Longest serving Bryan city manager announces his retirement

This podcast is Bryan mayor Bobby Gutierrez's visit with Chelsea Reber on WTAW's The Infomaniacs about the retirement of city manager Kean Register.The longest serving Bryan city manager has announced his retirement.Kean Register, who was named city manager on a permanent basis in August 2012, will retire November 3rd.Register also served as interim city manager from February 2006 through October 2006 and from September 2010 through August 2012.Register's career with the city of Bryan began in September 2000 with BTU (Bryan Texas Utilities) as a group manager overseeing the public power provider's energy services, customer service, information technology, fiscal services, regulatory affairs, power production and power marketing.News release from the city of Bryan:Kean Register, city manager of Bryan, Texas, has announced his retirement effective Nov. 3, concluding a distinguished career in public service that spans over 25 years with the City of Bryan. With the city’s best interest in mind, Register moved up his initial retirement date of March 2026 to allow a smoother transition for the next city manager in front of a budget season.  Register has served as city manager since 2010, following an earlier tenure as interim city manager in 2006. During his leadership, Bryan experienced historic growth, financial stability, and major community developments.  “I have been honored to serve the residents, employees, and elected officials of Bryan,” said Register. “The city’s success is a direct reflection of the incredible dedication of our staff, city council members, and mayors over the years. Bryan’s employees always find a way to get the job done.” Legacy of LeadershipUnder Register’s tenure, the City of Bryan achieved a number of significant milestones, said Mayor Bobby Gutierrez, pointing toward the city’s strong financial position, major developments, and steady economic and social growth. “As a city, we are on sound footing financially and maintaining strong community growth, thanks to Kean’s stewardship,” said Gutierrez. “He’s a special leader who has been a tremendous asset for our community. Since taking the reins as city manager in 2010, the City of Bryan has:• Returned to Fiscal Soundness: The city has maintained a stable tax rate that has not increased in over 15 years, and has resulted in several tax rate reductions. The city strengthened its finances by turning a negative $500,000 fund balance in 2010 into a policy-driven 100-day reserve, a standard it continues to meet today that contributes to Bryan’s excellent bond ratings. Bryan also significantly reduced its retirement debt and Other Post-Employment Benefit (OPEB) obligations.• Attracted Economic Development: Register has overseen transformative projects including Axis Pipe and Tube, Amazon, Certainteed, Travis Bryan Midtown Park, Legends Event Center, Topgolf, Texas A&M - RELLIS Campus, and the proposed development of a $13 billion semiconductor chip manufacturing facility.• Expanded Housing & Growth: Register guided significant increases in homebuilding and neighborhood development to meet Bryan’s expanding population. One special highlight is the substantial increase in the city’s annual residential building permits.• Improved Public Service & Employees Programs: During his tenure, Register worked closely with the city council to support employee benefits, professional development, and operational excellence.Despite a positive economic and community story, Register said his most difficult moments of his service occurred during times of loss noting the line-of-duty deaths of four city employees: BTU employee Dennis Mowbray in 2010, firefighters Eric Wallace and Greg Pickard in 2013, BTU Transmission employee Earle Robinson in 2014. Additionally, in the 2013 fire, firefighters Ricky Mantey and Mitch Moran sustained life-threatening burns but survived and continue to serve the community.“Nothing compares to the heartbreak of losing employees in the line of duty,” Register said. “Those moments are the toughest any city manager can face.”GratitudeRegister expressed deep appreciation for his family, city leaders, and staff, while thanking his wife, Vita, and sons, Dustin Paul and Justin, for their patience, love, and understanding during his many long absences; the mayors and city council members, whom he described as each doing “the best in their own unique way” and always working tirelessly for the good of the city; and the employees and direct reports who, he said, form “a remarkable team that makes Bryan a great place to live, work, and play.”He added he has always been amazed by the countless hours city council members dedicate, often without personal gain and with more criticism than thanks, yet always putting the city first. Looking AheadFollowing retirement, Register plans to remain active in the Bryan community, spend time with family, enjoy traveling, and embrace whatever opportunities the next stage of life presents.