El Paso's fire chief takes on new position among other leaders at City Hall

EL PASO, Texas (KFOX14/CBS4) — Some leadership roles have shifted within the City of El Paso.

The Senior Deputy City Manager for the City of El Paso, Colonel (Ret) Cary Westin, will be retiring.

The announcement was made at Tuesday's city council meeting.

Westin joined the City of El Paso in 2014 and currently overlooks the city's economic development and tourism departments.

"Cary has been by far one of the most influential people in my career," said City Manager Tommy Gonzalez.

"It's been an honor to work alongside him. I have challenged him to do more than is imaginable and certainly what at times has to have been uncomfortable, but Cary always, always took the guidance, and came back with results each time."

Gonzalez said he convinced Westin to still work with the City of El Paso on a limited basis.

Westin said he plans to stay in El Paso.

"El Paso will still remain my home, always," said Westin. "My kids are here, our families are all here and we'll remain here. I appreciate the opportunity to serve the City of El Paso. It's been a great privilege."

An updated leadership organizational chart for the City of El Paso shows Tracey Jerome as the Senior Deputy City Manager as of Wednesday.

Credit: City of El Paso

Jerome was previously in charge of Quality of Life projects, but will oversee Economic & International Development, Community & Human Development, Communications, Military Affairs, and Destination El Paso.

David Coronado serves as managing director in charge of Economic and International Development and International Bridges, under Jerome.

Fire Chief Mario D' Agostino is listed as a deputy city manager.

In an email sent out to firefighters, D'Agostino said the search for an interim fire chief has begun.

In his new role as deputy city manager, D'Agostino now oversees 911/311 communications, Animal Services, the fire department, municipal court, Office of Emergency Management, police/code enforcement, and public health.

The city's organizational chart now lists Deputy City Manager, Dionne Mack, as the head of libraries and zoo.

Mack was previously in charge of public safety, overseeing Animal Services, the fire department, municipal courts, the police department, and public health department.

Managing Director, Ben Fyffe, oversees museums and cultural affairs, as well as parks and recreation, under Mack.

Ellen Smyth is the chief transit and field operations officer, overseeing environmental services, public transportation, and streets and maintenance.

Sam Rodriguez continues to be listed as the city's chief operations manager in charge of aviation, capital improvement, and planning and inspections.

Chief Financial Officer and Deputy City Manager, Robert Cortinas, will oversee the comptroller's office, the tax office, and risk management,

Under Cortinas, Managing Directors Nicole Cole and Araceli Guerra will manage the office of management and budget, purchasing and strategic sourcing, information technology, human resources, and the performance office.