By KRWG News
Las Cruces – Las Cruces City Manager Robert Garza today announced the appointment of an interim assistant city manager to temporarily fill the position he vacated when the city council selected him as city manager on December 13, 2010.
Chosen as interim city manager is current city Facilities Department Director Brian Denmark. Denmark, who will continue to oversee the Facilities Department, will start in his new capacity on Monday, January 10th.
As Facilities Director, Denmark has overseen many high profile City construction projects, including the new City Hall, Las Cruces Regional Aquatic Center, Las Cruces Convention Center and the reconstruction of runway 12-30 at the Las Cruces International Airport. He has administrative authority over Building Services, Fleet, Project Management, the airport and Parks and Recreation. He oversees 176 full time employees and administers an annual budget of nearly $20 million.
"Brian has served 25-years with the City of Las Cruces in various capacities, and is well experienced in the many facets of municipal government. His knowledge and expertise will serve us greatly," Garza said.
As interim assistant city manager, Denmark, 49, will also serve as the City's chief operating officer (COO) overseeing many of the day to day operations.
"I am grateful for Robert's faith in me and I am extremely enthused about serving as interim assistant city manager," Denmark said. "I look forward to working with Robert, the city council and staff to help move the City forward. We face challenging financial times and I will focus a lot of effort on how to continue providing the high level of services residents expect and are entitled to," Denmark said.
In addition to his nearly seven years as Facilities director, Denmark has served as Community Development Director, Planning Director, Subdivision Planner, and related positions in Colorado.
He holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from New Mexico State University and a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree from the University of Northern Colorado.
Denmark is a certified professional planner and is an active member of several professional associations.