The city manager has the ultimate responsibility for the budget, day-to-day operations, personnel, and directly overseeing the following departments: General Administration, Finance and Communications and Marketing.
Ryan Holt began his career with the City of Waco in 1996 as a police recruit. After serving in numerous capacities in every division within the Department throughout his career, he was promoted to Assistant Police Chief in 2008. As the Assistant Chief, he presided over the Support Services Division and the Community Services “Patrol” Division. Holt was appointed Chief of Police in 2016 and then to Assistant City Manager in 2019.
Holt has a Bachelor’s of Criminal Justice from Stephen F. Austin State University and a Master’s degree in Criminal Justice from Tarleton State University. He is a graduate of the 243rd session of the FBI National Academy, the Senior Management Institute for Police at PERF, the Leadership Command College at LEMIT, and the School of Police Supervision at ILEA. He also holds a Master Peace Officer certification from the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement.
Holt is a former Legislative Chair of the Texas Police Chiefs Association and a former President of the Central Texas Police Chiefs and Sheriffs Association. He has served as an advisor for the Heart of Texas 100 Club, serves on the advisory board for the Salvation Army and the Waco Center for Youth, and is a member of the Waco Rotary Club.
During his career, he has received numerous awards, including the Medal of Valor, the Police Commendation, the Police Unit Commendation, the Life Saving Award, and the Presidential Protection Commendation. Ryan enjoys spending time with his family in his free time.