City Administration

City Administrator, Dr. Jeff Brasher

Dr. Jeffrey L. Brasher, a proud Seymour High School graduate from the Class of 1987, discovered early in college his passion for coaching and supporting students in both academics and athletics. This dedication led him to pursue a career in education in 1992, where he worked to foster student success both in the classroom and on the field.

Dr. Brasher and his wife, Kim, are the proud parents of four children: Gabriella, Logan, Colby, and Knoxx, who continue to be a cherished part of their lives.

Dr. Brasher launched his career in education after graduating from Midwestern State University (MSU) in Wichita Falls, Texas in 1992, earning a Bachelor of Arts in History with a minor in Biology. His passion for leadership and academic excellence led him back to school, where he completed a Master of Education in 1999 and later a Doctorate in Educational Leadership in 2007, both from Texas Tech University. In addition to his academic achievements, Dr. Brasher holds certifications in Biology and Physical Education, along with mid-management and superintendent credentials, equipping him with the expertise necessary to guide educational institutions toward success.

After earning his degree from Midwestern State University (MSU), Dr. Brasher began his career in education, teaching and coaching at Chillicothe and Shallowater Independent School Districts. While working in Shallowater ISD, he pursued a master’s degree in educational leadership at Texas Tech University, successfully completing his degree in 1999. Following graduation, Dr. Brasher stepped into administration, serving as High School Principal at Anton ISD. His leadership experience expanded when he later took on the role of Middle School Principal in Levelland, where he continued his professional development at Texas Tech University, completing the superintendent program in the fall of 2004. After receiving his superintendent certification, Dr. Brasher went on to serve as Superintendent at Veribest ISD, Brady ISD, Gainesville ISD, and Fredericksburg ISD, leading each district with a commitment to excellence in education.

In June 2021, after retiring from public education, Dr. Brasher embraced a new opportunity—returning to Seymour as the City Administrator, serving the community he has always valued and loved. Throughout his tenure as both an educational and city leader, Dr. Brasher has been distinguished by his relentless pursuit of excellence. His leadership has been marked by a commitment to developing and sustaining top-tier facilities, improving infrastructure, as well as fostering strong partnerships within the community to enhance the overall quality and success of the organizations he serves.

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City Secretary, Lauren Bush

Lauren Bush is City Secretary, Treasurer, one the City’s three Investment Officers and Municipal Court Clerk. She also fulfills the duties of Planning & Zoning Administrator, Code Enforcement Supervisor, Economic Development, and Team Builder.

Lauren was born and raised in Baylor County and attended Seymour ISD. She began work with the City of Seymour in October of 2013 and had served as Economic Development Director before assuming the position of City Secretary in October 2023.

The City Secretary’s duties include supervising the Utility Billing Department, coordinating and conducting all City Elections, assisting in Purchasing Agent duties, maintains municipal records, serves as ADA officer and acts as Secretary for the Mayor and the City Council Members. The City Secretary coordinates, attends and records all City Council meetings and any subcommittee meetings as well. Lauren composes agendas, meeting minutes and Resolutions and Proclamations. She enrolls all Ordinances and Resolutions and maintains the City Codes.

Lauren provides administrative support to Judge James Castagna as the Municipal Court Clerk.

The Utility Billing Department, also under Lauren, is staffed by Nita Hons, Kendall Hibbitts, and Alicia Rutledge. The Utility Billing Department provides billing services for Water, Sewer, Electricity and Garbage in the City of Seymour as well as coordinating airport hanger leases and serving as the central communication hub for personnel working at City Hall.

As Code Enforcement Supervisor and Planning & Zoning Administrator, Lauren takes on the duties to ensure violation notices are sent concerning Public Nuisances and handles Substandard Structure actions. All rezoning requests and zoning inquiries are fielded by her as well.

Team Builder activities are important to ensure a healthy working relationship between all departments, Administration, Council Members, and the Mayor. Activities include recognition of years of service, quarterly employee appreciation luncheons, and organized service activities such as community parades and events.

Finally, Lauren continues to serve as the Economic Development Director for the City of Seymour and endeavors to create and build the economy of Seymour in conjunction with the Chamber of Commerce, the Seymour Community Development Corporation (of which she serves as the executive director), and City administration. In the winter of 2023 Seymour will be home to “The Office”, a remote work center at 510 N Donald. It will be equipped to offer remote work offices and remote educational spaces. This was an endeavor made in conjunction with the Texas Workforce Commission, NorTex Regional Planning Commission, and the federal Economic Development Agency EDA. Over $100,000.00 was granted to the City of Seymour to encourage remote work within our community.

Lauren serves the community of Seymour on many boards, personally and by proxy, as well as privately and publicly. She is an executive board member for the NorTex Regional Planning Commission, the Cross-Plains TXDOT Commission, Texas Workforce Solutions, Solid Waste Advisory Commission, Rolling Plains Management Corporation, Baylor County Action Group Meals on Wheels, Texas Midwest Community Network City representative, a Lions Club Member, and a mentor with the Seymour Youth Leadership Program alongside Joy Self. In the summer, Lauren volunteers with 4H to provide summer art lessons. She also serves in her church.

Finance Director, Suzanne Shumate

Suzanne Shumate serves as the Finance Director for the City of Seymour, where she oversees the city’s financial operations, budgeting, accounting, investments, and financial reporting. With extensive experience in municipal finance and local government administration, Suzanne plays a vital role in ensuring the city’s fiscal integrity and long-term financial stability.

Throughout her career with the City of Seymour, Suzanne has demonstrated a strong commitment to responsible stewardship of public funds, transparency, and compliance with state and federal regulations. Her attention to detail, analytical skills, and dedication to accuracy have contributed significantly to the city’s sound financial management practices.

As Finance Director, Suzanne works closely with city leadership, department heads, auditors, and elected officials to develop budgets, monitor expenditures, manage financial reporting requirements, and support strategic planning initiatives. Her collaborative approach and institutional knowledge make her a valuable resource for both city staff and the community.

Suzanne is known for her professionalism, reliability, and commitment to serving the citizens of Seymour. Through her leadership, she continues to help ensure that the City of Seymour remains financially strong and well-positioned to meet the needs of residents today and into the future.