2025 ISERVE Core Value Awardees

The City of Brownwood recognized five employees who received the ISERVE award. The award was given during the annual all-employee ISERVE conference to those who have gone above and beyond and have embraced the City’s core values of Integrity, Service, Excellence, Respect, Vision, and Empathy. Dave Thomas, Kenneth Perkovich, Lance Wells, Michael Blanton and Jesse Mares each received the ISERVE award. 

2025 ISERVE Core Value Awardees

KENNETH PERKOVICH

Perkovich began working for the City of Brownwood in 2015 in the Utility Department. He was nominated for this award for exemplifying the Core Values of excellence and service.

He is described as a true team player who provides a high level of service to both residents and coworkers. Originally hired as a water meter reader, Perkovich has shown dedication to his professional growth by earning his CDL, obtaining his Class C Water License, and recently advancing to the position of Utility Operator II.

His supervisor said, “He always has a positive attitude and is a hard worker. He has great customer service skills and helps his fellow co-workers in any situation.”

LANCE WELLS

Wells began working for the City of Brownwood in 2022 in the Code Enforcement/Planning & Development Department. He was nominated for this award for exemplifying the Core Value of service.

As a Code Compliance/Building Inspector, Wells is known for his collaborative approach and his contributions to a positive team environment. He often takes the lead in entering buildings with hazardous conditions and works closely with property owners to find fair and practical solutions.

A coworker said, “He is reasonable, levelheaded, and fair. His ability to take the initiative and solve problems contributes to the department’s success.”

MICHAEL BLANTON

Blanton began his career with the City of Brownwood in 2008 and currently works in the Street Department. He was nominated for this award for exemplifying the Core Value of excellence.

Originally hired as a Light Equipment Operator, Blanton now serves as a Street Maintenance Tech III. He is known as a perfectionist within the department, using his experience and expertise to ensure that street repairs are completed efficiently and to the highest quality standards.

A coworker said, “He and his crew have received multiple compliments from citizens about the promptness and quality of his work. He is very knowledgeable about every aspect of the department and always helps the citizens of Brownwood as much as possible.”

JESSE MARES

Mares began working for the City of Brownwood in 2011 in the Police Department. He was nominated for this award for exemplifying the Core Value of integrity.

He currently serves as a Patrol Sergeant and has previously held the roles of Field Training Officer and Patrol Corporal. Mares also serves as the Commander of the Brownwood PD/Brown County SWAT. He is highly respected within the department and is known for his commitment to serving and protecting the public, continuously improving through training, and holding both himself and his team to the highest standards.

A fellow officer said, “He is the officer who should be held as the standard for all officers working in the Brownwood Police Department. His work ethic, leadership, and respect for others are some of the qualities that make him so respected in the department.”

DAVE THOMAS

Thomas began working for the City of Brownwood in 2002 and currently serves as a Firefighter-10. He graduated from the fire academy in 2003 and was nominated for this award for exemplifying the Core Values of respect and empathy.

He is known in the department as someone who takes initiative and willingly accepts additional responsibilities. Thomas leads with kindness, consistently showing care and compassion in every interaction. He is described as someone who puts others first, whether helping a co-worker finish a task, assisting the public, or finding other ways to contribute. His decision-making is guided by strong moral principles, earning the trust of both coworkers and the community.

A co-worker said, “His positive attitude is a driving force in our workplace. No matter how challenging the day, he approaches every task with optimism and a can-do spirit that lifts those around him.”

Dave Thomas