Brad Evans has resigned as the City of Houston’s economic developer to return to the police force.
Evans was hired in January and began his duties March 5. He will rejoin the Houston Police Department on July 1.
“I just missed the police department and clearly see that is where I need to be. Being a police officer is the best way I can serve the community,” Evans said Wednesday afternoon. “I believe the economic development position is too important to the city’s well-being for someone to be in that position who does not have their full heart behind it. I appreciate the opportunity to work in that position, but do not feel it is the right fit for me.
“I look forward to returning to the police department, where I feel I truly belong.”
Houston City Administrator Tona Bowen said Wednesday the council will meet soon to discuss the process for hiring a new economic development director. Some of the members have been out of town, she said.Â
Evans, 36, was selected from a pool of three finalists as the city’s second head of economic development. Ron Reed held the position from 1999 until he resigned at the beginning of 2017. It was vacant for one year.
Evans will rejoin the HPD to fill the vacancy created by the departure of officer Josh Green, who is expected to become the Houston R-1 School District’s school resource officer. Green and Chief Tim Ceplina are meeting Tuesday night with the school board.
It will be Evans’ third stint with Houston police. The first was December 2003 until May 2006 and the second from 2008 until resigning at the beginning of the year. He was promoted to sergeant in October 2015 and was supervisor of five full-time and six reserve officers.