EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — The City of El Paso is appointing four new deputy city managers, it announced Tuesday, Jan. 28.
The four new deputy city managers were selected following a “national competitive search,” the City said.
They are: Richard Bristol, K. Nicole Cote, Araceli Guerra, and Yvette Hernandez.
“These accomplished leaders, all lifelong El Pasoans who have grown their careers within the organization, join Deputy City Managers Robert Cortinas, Mario D’Agostino, and Ellen Smyth, forming a robust and dynamic executive team dedicated to advancing the City’s strategic goals and delivering exceptional service to the community,” the City said in a news release.
City Manager Dionne Mack said: “The role of Deputy City Manager is critical to ensuring the effective and efficient operation of our departments and enhancing service delivery for the residents of El Paso. With their diverse expertise, unwavering commitment to excellence, and deep ties to the community, this talented team will strengthen our ability to achieve our strategic goals and shape the future of El Paso.”
The appointments are, with short descriptions provided by the City:
- Richard Bristol: A Navy veteran and long-time City leader, Bristol brings nearly 30 years of experience in infrastructure management and operational excellence. His leadership has driven transformative improvements in City services and strategic planning.
- K. Nicole Cote: With over 20 years of service, Cote has excelled in fiscal management, strategic sourcing, and process improvement, playing a pivotal role in balancing multi-billion-dollar budgets and enhancing community services.
- Araceli Guerra: Recognized nationally for her contributions to government innovation, Guerra has been instrumental in driving operational efficiency and technological advancements that have earned El Paso national accolades.
- Yvette Hernandez: A licensed professional engineer, Hernandez has managed nearly $1 billion in capital improvement projects, delivering impactful infrastructure initiatives that improve the quality of life for the community.
All four of these deputy city managers have spent their professional careers “advancing through the ranks of the City organization, earning their appointments through years of dedication, leadership, and service to the residents of El Paso,” the City said.
This announcement also comes as the City prepares to bid farewell to Deputy City Manager Ellen Smyth, who will be retiring later this spring after decades of dedicated service.
“Ellen Smyth’s extraordinary contributions have had a profound and lasting impact on our organization,” Mack said. “Her leadership and commitment to public service will be greatly missed.”
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