Sugar Land, TX - City Manager Mike Goodrum recently announced a series of key leadership transitions designed to strengthen the city's commitment to progress, innovation, and organizational excellence. 

The following leadership appointments were effective as of March 1, 2025: 

• Brian Butscher, assistant city manager-chief operating officer, formerly executive director
• Mark Poland, assistant city manager-chief public safety officer, formerly executive director-chief of police
• Elizabeth Rosenbaum, assistant city manager- chief internal services officer, formerly executive director
• Mark Campise, Sugar Land fire chief, formerly interim fire chief
• Pedro Lara, Sugar Land police chief, formerly assistant police chief
• Jessie Li, executive director, formerly city engineer
• Mitchell Davies, director of aviation, formerly deputy director of aviation
• Herc Meir, director of public works, formerly interim director of public works 

These transitions mark a new chapter for Sugar Land, ensuring continuity and momentum as the city continues to implement its strategic action plan, a bold roadmap designed to guide the city’s evolution into a thriving, innovative, and resilient community. 

The city remains committed to delivering exceptional services while trailblazing towards a bright future, ensuring Sugar Land remains a vibrant, innovative, and desirable place to live, work and thrive. 

For more information about Sugar Land’s strategic plan, visit www.sugarlandtx.gov/TrailblazingSLTX

Biographies 

Brian Butscher, assistant city manager - chief operating officer

Brian Butscher has more than 15 years of municipal government experience and joined the city of Sugar Land in 2015. During his tenure, he has served in various leadership roles including assistant director and deputy director of public works, interim director of information technology, director of public works, and executive director. Before entering public service, he worked as an engineer specializing in municipal infrastructure design and construction. Butscher holds a bachelor’s degree in ocean engineering from Texas A&M University, a master’s in public administration from Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, and is a registered professional engineer in Texas. 

Mark Poland, assistant city manager - chief public safety officer

Mark Poland has 28 years of law enforcement experience, with a strong background in management and leadership. He served as Executive Director - Chief of Police in Sugar Land from 2022 to 2025 and was previously Undersheriff for the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office, managing a $111 million budget and overseeing 850 personnel. His expertise spans patrol, criminal investigations, narcotics, and internal affairs. Poland holds a master's degree in Homeland Defense from the Naval Postgraduate School and a Police Science degree from George Washington University. He is a graduate of the FBI National Academy and actively participates in national and state law enforcement associations. Poland recently received certification through the Harvard Kennedy School for Leadership in State and Local government. 

Elizabeth Rosenbaum, assistant city manager - chief internal services officer

Elizabeth Rosenbaum joined the City of Sugar Land in 2006 and was promoted to Director of Aviation in 2020. During her tenure, she managed the airport’s budget, served as liaison for multimillion-dollar fuel contracts, and collaborated with TxDOT Aviation on grant funding. She was also responsible for the strategic development and implementation of the airport’s vision and goals to ensure its growth and sustainability. In 2024, she was appointed Executive Director. Rosenbaum holds a B.S. in Government from Texas Woman’s University and a Graduate Degree in Professional Studies from George Washington University. She is also a certified member of the American Association of Airport Executives.  

Mark Campise – fire chief

Mark Campise joined the Sugar Land Fire Department in 2021 as Assistant Fire Chief of Emergency Services, overseeing fire suppression and emergency medical services response and training. Before this, he served as Assistant Chief of Administration for the Pearland Fire Department, where he helped rebuild the training division, construct new fire stations, and manage the department’s budget. Campise began his career as a volunteer firefighter in 1998 and held various leadership roles in Pearland Fire, including Assistant Chief. He is a graduate of the National Fire Academy’s Executive Fire Officer Program and is pursuing his master’s degree.   

Pedro Lara, chief of police

Pedro Lara, a Houston native with strong ties to Alief and Sugar Land, has served in law enforcement since 2006. He joined the Sugar Land Police Department in 2009, holding key roles including field training officer, crisis negotiator, sergeant, and lieutenant. Promoted to captain in 2021, he oversaw Patrol operations and led initiatives such as the k9 and drone units. As assistant chief, Lara managed the Technical Services Bureau, driving programs including lateral officer recruitment and the license plate reader expansion. He holds a criminal justice degree from the University of Houston-Downtown and is a member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police.  

Jessie Li, executive director

Jessie Li joined the city of Sugar Land in December 2006 as assistant director in the Public Works and Utilities Department. She led the water quality division and served as project manager for the design and construction of the city’s new surface water treatment plant. In late 2014, she transitioned to the Engineering Department as assistant city engineer and was promoted to city engineer in 2017. Before joining Sugar Land, she worked as a civil and environmental engineering consultant for nine years. Li holds a doctorate in civil engineering from the University of Texas at Austin. 

Mitchell Davies, director of aviation 

Mitchell Davies brings over a decade of aviation expertise and a lifelong passion for the industry to his new leadership role. Since joining Sugar Land Regional Airport in 2015 as an operations specialist, he has advanced through key roles, including planning & development manager and deputy director of aviation. Davies holds a Bachelor of Science in Aviation Administration from Utah Valley University and a Master of Business Administration from Florida Tech. He is a certified member of the American Association of Airport Executives and a recipient of the National Business Aviation Association Business Aviation Top 40 Under 40 Award. Davies is also a licensed private pilot, further fueling his passion for aviation. 

Herc Meier, director of public works

Herc Meier joined the Sugar Land Fire Department in 2005 and has over two decades of public service experience. Meier held progressive leadership roles in the department, including captain of support services, lieutenant of prevention, engineer, and firefighter. He transitioned to the Public Works Department in 2022, playing key roles in the management of the right-of-way program, streets and drainage systems, and city facilities. His leadership has driven internal process improvements and enhanced service delivery across multiple divisions. Meier holds a B.S. in University Studies from Texas A&M University and is a graduate of the Texas Fire Chiefs Academy.