From Police Chief to City Manager (with Dr. Jonathan Flores) | Ep. 14
From Police Chief to City Manager (with Dr. Jonathan Flores) | Ep. 14  
Podcast: Ground Floor Government
Published On: Wed Nov 05 2025
Description: A law enforcement career can teach powerful lessons about leadership, accountability, and service. For Hugh Plappert’s guest, Dr. Jonathan Flores, those lessons shaped a 22-year journey from police communications to major crimes investigator and ultimately city manager.ㅤIn this conversation, Dr. Flores shares how his early experience at the McAllen Police Department and his faith-led approach to leadership prepared him to serve his hometown of Pharr, Texas. He reflects on the challenge of transitioning from paramilitary command to collaborative city management, his passion for developing future leaders, and his dedication to public service that starts with strong character and community connection.ㅤListeners hear about his leadership development program, life skills partnership for youth, and how legacy, empathy, and faith guide his daily purpose in city government.ㅤ👤 Guest BioDr. Jonathan Flores serves as City Manager of Pharr, Texas. His public service career began at age 18 in law enforcement, spanning more than two decades across multiple departments before transitioning to city management. Guided by faith and family, Dr. Flores focuses on leadership, workforce development, and community engagement.ㅤ📌 What We CoverBeginning a law enforcement career at 18 and building a 22-year path of public serviceThe transition from police chief to city manager and learning to lead beyond the paramilitary modelBalancing the vision of elected officials with the needs of city employees and citizensAdapting leadership styles across generations in a large municipal organizationCreating a youth life skills program in partnership with local schoolsDeveloping a leadership academy for aspiring and current city employeesEstablishing internship programs that connect high school and college students to real-world municipal workThe role of faith, family, and service in shaping daily motivation and long-term legacy🔗 Resources MentionedCity of Pharr, Texas — farrtx.govEmail contact for Dr. Jonathan Flores: Jonathan.Flores@pharrtx.govㅤGround Floor Government is hosted by Hugh Plappert and produced by PhoneLive.io.