Parker County: Bryan Grimes named new Director of Strategic Projects

Parker County Judge Pat Deen has announced the appointment of former Willow Park City Manager Bryan Grimes as the county’s Director of Strategic Projects, a newly-created position.

“It’s along the lines of taking some of these projects the county has been trying to accomplish and getting them done, and to start fast-tracking things like the transportation bond projects,” Grimes said.

“As one of the fastest-growing counties in the nation, Parker County is taking proactive steps to plan for the future,” Judge Deen said. “The new Strategic Projects Director role will focus on key areas such as water resources, transportation, economic development, and infrastructure and facilities planning.”

Grimes brings nearly two decades of city management experience to this new role. He served as the city manager of Willow Park for eight years, overseeing all administrative functions, including budgeting, finance, human resources, and council directives.

Grimes said his experience in that role will serve him well in his new position.

“It’s similar to what a city manager would do — you, know, you do a street project and you have to go out and get the engineering done and get the contractors hired and kind of grease the wheels on these projects so things don’t get bogged down,” Grimes said. “That’s what the county is needing on these things — somebody just to keep things moving forward.”

Grimes has extensive experience in public administration. During his tenure in Willow Park, Grimes led major initiatives such as:

• securing long-term water resources through a partnership with the Cities of Fort Worth and Hudson Oaks;
• planning, funding, and constructing a new wastewater treatment facility;
• overseeing miles of street construction and infrastructure upgrades; and
• supporting economic growth, including developments like the Beall Dean Project.

Before Willow Park, Grimes held city manager positions in Ballinger (2014–2017), Anson (2011–2014), and Petersburg (2010–2011), demonstrating consistent leadership across a variety of Texas communities.

He also brings deep experience in finance, budgeting, legislative advocacy, public relations, and governmental affairs, having been involved in public service and policy since 1997.

“The County is very fortunate to get someone of Bryan’s skills, experience, and ability to get things done,” Judge Deen said. “His knowledge of water, infrastructure, transportation, and both short and long-term planning will serve us well as we prepare for the future growth of our County.”

“I’m thrilled and excited for this opportunity to continue serving my community, this time on a larger scale with the county,” said Grimes. “I look forward to meeting everyone involved and can’t wait to roll up my sleeves and get to work.”

In addition to his government service, Grimes has been active in assisting realtors with political and governmental affairs, and has managed or consulted on numerous political campaigns across West Texas and Eastern New Mexico.

Bryan is married to Heather Grimes, and the couple will celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary in May 2026. They have two children: Scarlett, a senior at Texas Tech University, and Zach, a sophomore at Aledo High School, who is active in football, lacrosse, powerlifting, and Christ Chapel youth programs.

A proud Texas Tech Red Raider, Grimes enjoys attending Tech athletic events, golfing, kayaking, and supporting his family’s many activities.

He is a member of the Texas City Managers Association, Texas City Manager Study Club, Texas Tech Alumni Association, and Red Raider Club.

Grimes will begin his new position on Oct. 27.