Rick Bruns
Mayor
Hello, my name is Rick! I have 50 years of work experience in the private sector of the business world, 20 years in the Transportation Industry and 30+ years in the Packaging and Equipment industry. (Yes, I sell empty boxes). I served on the City of Windcrest, Texas as EDC Board, Councilman and Mayor. I understand the commitment needed for this position and the expectations of serving our community. Understanding these are voluntary positions, I would like to assist our Mayor and Council in bringing common sense, reality and economic experience for continued success to our citizens and city staff.
We need to view the city as a for-profit business and Budget and Manage it accordingly. I believe my business expertise and past City experience can assist Sunrise Beach immensely.
My wife Cindy and I have been married for 41 years. We now have two daughters Vanessa and Amanda, all living in San Antonio, Texas. I am also now the proud grandparent of two lovely granddaughters, Emory (6) and Elena (3). Family is of the upmost importance to me.
We purchased a Lake front property here in Sunrise Beach in 2006 and it was our second home. We have many memories of Family weekends and relaxation here. We then purchased the Rising Star Ranch in 2017 making Sunrise Beach our permanent residence. We are blessed to live in this sanctuary and enjoy the Texas Hill Country.
My goal is to earn peoples trust in our City Government and its Employee Partners. We have a very dedicated and experienced staff with a great work ethics to keeping our community Safe and Secure.
I always used this saying in my past years of working and building talented teams of people. I do believe in this and will make it applicable as we make the tough decisions we have moving forward.
“Working Together We All Succeed”
mayor@sunrisebeachtx.gov
Tammy Guest
Mayor Pro Tem
Over forty years’ experience in the marketing, advertising, and media field in Houston.
Tammy graduated from the University of Houston with a Bachelor of Science Degree; majoring in Business Technology with a minor in marketing. Tammy started her career interning at Taylor, Brown & Barnhill. From there she joined two creative guys as they started a local ad agency Stan and Lou. Leading both Account Service and Media. Then joined Love Advertising serving as Vice President for Media. During this time, she also joined the founding Houston board for the Susan G. Komen Foundation. bringing The Race for the Cure to Houston. Giving back to the advertising community became a passion working with college students interested in our industry.
Joining the AAF Houston Student Conference and Competition committee and serving/leading that committee for over twenty years. Also serving on the Houston Advertising Education Foundation board, awarding over fifteen scholarships a year. Mid-career Tammy made the move to work on the media side of the business joining ABC13/KTRK/Disney Ad Sales to lead and develop their digital sales department. With computer technology in her background understanding this new medium and how it fits in with traditional media became a specialty. Starting with digital ads, followed by mobile ads, programmatic, email and CTV streaming. She continued to stay involved with AAF Houston serving as Chairman 2015-2016, earning National Club of year and President of the year in 2016. Tammy has also received the Spirit Award in 2017 and the Honorary Life Member Award in 2021.
Staying active in the media community with involvement in Media Alliance of Houston, serving on advisory board and winning annual Star awards for Digital Sales Manager of year in 2008, 2014 and 2018. Staying with her passion for educating the next generation, she taught a senior level communications class at University of Houston / Valenti School for five years.
Currently working with Carson Group Advertising agency as Director of Digital. Married to Lonnie Guest for over 40 years, son Quinn Guest, daughter Marissa Guest and four wonderful grandchildren.
Tammy.Guest@sunrisebeachtx.gov
Mike Byrd
Council Member
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.
mike.byrd@sunrisebeachtx.gov
Steve Primm
Council Member
My name is Steven Primm. I was born in Houston. I graduated from Sam Houston in May 1985 and began my employment with The Houston Police Department in July 1985. I patrolled the streets of Houston for 9 years and transferred to the Homicide Division in 1994 with aspirations of being assigned to a murder squad. I was assigned to the Family Violence Unit at first to investigate Domestic Violence cases. I really enjoyed providing assistance and relief to Family Violence Victims, that I stayed there for the remainder of my career and retired in August of 2018.
I do not have an extensive professional background, as I stayed at HPD for 33 years. The one thing I feel I have become proficient at is providing assistance for those that can’t or won’t help themselves and providing common sense solutions to help with situations as they present themselves. The other valuable lesson I learned in my career, was to always do the right thing, even if it was not popular. My wife, Marie, and I moved to Sunrise Beach in February 2023 and we absolutely love our little slice of Heaven. My intentions on City Council, are to serve the citizens of Sunrise Beach honestly and honorably.
Steve.Primm@sunrisebeachtx.gov
Michael Grabert
Council Member
Michael is also actively involved in local civic efforts, frequently supporting his wife, Jessica, Llano County GOP Chair, with county-level political initiatives.
His priorities for the Council include:
Fiscal Oversight: Ensuring transparent and efficient use of city resources through his experience in executive management.
Modernization: Utilizing his technology background to help streamline city services and maintain the safety of the village.
Preservation & Service: Working to protect the unique quality of life that has made Sunrise Beach his home for nearly 20 years, while remaining dedicated to serving all members of the community, regardless of their circumstances or length of residency.
Personal Interests:
When he isn’t focused on technology or city business, Michael is an avid musician who plays guitar and bass. He is a self-described enthusiast of “all new tech” and enjoys the beautiful sunrises from his home on the lake with his family.
Michael.Grabert@sunrisebeachtx.gov
Joni Powers
Council member
Sunrise Beach Village – the little city that could – consistently amazes me! The community focus of its citizens, the committed staff and the intention to maximize limited resources definitely stand out.
My background includes a foundation in accounting and finance. I moved into strategic planning for corporations and nonprofit endeavors as a way to help organizations capitalize on their strengths. Layered on that experience, I graduated from seminary and became on ordained minister. My work in that realm primarily encompasses human rights and meeting the basics of human needs at the ground level.
Tim and I stumbled upon the gem of Sunrise Beach Village in 2024 and made it our full time home. We have two daughters with young grandkids. The whole family fully embraces the fun and activity surrounding lake life.
I am honored to be on the City Council as a way to contribute to our daily lives together. I want to serve our city faithfully and with both transparency and integrity. I champion the city’s commitment to upgraded infrastructure and enhanced reporting. I support any efficiencies that can be captured with new technology, where applicable. I believe in the power of working in collaboration with each other to both preserve and improve this sweet spot in the Hill Country.
Joni.Powers@sunrisebeachtx.gov
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