As we celebrate International Women’s Day, the City of Boerne takes pride in recognizing the remarkable contributions of women who not only excel in their roles but also demonstrate a steadfast commitment to professional growth.
Their dedication to personal and professional development directly benefits our community, aligning with the City’s mission to provide exceptional services and uphold values of service, excellence, integrity, respect, and collaboration.
Advancing Excellence in City Planning
Three members of the Planning Department have recently taken steps to gain additional professional development. Sara Varvarigos recently earned the prestigious AICP Certification from the American Institute of Certified Planners. This certification process requires planners to meet high educational and professional experience standards, pass a comprehensive exam, and adhere to the AICP Code of Ethics. Sara’s expertise enhances the City’s ability to develop forward-thinking, innovative solutions for sustainable growth.
Additionally, Jo-Anmarie Andrade is diligently working toward earning the same esteemed certification, reinforcing our commitment to excellence in urban planning.
Meanwhile, Tyler Cain is part of Boerne UniverCity’s inaugural class. The program emphasizes leadership excellence in local government, where customer service often intersects with regulatory enforcement and offers guidance on addressing complex challenges, including effective communication, team motivation, ethical decision making, and leading with integrity.
Leadership Boerne: Building Stronger Leaders
Leadership Boerne has been shaping leaders since 1998, providing a platform for both new and experienced professionals to gain insight into the critical issues impacting our city and beyond. This year, two exceptional women from our organization are actively engaged in this transformative program. Betty Kwasneski, a dedicated member of the Permitting and Code Compliance team, recently graduated from Leadership Boerne, demonstrating her commitment to professional growth and community service.
Strengthening Development Services
Another shining example of dedication and leadership is Liz Huvalla, who was recently promoted to development coordinator. Over the past year, Liz has played a pivotal role in streamlining commercial permitting and planning processes, significantly improving customer experience.
Her efforts have enhanced application tracking, reduced review times, and established a seamless point of contact for developers. In her new role, she will continue to guide applicants through both commercial and residential development while overseeing the Planning and Permitting front counters, ensuring efficiency in our delivery service.
Leading with Excellence in Human Resources
Susan Finch, Human Resources director, has dedicated nearly 20 years of service to the City of Boerne, demonstrating unwavering commitment and exceptional leadership. Since becoming a director in May 2022, she has provided professional growth and strategic leadership to all members of Team Boerne. Throughout her tenure, she has built strong relationships across all levels of the organization, earning recognition as a trusted leader and advocate for employee well-being.
Additionally, she has spearheaded new leadership development programs and training initiatives, while fostering a culture of continuous growth and excellence within the organization. In 2025, she was recognized by Hill Country Family Services as one of five Women of the Year from a pool of 300 nominees.
Elevating City Administration
In June 2024, Chastity Valdes was named deputy city secretary. Chas began her journey with the City in April 2023 as administrative assistant II on the construction side of Boerne Utilities.
Chas brings a wealth of management experience to her new role, including years of experience at various stores in Boerne and as the branch director of the Boys and Girls Club of Comfort. Chas has already started taking the necessary classes to become a certified city secretary.
To be a city secretary in Texas, one can get certified through the Texas Municipal Clerks Certification Program, which requires completing 200 hours of university-level coursework, passing multiple exams, attending professional development coursework every five years, and participating in multiple seminars over three years.
A Commitment to Growth and Community Impact
These women exemplify the spirit of leadership and dedication that drives Boerne forward. Today, we celebrate them, their accomplishments, and the inspiring example they set for future generations. But every day we are so proud of the commitment to excellence all the women at the City display. The City remains steadfast in fostering an environment where everyone can thrive, lead, and shape the future.
