News BREC Welcomes Dr. Brooks Williams As Next Superintendent

Baton Rouge, LouisianaAug 11, 2026BREC is pleased to announce that Dr. Brooks Williams officially began serving as the agency’s next Superintendent last week, following his unanimous appointment by the BREC Commission. 

A nationally recognized public administrator, Dr. Brooks Williams brings nearly two decades of executive leadership experience in local government, education, and organizational performance. Most recently, serving as a City Manager in North Texas. In this role, he led one of the most transformative periods in the city’s 150-year history. Under his leadership, the city experienced unprecedented economic growth, strengthened its financial position, earned its highest bond rating in 15 years, significantly improved employee retention, and eliminated recurring budget deficits through strategic planning and operational excellence. 

During his tenure, Williams also served as Regional Program Director for the Quality Texas Foundation, helping public agencies, schools, businesses, and nonprofit organizations improve performance using the nationally recognized Malcolm Baldrige Performance Excellence Framework. Previously, as Chief Quality Officer for Hurst-Euless-Bedford Independent School District, he helped lead the district to statewide recognition for excellence in both financial stewardship and academic performance. 

An accomplished author and advocate for innovation in government, Williams published Rising to Serve: Reimagining Public Administration for a New Era in 2024 and Performative Outrage: How Manufactured Fury Undermines Local Government and Public Service in 2025. He earned a Doctor of Public Administration from Liberty University and holds Lean Six Sigma certification, reflecting his lifelong commitment to continuous improvement and organizational excellence. 

As BREC’s Superintendent, Williams will lead the nationally recognized system of more than 170 parks and facilities, guiding the organization in delivering exceptional parks, recreation, conservation, and community experiences throughout East Baton Rouge Parish. 

“We are excited to welcome Superintendent Williams to BREC and are confident in the leadership, vision, and experience he brings to our organization and community,” said Mike Polito, Chair of the BREC Commission. “His commitment to public service and passion for excellence will help successfully guide BREC into its next chapter.” 

Williams assumes the position following Janet Simmons' tenure, who served as Interim Superintendent during the leadership transition from June 2025 through July 2026. BREC extends its sincere appreciation to Simmons for her dedicated leadership and steadfast commitment during this period.