Tom Brymer, Westlake’s Town Manager and Westlake Academy Superintendent since 2008, will be retiring effective March 31, 2019, as announced to Westlake’s Mayor and Town Council this past Monday night.
Mr. Brymer has overseen many successful ventures during his decade-plus of service. From welcoming Deloitte University in 2008 to managing the picturesque streetscape plan of FM 1938, as well as having a major role in bringing the new Charles Schwab Corporate campus to Westlake, and of course, supervised the one-of-a-kind architectural achievements of the Entrada development and the new Fire-EMS Station.
His efforts have garnered multiple professional awards including the Site Selectors Guild 2017 Excellence in Economic Development Award, the ICMA 2013 Strategic Leadership and Governance Award, the TEDC 2012 Community Economic Development Award, the ICMA 2012 Community Sustainability Program Excellence Award, and the Texas Municipal League 2009 Municipal Excellence Award among many others.
Mr. Brymer concludes an impressive career that dates back to 1975 when he began as a management intern for the City of Richardson. That early experience led him to various City Manager and Assistant City Manager roles in Bryan, Gilmer, Lockhart, College Station, Olathe, Kansas, and most recently, Westlake.
In his address to Town Council and Staff, Mr. Brymer said, “It has been a pleasure to work with residents, the various Town Council members, as well as the Staff, and businesses of Westlake over the last almost 11 years. My time as Westlake’s Town Manager and Superintendent of Westlake Academy will be one that I look back on with many fond memories. In fact, as I reflect on my 42-year public service career in city management, my time with the Town of Westlake has been both the most challenging and the most satisfying. Every day has been a “new adventure” making coming to work everyday fun and exciting.”
Mr. Brymer’s work as the Superintendent of Westlake Academy should also be lauded. He has coordinated the efforts of the Academy principals and administrative staff to provide a unique and highly sought-after International Baccalaureate education for the students of Westlake and our surrounding communities.
He’s directed a continuous pathway of academic excellence that included enrollment growth at the Academy from 379 to 874 students, as well as the addition of four new buildings on campus. As Superintendent, he has the distinction of having signed the diplomas of every Westlake Academy graduate in the school’s history to date.
Mr. Brymer’s pledge of staying true to the Town Council’s and Board of Trustees’ vision, values, and mission is what has made him such a vital asset to this community. “In my opinion, Tom Brymer is the Town of Westlake’s biggest unsung hero. Of all of those who have played a role in shaping the Town over the last ten years, Tom has, without a doubt, had the largest impact. From the moment he arrived in Westlake, he began encouraging the Town Council, the Town staff and the Westlake Academy administration to dream big. He educated us all on the importance of clearly defined missions, visions, and values. He guided us through the long and arduous process of revising the Town’s Comprehensive Plan, which process resulted in a thoughtfully crafted roadmap for the future of Westlake that will be there to guide future staffs, Councils and Mayors. His depth of knowledge and experience is seemingly endless and has been simply invaluable. Without question, he will be missed”, says Westlake Mayor Laura Wheat.
Fortunately for Westlake residents, a person who shares Mr. Brymer’s values and vision will be assuming the role of new Town Manager and Superintendent of Westlake Academy. Amanda DeGan, who began with the Town in 2001 as its first Court Administrator and has served as Assistant Town Manager for the past 7 years, will assume her new roles beginning in February during the transition period.
“I am truly honored to have the opportunity to further serve the Westlake community. It has been a pleasure to work alongside those in our academic and municipal services over the past 17 years and I look forward to all that the future holds for Westlake”, says Mrs. DeGan.
Mrs. DeGan is a credentialed manager through the International City/County Manager Association (ICMA), holds a master’s degree from the University of North Texas in Public Administration, and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas at Arlington in Political Science. She is a member of ICMA, North Texas City Management Association (NTCMA), the American Society for Public Administration (ASPA) and the Pi Alpha Alpha honor society.
Mayor Wheat envisions a seamless transition. “We are all thrilled that Amanda DeGan has agreed to become the next Town Manager for the Town of Westlake and the next Superintendent of Westlake Academy. Her many years of experience with the Town and school, including being the mom of two Westlake Academy graduates, have clearly prepared her for her new roles. Amanda understands the complexities of our community and school and will be hitting the ground running when Tom retires. The Town of Westlake and Westlake Academy are lucky to have her.”
The Town of Westlake would like to wish Mr. Brymer well in his retirement and thank him for his many years of dedicated service to our community. We’d also like to extend a hearty congratulations to Mrs. DeGan for her new roles and are excited to work hand-and-hand with her in continuing to make Westlake a special place to be for many years to come.
by: Jon Sasser