City of Celina Appoints Brad Kearney as Strategic Services Director

CELINA, TEXAS - The City of Celina is pleased to announce the appointment of Brad Kearney as the new Strategic Services Director. This key position will be instrumental in guiding the City's continued growth and development. With his extensive experience within the City of Celina and a strong background in municipal governance, Kearney is well-positioned to implement innovative strategies to deliver meaningful results for the City's residents.

Since joining Celina in October 2023 as the Assistant Director of Finance, Kearney has made significant contributions, including playing a pivotal role in shaping the City's budget process. Working closely with the City Manager's Office, Kearney ensured the creation of a responsible, prudent budget aligned with Celina's strategic goals. He also managed the City's Public Improvement District (PID) and Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone (TIRZ) programs, ensuring compliance with agreements and legal requirements, and collaborating with attorneys, consultants, and City departments.

In his role, Kearney also led the Utility Customer Service team, focusing on process evaluation, developing standard operating procedures, and resolving resident concerns. Additionally, he led several special projects, including the City's Water Rate Study and operational guidelines for the Ralph O'Dell Senior Center, demonstrating his ability to address complex challenges with a strategic, solutions-oriented approach.

As Strategic Services Director, Kearney will oversee the implementation of Celina's 2024-2026 Strategic Plan, which serves as a cornerstone for the City's decision-making and future growth. This comprehensive plan reflects Celina's mission to preserve its agricultural heritage while fostering a close-knit community amidst rapid growth. With a focus on sustainable development, enhanced service delivery, and innovation, the plan is designed to ensure Celina remains a leader in the region, providing its residents with a high quality of life.

Key to the plan's success is its emphasis on attracting diverse, high-tech businesses, expanding agritourism, and creating distinctive community destinations. These initiatives will help Celina thrive as a dynamic place to live, work, and visit. Under Kearney's leadership, these goals will be translated into tangible outcomes, promoting transparency, efficiency, and innovation in City operations.

"The 2024-2026 Strategic Plan represents our commitment to building a vibrant, connected community," said City Manager Robert Ranc. "Brad's experience and dedication to the City make him the ideal leader to guide this ambitious initiative. His leadership will ensure that our strategic objectives result in meaningful, lasting impact for the residents of Celina."

"I am truly honored to step into the role of Strategic Services Director and contribute to shaping Celina's future. Celina's growth presents exciting opportunities to refine our processes and implement innovative strategies that will directly improve the lives of our residents. I look forward to working closely with City leadership, staff, and the community to help Celina reach its full potential," said Kearney.

In his new role, Kearney will collaborate with all City departments to establish performance metrics, refine policies, and develop long-term strategies. His proven ability to foster strong working relationships and his unwavering dedication to community impact will be instrumental in advancing the City's goals.

Before joining Celina, Kearney held various leadership roles in the City of Irving, including Budget Manager and Assistant to the City Manager. His work in Irving included strategic planning, economic development, and overseeing significant public-private partnerships, including the $100+ million Toyota Music Factory project.