The City of Brownwood issued the following press release Thursday morning:

The City of Brownwood announces that City Manager Emily Crawford will resign her position to assume a new leadership role as the City Manager of Abilene, Texas. Mrs. Crawford’s tenure has been defined by a deep commitment to community and effective municipal leadership.

Mrs. Crawford began her career with the City of Brownwood in 2011 as Executive Director of the Brownwood Economic Development Corporation. She was promoted to Assistant City Manager on March 12, 2014, and was appointed as City Manager on June 24, 2015. Over the course of her leadership, the City has made significant strides in economic and community development. Her approach to governance has been characterized by professionalism and collaboration. Mrs. Crawford leaves a legacy of high character public service, as exemplified by the City’s I SERVE core values.

“Emily has led the City of Brownwood with distinction and integrity,” said Mayor Stephen Haynes. “She has been a facilitator for positive change and a dedicated public servant. We are grateful for her tenure and her service with the City of Brownwood, and proud of the opportunity she will have to impact her future community.”

A lifelong learner and leader, Mrs. Crawford graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor’s Degree in Health and Wellness Promotion from Texas State University. She earned a Master’s Degree in Organizational Development from Abilene Christian University in 2021 and completed the Public Executive Institute at the Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs at The University of Texas at Austin in 2015.

In addition to her professional accomplishments, Mrs. Crawford has remained actively engaged in both the Brownwood community and statewide municipal leadership. Within the Texas City Management Association (TCMA), she is the 2025-2026 President, having previously served as President Elect, Vice President, Director-at-Large, Chair of the 100-Year Anniversary Conference, and Member of the Allies Committee. Her past TCMA leadership roles also include President and Vice President of Region 3 and Chair of the Membership Committee. Locally, Mrs. Crawford has served for several years as a Board Member for Brownwood Community Church and the Brownwood Education Foundation.

In recognition of her service and community impact, Mrs. Crawford was honored as “Woman of the Year” by the Brownwood Area Chamber of Commerce in 2023.

“It has been a great honor to serve the citizens of Brownwood,” said Mrs. Crawford. “Brownwood has been home to me and my family for 19 years. I will always treasure the friendships and memories we made in this lovely town. I am immensely proud of what we have accomplished together. I am confident the future of Brownwood is bright because of its amazing, visionary people. I am grateful for the incredible support and collaboration I have had with Mayor Haynes and all the Councilmembers and staff I have served with over the years. I look forward to being a good neighbor to Brownwood as I step into a new role with the City of Abilene.”