City Manager
Brad Hunt
Administration
Bradford Hunt has served in various leadership roles since 2003, and was hired in February 2023 as the Chief of Police in Gatesville, Texas. In May 2024, the City Council appointed him as the Interim City Manager of Gatesville, and in September 2024, Council formally appointed him to the full-time position. As City Manager, Brad continues to collaborate with the council, city leadership staff, and the community to ensure all city services meet the needs of the citizens, businesses, and visitors of Gatesville. He emphasizes a team-first, servant-oriented approach to all city staff. Mr. Hunt has a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice with a minor in psychology, from Stephen F. Austin State University and instructed at the Basic Police Academy at Central Texas College and Temple College from 1999 to 2012. He graduated from Session 269 of the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia, in 2017. As part of his service on many community service boards, Mr. Hunt is currently the President of Cen Tex Crime Stoppers and 2nd Vice President of the Gatesville Lions Club. He is married and is blessed with five children and one grandson. And four dogs. And a cat. He spends his free time coaching youth sports, playing golf, working on cars, and relaxing with family.
- Contact methods
- 254-865-8951 Ext 111
- bhunt@gatesvilletx.com
City Secretary/Director of Development Services
Holly Owens
Administration
I am the City Secretary and Director of Development Services. I have been with the City of Gatesville for 1 year, 6 months. I enjoy being able to serve Gatesville at both a practical and a forward-looking level. As City Secretary, I value helping ensure transparency, good governance, and clear communication between the city and our residents. As Director of Development, I love being part of shaping Gatesville’s future—supporting thoughtful growth, strengthening partnerships, and working on projects that improve quality of life while preserving what makes our community special. The most rewarding part is knowing that the work we do every day has a real, lasting impact on the people who live and work here. A personal accomplishment is graduating with my bachelor's degree in December 2024. A project I am particularly proud of is the implementation of an integrated software system that consolidates all city property information into a single, cohesive platform. This system connects utility billing, code enforcement, permitting and licensing, variances, zoning, and legal descriptions, significantly improving accuracy, efficiency, and interdepartmental coordination while enhancing service to the public. My leadership style is rooted in servant leadership, with a focus on supporting others, fostering collaboration, and empowering team members to succeed. I prioritize listening, transparency, and accountability, and strive to remove obstacles so individuals and teams can perform at their best. By serving first, I aim to build trust, strengthen relationships, and create an environment where both people and the organization can thrive. Outside of work, I enjoy traveling and exploring with my husband, especially discovering new places and experiences together.
- Contact methods
- 254-865-8951 x105
- howens@gatesvilletx.com
Director of Finance/Deputy City Manager
Mike Halsema
Administration
I am the Deputy City Manager/ CFO and have been in this position for a couple years. I started with the city in January of 2021. I enjoy working behind the scenes to help the City Manager and staff to improve the community. I’m proud to be a part of a great organization that is grown from within and empowers staff to make decisions. I enjoy volunteer marshalling for racing events and being in the outdoors in my off time.
- Contact methods
- 254-865-8951 x107
- mhalsema@gatesvilletx.com
Public Works Director
Chad Newman
Public Services
Chad Newman has served as the Public Works Director for 2 years and have been with the City of Gatesville since 2007. As the Public Works Director, he oversees essential infrastructure and services that support the safety, functionality, and quality of life within the community. Mr. Newman takes pride in leading teams that deliver reliable public services while continuously working to improve efficiency and long-term planning. Mr. Newman is especially proud of advancing projects that strengthen city infrastructure and ensure residents can depend on well-maintained streets, utilities, and public spaces. His leadership style is collaborative and hands-on, emphasizing accountability, problem-solving, and clear communication. Outside of work, Mr. Newman enjoys coaching youth sports and spending time with his family.
- Contact methods
- 254-535-2191
- cnewman@gatesvilletx.com
Fire Chief
Robert Featherston
Fire Department
- Contact methods
- 254-865-6416
- rfeatherston@gatesvilletx.com
Director
Seth Phillips
Parks & Recreation
Seth Phillips has served as the Parks & Recreation Director for the City of Gatesville since 2021. A lifelong resident of Gatesville and a 2006 graduate of Gatesville High School, he has dedicated his professional career to serving the community that shaped him. Through years of commitment and hands-on experience with the City, Seth has developed a deep understanding of local parks, programs, and community needs, bringing both leadership and hometown pride to his role. His journey began in 2006 as a lifeguard at the City Pool. Over the nearly two decades since, he has climbed the ranks through various leadership roles, providing him with a comprehensive understanding of the department's operations. Seth holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Kinesiology from Tarleton State University and is a Certified Lifeguard Instructor with the American Red Cross. As Director, he is responsible for the strategic management and daily operations of the City’s most vital community hubs, including: City Parks, Sports Complex, Gatesville Fitness Center, Gatesville City Pool, and North Fort Hood Recreation Center. Beyond facility management, Seth oversees the annual operating budget and actively volunteers with various local committees and organizations to ensure the department remains a pillar of the community. Driven by a desire to give back to his hometown, Seth is constantly seeking ways to elevate the department's level of service. Under his leadership, the City has seen numerous upgrades to facilities and a broadening of recreational programs. His goal is simple: to ensure Gatesville remains a vibrant, active place for families to live and play. When he isn't at the office or a city facility, Seth stays true to his Texas roots. He is an avid outdoorsman who enjoys fly fishing, hunting, and kayaking. Above all, he treasures spending time with his family and engaging in anything related to sports and the great outdoors.
- Contact methods
- 254-865-4012
- sphillips@gatesvilletx.com
Police Chief
Jeffrey Clark
Police Department
I am the Chief of Police for the City of Gatesville and have been with the city since December 2024. It is an honor to serve the men and women of the Gatesville Police Department and to partner with the citizens of Gatesville to ensure a safe and family environment for the community. I am proud of the community policing efforts from the department over the past year and working on providing professional police services to the community. I am passionate about community policing and empowering my employees to grow and learn to take the next step in their careers. Outside of work I am an avid hunter, fisherman, and enjoy camping and spending time with my family.
- Contact methods
- 254-865-2226
- jclark@gatesvilletx.com
Wastewater Superintendent
Bobby Buster
Water Department
- Contact methods
- 254-865-8073
- bbuster@gatesvilletx.com
Director
Lori Mclaughlin
Human Resources
- Contact methods
- 254-865-8951, ext. 106
- lmclaughlin@gatesvilletx.com
Police Records Custodian
Jessica Stiles
Police Department
- Contact methods
- 254-865-2226
- jstiles@gatesvilletx.com
Supervisor
Taylor Donaldson
Water Distribution
- Contact methods
- 254-404-5141
- tdonaldson@gatesvilletx.com
Water Treatment Superintendent
Zeb Veazey
Water Department
- Contact methods
- 254-499-0133
- zveazey@gatesvilletx.com
Assistant Director
Marte Bailey
Parks & Recreation
- Contact methods
- 254-560-9094
- mbailey@gatesvilletx.com
Fitness Director
Patrice Gilbert
Parks & Recreation
- Contact methods
- 254-865-4012
- pgilbert@gatesvilletx.com
Supervisor
Gary Proctor
Street Department
Mayor
Gary Chumley
Mayor & City Council
City Council Member/Mayor Pro-Tem Ward 2, Place 5
Greg Casey
Mayor & City Council
City Council Member Ward 2, Place 4
Joe Patterson
Mayor & City Council
City Council Member Ward 1, Place 2
Jon Salter
Mayor & City Council
City Council Member Ward 1, Place 1
Aaron Smith
Mayor & City Council
City Council Member Ward 1, Place 3
Travis VanBibber
Mayor & City Council
City Council Member Ward 2, Place 6
Kalinda Westbrook
Mayor & City Council
Municipal Court Clerk
Leslie Ortega
Municipal Court
- Contact methods
- 254-865-2227
- court@gatesvilletx.com
Utility & Billing Clerk
Joli Archie
Water Department/Cemetery
- Contact methods
- 254-865-8951 x 101
- jarchie@gatesvilletx.com
Inspector/Building Official
Miguel Gamez
Development Services
- Contact methods
- 254-865-8951
- mgamez@gatesvilletx.com
Utility & Billing Clerk
Kodie Mitchell
Water Department
- Contact methods
- 254-865-8951 x103
- kmitchell@gatesvilletx.com
Permit Technician
Nicole Clark
Development Services
- Contact methods
- 254-865-8951, Ext. 102
- nclark@gatesvilletx.com
Animal Control Officer
Heather Bushong
Police Department
- Contact methods
- 254-865-2226
- hbushong@gatesvilletx.com
Animal Control Officer
Faith Buster
Police Department
- Contact methods
- 254-865-2226
- fbuster@gatesvilletx.com
Sports Complex Manager
Wendell Zacha
Parks & Recreation
- Contact methods
- 254-865-4012
- wzacha@gatesvilletx.com
Recreation Coordinator
Marcus Gilbert
Parks & Recreation
- Contact methods
- 254-865-4012
- mgilbert@gatesvilletx.com