, united by civility, driven by opportunity, and grounded in trust.”

Our Six Strategic Focus Areas Governance

Infrastructure

Services

Strengthen transparency, accountability, and community engagement through responsible leadership.

Maintain and improve streets, utilities, public facilities, and critical infrastructure that support future growth.

Deliver reliable public safety and high-quality city services that meet the needs of residents.

Quality of Life

Economic Development

Financial

Enhance parks, recreation, neighborhoods, and public spaces to create a vibrant community.

Promote investment, revitalize downtown, support businesses, and expand economic opportunity.

Maintain responsible budgeting, strengthen financial accountability, and protect taxpayer resources.

BIRTHDAYS

SEPTEMBER 2026 CITY EMPLOYEE

DEPARTMENT

BIRTHDAY

NICOLE BROWN

EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS

JOSE OCON GONZALEZ

PARKS AND RECREATION

PAMELA RITCHIE

SOLID WASTE

BONNIE CHAVEZ

BUILDING INSPECTION

LEANNA GREER

WATER DISTRIBUTION

KARIME GUTIERREZ

MUNICIPAL COURT

JIMMY NORRIS

PRINT SHOP

ELISHA RAMIREZ

MUNICIPAL COURT

ANTHONY BILBREY

FIRE EMS/SUPPRESSION

MARIA CALBILLO

UTILITIES ADMINISTRATION

SERGIO SPENCER

POLICE TRAINING

NICHOLAS STEVENS LUCAS FIRE EMS/SUPPRESSION

COTY WATTS

POLICE TRAINING

JUSTIN MONTEZ

POLICE PATROL

SUSANA ANDRADE

SOLID WASTE

JUAN COLON PACHECO

TRAFFIC

ALEJANDRO MUNOZ

POLICE INVESTIGATIONS

SAMANTHA ORNELAS

EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS

MARTINA CASTILLO

BILLING AND COLLECTION

MIGUEL ESPINO

WASTE WATER COLLECTION

JOHN FRANCO

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

LILLIAN ORTIZ

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

DAISY CASTANEDA

PUBLIC WORKS ADMINISTRATION

WILLIAM KRAMER

FIRE EMS/SUPPRESSION

ANJEANETTE MARTINEZ

FIRE ADMINISTRATION

KENDRICK BARRAGAN

POLICE PATROL

MAYCON CUELLAR-CHAVIRA POLICE PATROL

BRADLEY DAVIS

POLICE PATROL

REYNALDO GALLARDO MEDRANO

PARKS AND RECREATION

RICKY BAEZA

TRAFFIC

SYLVIA KAUK

FINANCE

JUAN MORALES RICO

FIRE EMS/SUPPRESSION

ALEJANDRO REYES

POLICE INVESTIGATIONS

BIRTHDAYS

SEPTEMBER 2026 CITY EMPLOYEE

DEPARTMENT

BIRTHDAY

JAMES SEBOLT

POLICE TRAINING

MATTHEW GARDNER

FIRE EMS/SUPPRESSION

MEAGAN DELGADO

POLICE CRIMINALISTICS

KARIME GALINDO

BILLING AND COLLECTION

JUAN VALENZUELA

CHIEF OF POLICE

PATRICK HARRIS III

POLICE CRIMINALISTICS

PRESTON LILLY

FIRE EMS/SUPPRESSION

STEPHEN WINN

WATER TREATMENT

ROCKY ADAMS

FIRE EMS/SUPPRESSION

MACK COULSON

FIRE EMS/SUPPRESSION

ERISH MCVEA

ANIMAL CONTROL

JOSE MEDINA CERVANTES

FIRE EMS/SUPPRESSION

JHONSON NGUYEN

FIRE EMS/SUPPRESSION

NYLA TAVAREZ

POLICE RECORDS

CRISTINA WASHINGTON

CODE ENFORCEMENT

KAIKI LUERA

FIRE EMS/SUPPRESSION

EDGAR NAVARRETTE

GEOINTELLIGENCE

RONNIE STANDIFORD

FIRE EMS/SUPPRESSION

MARIO VALDEZ

FIRE EMS/SUPPRESSION

DANIELLE BOIS D'ARC

FIRE EMS/SUPPRESSION

CECILIA MARQUEZ

CODE ENFORCEMENT

BENJAMIN SMITH

FIRE EMS/SUPPRESSION

ALEJANDRO URIAS

BOB DERRINGTON

PILAR NAVARRETE

PARKS AND RECREATION

YVONNA NIDEZ

HUMAN RESOURCES

SHELBY RAMOS

FIRE ADMINISTRATION

IRVIN CASALES

PARKS AND RECREATION

IAN PANTOJA

POLICE PATROL

BENITO RAMOS

FIRE ADMINISTRATION

MATTHEW SCOTT

WASTE WATER COLLECTION

BIRTHDAYS

SEPTEMBER 2026 CITY EMPLOYEE

DEPARTMENT

BIRTHDAY

JUAN CARRASCO

WATER DISTRIBUTION

DONAVAN GUEBARA

POLICE TRAINING

MICHAEL HERRERA

WATER TREATMENT

ELBIS NICOLAS

FIRE EMS/SUPPRESSION

DONALD ROOT

BOB DERRINGTON

KERRY MONDRAGON

PLANNING

JOEL MUNOZ

SOLID WASTE

DEANDREA CARSON

POLICE TRAINING

BRIAN WILHITE

FIRE EMS/SUPPRESSION

JESSICA LARA

PARKS AND RECREATION

DALIA MONTANO

LEGAL

JILL REED

CITY MANAGER'S OFFICE

STEPHANIE REYES

HUMAN RESOURCES

ANDREW TOMLINSON

POLICE PATROL

BRIAN BANUELOS

BOB DERRINGTON

ANA GONZALEZ

FIRE EMS/SUPPRESSION

NYA WOMACK

EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS

NATALIE GOLDEN

FIRE ADMINISTRATION

ALISON PROCTOR

FIRE EMS/SUPPRESSION

JEFFREY THOMAS

FIRE INSPECTION

JULIO BARAJAS

FIRE EMS/SUPPRESSION

ERIK BROWN

FIRE EMS/SUPPRESSION

KATINA BATIE

BILLING AND COLLECTION

BRYSON MORRIS

FIRE EMS/SUPPRESSION

CONNIE ODINOT

LABORATORY

CONNOR BLACK

FIRE EMS/SUPPRESSION

KEVIN KEY

BUILDING SERVICES

TONY FLORES

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY 30

ANNIVERSARIES

SEPTEMBER 2026 CITY EMPLOYEE

DEPARTMENT

TENURE

TONY REYES

FIRE EMS/SUPPRESSION

YERVAND HMAYAKYAN

ENGINEERING

CODY RITCHIE

FIRE ADMINISTRATION

JOSEPH GOFF

TRAFFIC

BROCK PITTMAN

FIRE EMS/SUPPRESSION

BRADLEY REESE

FIRE EMS/SUPPRESSION

RAYMUNDO REYNOSA

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

ANJEANETTE MARTINEZ

FIRE ADMINISTRATION

MARLENE SOTELO

POLICE INVESTIGATIONS

RYAN THOMPSON

POLICE PATROL

MARIA CALBILLO

UTILITIES ADMINISTRATION

ARMANDO RAMIREZ

BUILDING SERVICES

MAYCON CUELLAR-CHAVIRA

POLICE PATROL

ALBA SAMMER

LEGAL

LEO SUDELL

FIRE EMS/SUPPRESSION

IVAN GUEVARA

FIRE EMS/SUPPRESSION

LIZZETTE CAMPBELL

LEGAL

JULIO CRUZ-BARRIOS

PARKS AND RECREATION

WILLIAM ESSIG

WATER TREATMENT

ERIQUA GONZALES

POLICE INVESTIGATIONS

MICHAEL VASQUEZ

WASTE WATER COLLECTION

ADAM COOK

WATER DISTRIBUTION

LAURA CASIAS

EQUIPMENT SERVICES

CRISELDA GALINDO

SOLID WASTE

JULIANA LYNN

BUILDING INSPECTION

JAROD COWEN

FIRE EMS/SUPPRESSION

DAKOTA HALLMARK

FIRE EMS/SUPPRESSION

KIRSTIE MINIHAN

EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS

TONY FLORES

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

RIGOBERTO JUAREZ

STREET

ELENA GOMEZ

CODE ENFORCEMENT

ROBERT AHNERT

STREET

VERONICA BARRERA

SOLID WASTE

FABIAN DELEON

SOLID WASTE

LUIS BARRERA

PARKS AND RECREATION

ASHLEY GUTIERREZ

LEGAL

ANNIVERSARIES

SEPTEMBER 2026 CITY EMPLOYEE

DEPARTMENT

TENURE

EMANUEL IBARRA

PARKS AND RECREATION

ECTOR MARIN

GOLF COURSE

DELMA GONZALES

HEALTH AND WELLNESS

CALISTRO PEQUENO

POLICE PATROL

JUSTIN MONTEZ

POLICE PATROL

COLBY MUEHLBRAD

POLICE PATROL

YVONNA NIDEZ

HUMAN RESOURCES

MICHEAL NAVARRETTE

BILLING AND COLLECTION

RYAN CHAVEZ

SOLID WASTE

AIDAN HAYNES

GOLF COURSE

GABRIEL HERNANDEZ

SOLID WASTE

NATHANIEL TRAYLOR

SOLID WASTE

EZEKIEL GOMEZ

PARKS AND RECREATION

WILLIAM MAZUERA

STREET

JENNIFER ORTIZ

BILLING AND COLLECTION

MIGUEL GUERRERO

POLICE PATROL

ASHTON HILBISH

ANIMAL CONTROL

ZAIMARA SOTO DE JESUS

BILLING AND COLLECTION

ESMERALDA CANO

BILLING AND COLLECTION

CONNIE ODINOT

LABORATORY

JAVIER MATA

STREET

DANIEL RODRIGUEZ

STREET

ANDREW TOMLINSON

POLICE PATROL

JOCELYN DOMINGUEZ

GOLF COURSE

SANDRA BOATENG

PLANNING

AUBRY NAYLOR

EQUIPMENT SERVICES

GRACIELA TARIN

KEEP ODESSA BEAUTIFUL

Odessa police chief mike gerke speaking at a recent event honoring survivors of domestic violence, remembering the lives lost and offering hope for a brighter future.

SERVING ODESSA TOGETHER ODESSA INSIDER

September 2026 - Odessa Insider