Mayor Sylvester Turner Names New Deputy Chief Of Staff

March 24, 2022 -- Today, Mayor Sylvester Turner announced the appointment of Walter W. Hambrick to serve as Deputy Chief of Staff in his administration to help ensure efficient and effective operations throughout the City of Houston.

Hambrick has 16 years of experience in the public sector and has been the Assistant Director of Houston Public Works, Street, and Bridge Maintenance Branch since January 2018. The Street and Bridge Maintenance Branch team of 320 engineering and technical staff maintain and ensure daily operation of the City of Houston street network, including 16,000 lane-miles of paved roadway and 1,400 bridges.

Before joining Houston Public Works, Walter served as Maintenance Administrator for the Texas Department of Transportation, Houston District. He managed routine maintenance of the district's highways, facilities, maritime operations, and emergency management operations for the 5,800-square mile six-county district.

In his new role, Hambrick will provide assistance and support on a wide range of operational and policy topics; serve as the Mayor's liaison to multiple city departments and divisions; support and coordinate items for City Council members and committees.

"Walter has a great record of public service and is widely respected and highly regarded for his leadership," Mayor Sylvester Turner said. "His familiarity with municipal departments will provide a new perspective and oversight to help accomplish my administration's priorities to serve all Houstonians."

Hambrick is the Chairman of the Houston Clean City Commission and Vice Chairman of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Parade Committee. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science from Sam Houston State University in 2001.

He replaces James Koski, who started as Deputy Chief of Staff under a previous mayoral administration. He is retiring early from the City and plans to remain in place for a few weeks to assist in the transition.

"I am excited about this opportunity and ready to work alongside Mayor Turner and Chief of Staff Marvalette Hunter,' said Hambrick. "As a native Houstonian, I love this city, and I am eager to do my part to give back to the city that raised me."