Thursday, March 29, 2007

Farmers Branch gets new city manager, Gary Greer

By Minnie Payne

FARMERS BRANCH — Gary Greer, 45, new city manager of Farmers Branch, assumed his duties on March 19, and hit the ground running.

“Just meeting the staff members of the 12 departments that I’m over and members of the city council was an enormous task,” Greer said.

Greer has more than 20 years of experience in public and private management. He left the position of city administrator for Grand Island, Neb., which has a population of approximately 43,000. Farmers Branch has a population of approximately 27,500.

Greer served in Grand Island three years and was instrumental in the construction of a library expansion, new fire station and law enforcement center. He began his career in University Park, Texas in 1985. Prior to serving in Grand Island, he was city manager of Kearney, Neb. and Manhattan, Kan. and worked in private industry as vice president of a steel company.

Park University is Greer’s alma mater where he earned a degree in Political Science; he received his Master of Public Administration from the University of Kansas. He has credentials as city manager from the International City/County Management Association. The Nebraska Jaycees designated him as “Outstanding Young Nebraskan,” and he won management awards from the International City/County Management Association and the University of Kansas.

“I am very happy to be city manager of Farmers Branch,” said Greer. “I see many positive things for the future and believe that the city will be renowned in the future for its quality of life. I am honored to be part of the city’s future.”

Greer said that he feels that presently the most important project going on in Farmers Branch is revitalization of neighborhoods, in that the housing stock in the community needs to be updated.

Presently the City of Farmers Branch offers payback incentives and amenity packages for new home buyers, major remodelers, and exterior makeovers. Those interested, should visit www.farmersbranch.info or call 972-919-2515.

“The DART light rail station area development is also at the forefront right now,” Greer said.

According to Tom Bryson, Director of Communications for the City of Farmers Branch, the expected start date of the DART light rail service to Farmers Branch is 2010.

“The city has been actively planning for development of the area that will surround the DART rail station here,” said Bryson. “The city envisions a mixture of residential blending with retail, office and restaurants in a pedestrian friendly environment.”

Greer said that the thing that he likes most about his job is that he has the opportunity of having a positive affect on the day-to-day lives of Farmers Branch citizens; the thing he dislikes most is not having enough hours in the day to dedicate to them.

“With Gary’s knowledge and experience, he is already making decisions that are preparing the city for a great future,” said Assistant City Manager Greg Vick. “He is moving the city forward at a very fast pace in the residential revitalization programs, as well as expediting several matters in the DART station area.”

Greer and his wife, Cosette, have been married 22 years and have twin daughters, Haley and Caley, 20, who are education majors at the University of Nebraska, and one son, Andy, 18, a senior in high school. His hobbies include family, church activities, and golf.

Residents and businesspeople are invited to meet Greer during a reception at Farmers Branch City Hall, Thursday, March 29 from 7 until 8:30 p.m., where he will be on hand to meet and greet citizens and answer questions. For more information, call 972-919-2515.

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