Five Brownwood Employees Receive City’s Highest ISERVE Recognition

Five City of Brownwood employees were recognized before the Brownwood City Council on Tuesday morning after receiving the ISERVE Award, the city’s highest level of employee recognition. The honorees were Joanna Acosta, Damon Davis, Billy Lawson, Coy Talley and Jill Ruder.

The recognition was reported by Brownwood News on October 27, 2026. The source identifies the presentation as taking place Tuesday morning but does not provide a separate meeting date.

The ISERVE Award honors employees who demonstrate the city’s core values of Integrity, Service, Excellence, Respect, Vision and Empathy in their daily work. Recipients are considered the organization’s employees of the year and are selected for consistently going beyond their normal job responsibilities in service to coworkers, the organization and the community.

Police communications and parks employees recognized

Acosta began her career with the City of Brownwood in 2013 as a Communications Officer. She now serves as a Shift Supervisor in the Police Communications Department and was nominated for what the source describes as an unwavering commitment to excellence.

She is known for holding herself to high standards, continually working to improve her performance and supporting her staff and department. A colleague praised her influence on other employees, saying, “I’ve had very few supervisors in my life that have impressed me as much as she has. Her attitude and drive inspire others to constantly improve.”

Davis joined the city’s Parks Department in 2023 as a Light Equipment Operator I. He was promoted to Parks Crew Chief in 2025 and was nominated for demonstrating integrity and service. The recognition describes him as a hands-on leader who works alongside his team and empowers employees to succeed.

One team member said Davis takes pride in his work, communicates effectively with citizens and makes sure coworkers have the tools needed to complete their work professionally and on time.

Sanitation and utility work highlighted

Lawson began working for the city in 2014 in the Sanitation Department. He started as a laborer and now serves as a Sanitation Operator III. Nominated for exemplifying the value of service, Lawson is described as self-motivated and as someone who consistently exceeds expectations without reminders about his responsibilities.

His workday begins at 4:00 a.m., and he manages one of the city’s most demanding trash routes. His supervisor said Lawson takes initiative when he sees that something needs to be done and operates “the hardest and longest trash route in the City.”

Talley joined the city in 2016 and works in the Utility Department. Originally hired as a Light Equipment Operator, he now serves as a Utility Operator III. Talley received 14 nominations and was recognized for empathy and service.

The source says Talley is willing to help anyone, regardless of department or task, while keeping the success of his team in focus. His supervisor credited him with working hard, showing empathy toward colleagues, maintaining a professional manner and consistently following through on commitments.

Administration and BMDD employee honored

Ruder joined the City of Brownwood in 2022 as an Administrative Assistant in the Planning and Development Department. She now serves as the Executive Administrator for both the Administration and Brownwood Municipal Development District departments.

Ruder was nominated for her commitment to service and integrity. She is widely known within the organization as a go-to person and creative problem solver. She also leads the city’s Frontline Communicator program, which strengthens customer service practices.

An employee from another department described Ruder as someone who remains eager to take on additional work despite having many responsibilities and called her a “servant’s heart” deserving of the recognition.

Together, the five awards highlight work across police communications, parks, sanitation, utilities, planning, city administration and local development. The supplied report does not identify additional next steps or a future award schedule.