Heath Mayor’s Message: Meet the City Council

September 7, 2012 –

The City of Heath is blessed to have an extremely talented and intelligent group of individuals serving on the City Council.  As Mayor, it is truly an honor for me to serve with them. 

As you get to know each Councilmember better, I think you will agree that we are fortunate to have such a high caliber of leadership guiding the management and growth of our community.

Here is a brief biography on each councilmember:

Brian Berry

Brian and his wife, Shelley, have lived in Heath for three years with their children, Brady, 5, and identical twin boys, Breck and Brooks, 3. Brian is President and CEO of Med-Tech Construction, Inc. and President of Top Shelf Millwork, Inc. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree from Texas A&M University. In his free time, Brian enjoys snow skiing, water sports, boating and personal/professional coaching and consulting. He and his company also actively support Rockwall Meals on Wheels, the Boys and Girls Club of Rockwall, and dental and aviation missions at Lake Pointe Church.

Barry Brooks

Barry and his wife, Krisha, have lived in Heath for five years. They have a 15-month-old daughter, Juliet, and a 5-year-old son, John. Barry is an attorney and managing member with Brooks Ross, PLLC. He has a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Texas A&M and J.D. from the Universityof Denver’s Sturm College of Law. An avid runner, cyclist, and triathlete, Barry has competed in numerous marathons and triathlons, including five Ironman events and the Ironman 70.3 World Championships. In addition to serving as Mayor Pro Tem, Barry is representing the City of Heath on the Rockwall County Planning Consortium and the Board of Directors of the Countyof Rockwall Emergency Services Corporation.

Robert Hille

Robert “Bob” and his wife, Barbara, have lived in Heath for 19 years. The Hilles’ have five grown children – Richard, David, Thomas, Marilyn and Catherine – who have given the couple 11 grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Bob retired from the U.S. Army as a Colonel. He retired from his second career as an Executive Vice  President, Chief Operating Officer at Baylor University Medical System. Bob has a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Connecticut and a Master of Health Administration from Baylor University. He enjoys golfing and fixing things!

Justin Holland

Justin is a lifelong, 6^th generation Rockwall County and Heath resident. His family moved to Heath in 1896. Justin’s great-grandfather was the first Chief of Police in Heath, and his grandfather was County Constable for Heath/Rockwall. Justin and his wife, Neely, recently welcomed their  7^th generation Heath resident, seven-month-old Wiley Beth Holland. Justin is a Vice President of HomeBankTexas. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communication and Public Affairs from Texas Tech University and a Master of Science in Business Management from Texas A&M University-Commerce. Justin enjoys bird hunting, saltwater fishing, golf, Texas history and local, state and federal politics. Justin is serving as the City Council’s liaison to the Heath Economic Development Corporation Board.

Rich Krause

Rich Krause and his wife, Heather, have lived in Heath 19 Years, where they raised daughters Renee and Ashley and now welcome two granddaughters. Rich is a Program Manager for L-3 Communications. Multiple degrees earned include an Associates in Business Management from Richland/Dallas County Community College, a Bachelor of Science in Human Relations and Business Management from Amberton University and a Masters in Business Administration fromAmbertonUniversity. In his spare time, Rich enjoys camping, kayaking, cruising and any other outings that include family.

Julie Zurek

Julie Zurek and her husband, Craig, have lived in Heath for 23 Years where they raised their daughters Jennifer, Nicolle and Nanci. As an involved wife and mother, Julie has served the community and school district in numerous capacities including the Rockwall ISD Playground Safety Council, Rachael’s Challenge Summit 2012, and Helping Hands Home for the Holidays Annual Fundraiser. Known for her flair as a professional cake decorator, Julie enjoys anything creative, Pilates, gardening, the beach and spending time with family and friends.

As you can see, our councilmembers represent a broad spectrum of professional and personal experience. This diversity benefits the City as we make decisions that impact the lives of more than 7,400 citizens of all ages and life stages.

Although each councilmember brings a different perspective and unique insight to their service on the Council, we are all united by the common desire to make Heath the kind of City where people want to visit, shop, start a business, and are proud to raise their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

 The Mayor’s Message is submitted monthly to Blue Ribbon News by Heath Mayor Lorne Liecthy. 

To submit your good news and events, email editor@BlueRibbonNews.com.

  Barry Brooks, Bob Hille, Brian Berry, City Council, Heath Mayor’s Message, Julie Zurek, Justin Holland, Mayor Lorne Leichty