Mike Byrd
Councilmember
My name is Mike and I have served 4 consecutive terms on the City Council.
I am a highly experienced Information Technology professional with strong technical, project management, and communication skills. I have managed the installation of backup generator support for the Sunrise Beach Water Department. Currently, I am managing the engineering design and implementation of a second water tank at the top of Sandy Mountain as well as overseeing analytical upgrades for the automation of our water system software and hardware.
I received a BS in Aerospace Engineering from The University of Texas, an MSE (rocket propulsion) from Purdue, and an MS-SE from SMU. After leaving Purdue, I worked for General Dynamics (now Lockheed) in Fort Worth as a propulsion engineer for two years followed by my studies at SMU. I then completed 20 years in the US Air Force as a fighter/instructor/test pilot, rocket scientist, and project manager. My last project in the AF was to put together a joint test with the Army with a budget of $65m in the first year. After retiring from the AF, I put my hobby skills to work in Information Technology and worked for several companies; including 9 years as the IT Director for the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association. I still work part-time as a Database Consultant, and give database presentations around the world.
I love the Sunrise Beach community and its citizens. I am very active in the Sunrise Beach Federated Church, where I helped implement their website, as well as design and manage the streaming service for Sunday morning worship. In my spare time, I assist with maintaining a Sunrise Beach mail list database used by the VFD, CCAA, and the City Employee Bonus program. Contact me at mike.byrd@sunrisebeachtx.gov.
Dan Gower
Councilmember
Hello, my name is Dan Gower and I currently serve as a councilman on the city council. After serving 39 years with the U.S. Army, my primary expertise lies in critical thinking and planning. My goal in life is to have a servant’s heart.
That goal has found “feet” in my church where I serve as Finance Chairman and Sunday School leader.
Further, as a medical first responder and Fire Chief with the Sunrise Beach Volunteer Fire Department, I am at the forefront of emergency services and hazard mitigation planning for our city and the county of Llano. Sunrise Beach has been “Fort Final” for us since 2002.
I have been married to Susan Rock Gower for 53 years. We have twin sons who blessed us with 15 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren.
Reach out to me via email at dan.gower@sunrisebeachtx.gov or chief@sunrisebeachvfd.org.
Jeff Cook
Councilmember
Hello. My name is Jeff Cook. I am honored to have been elected to serve you on City Council. I have previous experience on the SRBV City Council, the City’s Planning and Zoning Commission, and the Firewise Committee. My wife Veronica and I became property owners in Sunrise Beach Village in 2015 and permanent residents in 2017. I have an associate degree in Law Enforcement, a bachelor’s degree in emergency management administration, and a Master Peace Officers License.
Prior to retiring and moving to this great community, I spent my entire career in law enforcement. During that time, I worked for a City Police Department, a County Sheriff’s Office, a County Constable’s Office, and I spent the majority of my career with the Texas Department of Public Safety. In the DPS, I served as a State Trooper in the Texas Highway Patrol, an Intelligence Agent in the Criminal Intelligence Service, and over 13 years as a Texas Ranger. My career allowed me the opportunity to work closely with City, County, and State leaders, providing me with the knowledge of how government works and the skills to serve this community.
My goal while serving on the City Council is to bring the citizens of this City the quality of life each one desires and deserves. I will strive to do this by maintaining critical infrastructure, improving City services, and providing a safe living environment for all.
My wife Veronica and I have been married 40 years and have two grown children and five grandchildren.
I am here to serve you. Please feel free to contact me at jeff.cook@sunrisebeachtx.gov.