(This is one of our profiles on this year’s recipients selected by an anonymous committee out of an extensive list of nominees for the 2024 Lincoln Leader Award. The Lincoln Parish Journal thanks Mayor Ronny Walker and the Ruston-Lincoln Chamber of Commerce for their support of this award. We would like to thank Kevin Hawkins at HawkinsPhoto.com for the headshots).
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Name: Andrew Halbrook
Age: 34
Employer: City of Ruston
Title: Public Works Utilities Manager
Hometown: Ruston, Louisiana
Years Living in Ruston: 28
Civic Volunteer Organizations: First Baptist Church of Ruston, Ruston Youth Baseball and Softball
Professional Highlights: Being a part of the team that started and expanded the Rock Island Greenway; writing, lobbying, being awarded, and ultimately completing the $17.2 Million BUILD Grant for the Monroe Street Corridor; maintaining the lowest utility rates throughout the State of Louisiana; completing the largest phase of Downtown Revitalization, doubling the number of revitalized blocks throughout Downtown Ruston; and being on a team that has brought in over $80+ Million in grants and appropriations over the past 6 years.
Ruston Mayor Ronny Walker on Andrew Halbrook:
“Andrew is a great asset to our city who is willing to take on new jobs and projects. He is passionate about Ruston and is always looking for ways to improve our city. He started in public works and has continued to move up as he has taken on more responsibilities and other duties. Andrew continues to grow in his job and move our great city forward.”
Q&A with Andrew Halbrook
What makes Lincoln Parish special?
Places like Lincoln Parish are few and far between. It is extremely rare to find a community with so much small-town charm, enthusiasm, yet untapped potential. I believe Lincoln Parish possesses the perfect balance between leadership and an innovative spirit. To me these attributes have created a gravitational pull that surrounds Ruston and Lincoln Parish, and that attraction is only getting stronger. We see that through the growth and innovation on the campuses of Louisiana Tech and Grambling State University, the Fortune 500 companies that have grown from Lincoln Parish and new ones wanting to invest here, the thriving small business community, and the continued development in all parts of our community. There is nothing you cannot accomplish from Lincoln Parish.
How do you see your role/place in making our parish such a wonderful place to call home?
Throughout my career with the City of Ruston I have focused on making our community the best place to raise a family. I have tried to view every opportunity through the lens of my role as a husband and father to ensure the projects that are completed create new opportunities for the future generations. Regardless of whether the project focuses on economic development, transportation enhancements, or utility resilience I always work to ensure the investments we are making today will provide greater and more impactful returns to the generations to come.
Who has played a role in your professional development and why?
There are numerous individuals who have contributed to my professional development over my career, however three rise above all others. My father, Andy Halbrook, taught me the importance of working hard and remaining dedicated to my goals, my family, and my values. Next would be Mayor Ronny Walker. Mayor Walker provided me an opportunity 9.5 years ago to come back to my hometown and help buildout his vision of Ruston. He has influenced my ability to be a forward thinker and to make the most of every opportunity. The last would be my late grandfather David Halbrook, “Big Daddy”. He was the embodiment of a Statesman. He lived his life putting the public first with diplomacy and integrity and instilled in me to always do the right thing. These men have given me the tools to be successful. I look forward to carrying on their traditions of dedication, excellence, and integrity.
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