Newsroom

April 20, 2023

Judge Lina Hidalgo today announced the decision by Harris County Administrator, David Berry, to leave his position and take on a new private sector role focused on renewable energy. Berry started working with Harris County in July 2020 as the Executive Director of the Office of Management and Budget and was appointed the first County Administrator in June 2021 to supervise the day-to-day operations as well as long-term strategic planning efforts.

“I want to thank Dave Berry for his excellent service as Harris County Administrator. He has tangibly professionalized Harris County operations and improved the quality of Harris County government to better serve the public. Mr. Berry’s next employer will be lucky to have him,” said Judge Hidalgo.

Berry steered the county through incredibly challenging times, including the COVID-19 pandemic. Under his leadership, the county moved forward in:

• Developing the county’s first outcomes-based budgeting process and improving transparency in where and why the county’s money is budgeted, even winning the major award for Distinguished Budget Presentation by the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada
• Coordinating the process to finance the 2022 Bond program, in which voters approved $1.2B in funding for public safety facilities, roads, drainage, transportation-related programs, parks, and trails
• Identifying more funding for flood control projects to help residents rebuild from past floods and prepare for future floods, including working to make significant process on closing the funding gap of over $1.5 billion
• Establishing the Office of Sustainability to combat the underlying causes and disproportionate impact of climate change on marginalized communities
• Developing the Office of Boards and Commissions to educate the public on Harris County’s over 60 board and commissions, recruit board members to reflect the rich diversity of the county, and professionalize the selection process for members of county boards and commissions
• Establishing the program infrastructure to manage the historic $915 million in federal funding from the American Rescue Plan Act in an impactful and fiscally responsible way
• Recruiting and retaining strong, effective, and professional leaders for Harris County by hiring more diverse department heads and making equity a top priority

Berry’s office has added an item to the next Commissioners Court agenda to select an Interim County Administrator and launch the search for permanent Administrator at their upcoming meeting. Berry is available to continue working with the county until May 19 or such other earlier date determined by Commissioners Court.