The city of Garland has recently announced two new staff members as well as a change in job responsibilities for an existing employee.
Community engagement officer announced for Animal Shelter & Adoption Center
Animal Shelter & Adoption Center welcomes community engagement officer. Rudy Mancilla has been named the Garland Animal Shelter & Adoption Center’s community engagement officer.
Mancilla engages the community to be proactively involved. He provides vital information and resources on programs and services offered by the Animal Shelter & Adoption Center. In addition, he focuses on understanding and addressing core community issues to find the most effective solutions.
“It’s a joyous opportunity to be hospitable and build camaraderie with the residents,” Mancilla said. “Mutualism will be the solution to the unanswered questions, resources available and opportunities on animal welfare.”
Mancilla served eight years as a Garland animal control officer. A bilingual Army veteran, he has been a Garland resident for more than 25 years. His expertise and knowledge are key to promoting open, transparent and constructive communication between the city and its residents. That will significantly fortify relationships and foster a spirit of unity and collaboration.
City welcomes new downtown development manager
Sarah Friend has been selected as the newest addition to our downtown Garland team, stepping into the role of downtown development manager. With a dynamic blend of municipal experience and marketing, Friend brings invaluable experience to our community.
Most recently, Friend served as Communications & Marketing Manager for the city of Greenville. She is a former small business owner and real estate agent/investor who has previously served as a social media manager and an office manager, bringing broad experience in these areas to the Downtown Development Office.
Her journey led her to our vibrant city, where she arrived alongside her husband and two children, eager to immerse herself in the heartbeat of Garland. She intimately understands the challenges and opportunities facing our local entrepreneurs. Her passion for seeing Garland thrive and flourish in new and innovative ways is palpable, and we couldn’t be more excited to have her on board.
Friend has a Bachelor of Science in Christian Ministries from Liberty University. This fall, she is scheduled to complete another Bachelor of Science in Strategic Communication: Social Media Management. She plans to begin a Master of Public Administration program in 2025.
City welcomes managing director of Legislative & Public Affairs
Ariel Traub joined the city of Garland as managing director of Legislative & Public Affairs on March 18.
Traub brings a decade of government experience, including with the Texas Senate, U.S. House of Representatives, Texas Health and Human Services Commission and, most recently, with the city of Georgetown.
She developed the city of Georgetown’s Intergovernmental Relations Program, led the Legislative Task Force and fiercely advocated for the city throughout the 88th Legislature. During her tenure in the Texas Senate, she handled public affairs, led policy discussions, assisted in drafting legislation and aided in the development of the 2018 Senate Health and Human Services Committee Report.
Traub holds a Bachelor of Science in Political Science with a minor in Business from Sam Houston State University. She and her husband, Andrew, have three children, Kaden, Madyson and Lucien. She is an avid Green Bay Packers fan and enjoys reading books, traveling and hosting game nights.
Information and photos provided by city of Garland.