By Colin Killian, Public Communications Director
CSPD Detective Andree Mable was named the City of College Station’s 2025 Employee of the Year in a ceremony before Thursday’s City Council meeting at City Hall. The Executive Leadership Team selected her from 11 employees nominated by their peers.
The City Manager’s Office presented the City Impact Award to Assistant Director of Water Services Stephen Maldonado, Jr., and the Leadership Award to Director of Public Works Emily Fisher.
Other individual nominees for the award were Anthony Aranda (Parks and Recreation), Josh Carrera (Fire Department), Eric Chapman (Economic Development and Tourism), Anita Dorsey (Fiscal Services), Isaias Hernandez (IT), Stacy Lee (Electric), Eric Watkins (Capital Projects), Kenneth Wells (Water Services), Raney Whitwell (Planning and Development Services), and Kisha Williams (Public Works).
Employee of the Year: Andree Mable
In 2025, Detective Mable handled 110 cases, wrote 126 reports, made 23 arrests, and successfully cleared several complex Organized Criminal Activity investigations. Her work included leading multi-suspect investigations, coordinating with SWAT, and helping to dismantle a local criminal network selling illegal Glock switches, which can convert a semi-automatic Glock pistol into a fully automatic machine pistol.
In addition to her investigative strengths, Mable has shown compassion and professionalism, notably using her crisis intervention team training to divert a troubled juvenile suspect to mental health services. She joined the department as a patrol officer in 2009, and her long-standing commitment, community ties, and consistent excellence have made her an outstanding asset not only to the department but to the entire community.
Impact Award: Stephen Maldonado, Jr.
In 2025, Maldonado demonstrated his technical and communication skills in high-stakes negotiations in a regional groundwater export dispute with major implications for the City’s long-term water supply planning. He worked closely with representatives and policymakers from College Station, Brazos County, the Texas A&M University System, the City of Bryan, and the Brazos Valley Groundwater Conservation District to ensure our community’s interests were strongly represented.
Throughout the process, City leadership relied on Maldonado’s technical insights and strategic recommendations. The resulting settlement reduced permitted exports by 50%, phased them over time, and secured over $180 million in mitigation funding. The successful outcome highlights his critical role in protecting College Station’s long-term water resources and supporting collaborative decision-making across jurisdictions.
Stephen has been with the City since 2008.
Leadership Award: Emily Fisher
Fisher has consistently demonstrated the admirable qualities of an engaged, thoughtful, and highly effective leader. The City Council frequently relies on her for insight and technical expertise, and her clarity and confidence ensure informed decision-making and strengthen trust among staff, elected officials, and the community.
Under Fisher’s leadership, turnover in Public Works has decreased, reflecting her commitment to a supportive work environment and cultivating a strong culture of accountability and professional growth. She actively engages her leadership team, promotes teamwork across divisions, and readily partners with other departments. Fisher’s willingness to assist others exemplifies the spirit of One City, One Team.
Colleagues consistently describe her as a team-first leader who ensures others have what they need to succeed, and her approach has earned wide respect across the organization. Fisher has been with the City since 2013 and has served as the Director of Public Works since 2021.
Congratulations to the 2025 award winners and nominees for your exemplary service to our organization and the residents of College Station.
Here’s a look at the other employee of the year nominees and what they accomplished in 2025:
Anthony “Ant” Aranda, Parks and Recreation
Known as a turf nerd in his role as a grounds worker, Anthony takes tremendous pride in maintaining the City’s athletic fields, and his enthusiasm, attention to detail, and commitment to excellence reflect a strong sense of personal responsibility and teamwork. In the absence of his crew leader, he stepped up to guide the team, maintaining productivity and ensuring tasks were completed. Anthony also showed personal initiative and a genuine commitment to excellence by earning his pesticide applicator license, a credential not required by his position. His work ethic and dedication show that one person’s effort can make a meaningful and positive difference.
Josh Carrera, Fire Department
A firefighter-paramedic, Josh leads the Swiftwater rescue team and represents the Fire Department on Swiftwater task force deployments across the state. For seven days in June, he deployed with Texas A&M Task Force 1 as an incident command technician for Swiftwater deployments in North Texas. A month later, Josh deployed for 17 days with other CSFD members to respond to the devastating flooding in Kerr County through the Texas Intrastate Fire Mutual Aid System. He also arranged boat operations training at Lake Bryan and the raging Brazos River when its levels were higher than normal. Josh’s dedication and willingness to be the first to offer a helping hand inspire everyone around him.
Eric Chapman, Economic Development and Tourism
As the Northgate District Supervisor, Eric demonstrates strong judgment and problem-solving skills, and his ability to act decisively in complex or high-pressure situations sets him apart. A prime example was leading a rapid, effective response to last summer’s massive bird migration. He also helped implement bike lanes on Nagle Street, relocated the ParkMobile zone to improve accessibility and business turnover, and coordinated with the Police Department and IT to expand camera coverage and enhance public safety. Eric’s attention to detail, leadership, and commitment to the Northgate District consistently exemplify the City’s core values.
Anita Dorsey, Fiscal Services
As controller, Anita was instrumental in Fiscal Services earning the Trailblazer Transparency Award from the Texas Comptroller in 2025, placing College Station among only 11 cities to earn all six Transparency Stars. She also guided the City through a historic Sales Tax Audit, resulting in zero taxes due for the first time, and led her team to complete the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report and audit in record time. Anita is a transformative leader whose dedication, innovation, and commitment to transparency have significantly enhanced the City’s financial integrity and public trust. She models personal responsibility and demonstrates integrity in every aspect of her work.
Isaias “EZ” Hernandez, IT
Communications Services Coordinator Isaias Hernandez has led IT’s Communications Division with distinction, ensuring project success through strategic planning and coordination. He collaborates across departments, future-proofs the city’s infrastructure, and exemplifies the City’s core values in every initiative. Isaias’ key accomplishments in 2025 included completing the fiber ring from the Police Department to the radio tower, moving the radio system to the Greens Prairie Water Tower, and completing the fiber traffic signals connection on FM 2818. He also disconnected unused copper lines, saving significant City resources. Isaias embodies respect, accountability, and service excellence.
Stacy Lee, Electric
Electric Compliance Officer Stacy Lee is a respected authority in a complex regulatory environment, and her institutional knowledge, technical expertise, and commitment to operational excellence have made her a leader across the ERCOT system. She helped the Public Utility Commission shape statewide compliance regulations and ensured that CSU maintained its Diamond Level Safety Award. Stacy also enhanced transparency by publishing the Emergency Load Shedding Procedure on the City website and developed a standardized Line Locate Policy to improve safety and coordination. Stacy’s trusted leadership protects the City, supports employees, and contributes to the electric industry.
Eric Watkins, Capital Projects
Facilities Maintenance Supervisor Eric Watkins exemplifies exceptional service through projects such as designing and managing the installation of the new selfie post at the I Heart Aggieland sign and overseeing LED lighting conversions at multiple City facilities. In 2025, he demonstrated remarkable leadership by overseeing the completion of 1,135 work orders while working alongside his crews to resolve complex maintenance challenges. His calm, professional demeanor, along with clear communication and responsiveness, ensures that facility needs are treated as a priority. Eric reflects the City’s core values through his integrity, teamwork, and commitment to doing what is right.
Kenneth Wells, Water Services
As Acting Interim Lead Operator, Kenneth is a humble and steady presence who reliably responds to emergency calls, ensuring uninterrupted water service to the community during unpredictable, critical situations. His extensive experience, strong work ethic, and professionalism make him a trusted mentor who supports and trains colleagues while fostering a collaborative team environment. Kenneth approaches each day with a positive attitude, greeting others with a smile and a willingness to help. His longevity, institutional knowledge, and willingness to step up when needed truly exemplify the highest standards of public service.
Raney Whitwell, Planning & Development Services
Raney consistently goes above and beyond her role as Community Development Analyst, leading major initiatives such as the 5-Year Consolidated Plan, Annual Action Plan, and multiple federal reporting requirements. She managed critical programs, including the HOME Investment Partnerships American Rescue Plan Program, Tenant‑Based Rental Assistance, and more, while resolving a major Section 108 discrepancy to ensure full compliance. Raney’s commitment to the well-being of our residents is evident through her swift coordination of emergency housing for a CSISD student and her proactive response during the SNAP benefit freeze. Her professionalism, innovation, and positive attitude have a significant impact on our community.
Kisha Williams, Public Works
Fleet Services Staff Assistant Kisha Williams demonstrates exceptional dedication and initiative, managing the City’s fuel system with precision while saving the taxpayer money through strict compliance. She adapts seamlessly during facility upgrades, coordinating external resources to ensure smooth, efficient fueling operations, and responds to safety concerns with urgency to protect City staff and assets. Her proactive leadership, ownership of outcomes, and willingness to guide colleagues through complex processes make her a trusted mentor and collaborator. Known for her outstanding customer service, she supports anyone who contacts Fleet Services with timely communication and reliable solutions.
About the Blogger
Colin Killian has been with the City of College Station since 2010 after serving 23 years as the associate media relations director for the Texas A&M Athletics Department. He has also worked as a reporter and editor for the Corpus Christi Caller-Times and Lewisville News. A native of Hobbs, N.M., Killian graduated from Texas Tech with a bachelor’s degree in journalism/political science.
If you liked this post, share it with the buttons below!
Leave a Reply