Houston Public Works Fills Key Leadership Positions

February 09, 2023

Houston Public Works has filled several key leadership positions as a plan to transform the department. Leadership has worked for months to select the right group of people to lead the Department towards a new effort of teamwork and transparency.

"Houston Public Works recent leadership appointments build on our abilities as a nationally recognized public works agency. Houston Public Works is diverse and dynamic. These leaders bring experience, innovation, and excellent customer service mindsets," said Houston Public Works Director, Carol Ellinger Haddock, P.E.

Director of Communication - Katelynn Burns

Katelynn Burns joined the City of Houston in January 2023 as the Director of Communications for Houston Public Works. The communications team is responsible for department media relations, internal communication efforts and marketing.

Prior to joining the City of Houston, Katelynn served as the Director of Public Affairs for the Oklahoma Health Care Authority. Katelynn has more than 8 years of experience in communications and public service.

She was a volunteer advocate for children with CASA Oklahoma County, Families Feeding Families volunteer and served as a mentor for students at Shidler Elementary in Oklahoma.

Katelynn graduated with Master of Arts in Communication and Media Studies from Walden University and a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies from East Central University.

Deputy Director, Customer Account Services - Lisa Garrison

Lisa Garrison joined the City of Houston in September 2022 as Deputy Director of Customer Account Services for Houston Public Works. Customer Account Services provides customer information, billing, credit, collections and all meter-associated services to water and wastewater utility customers in the City of Houston.

Prior to joining the city, Lisa has more than 25 years of experience as a Finance Accounting Operations Professional after working with Baker Hughes, GE Oil & Gas, GE Capital, and Ford Motor Credit Company.

Lisa has served as the Treasurer on the Board of Directors for the Phenomenal Pearls Education Charitable Foundation which provides scholarships for high school and undergraduate students, for three years and she also served as the Audit Committee Chairperson for the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated – Chi Omicron Omega Chapter.

Lisa graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Public Finance from Indiana University Bloomington and has a Master of Business Administration from Indiana Wesleyan University.

Executive Director, Houston Permitting Center - Rudy Moreno, Jr.

Rudy Moreno, Jr. was promoted to Executive Director of the Houston Permitting Center in July 2022 for Houston Public Works.

The Houston Permitting Center oversees pre-development, plan review, permits, inspections and enforcement of the City’s building and development codes.

Rudy previously served as Deputy Assistant Director for Houston Water with the City of Houston. Rudy has more than 28 years of experience in public service for the City of Houston and Harris County. His experience extends from public utilities to stormwater, code compliance and infrastructure.

Rudy graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Technology, Construction Management from the University of Houston.