The City of Lewisville has recognized two of its diligent public servants with the prestigious Maurice Strickland Award for the year 2025, according to an announcement on the city's official website. Michele Berry, the Planning Manager, and John Flores-Hidones, a Senior Administrative Analyst with the Lewisville Police Department (LPD), have been honored for their "performance of an exceptional nature" and actions that uphold the city's vision and values, as chosen by City Manager Claire Powell.
Having spent eight years with the City of Lewisville, Michele Berry has distinguished herself in the Planning Department through her commitment to staff development and mentorship. According to the City of Lewisville, her work over the past year, including managing the business corridor along Business 121 and integrating the Southwest Lewisville Small Area Plan, has been integral in shaping the city's development trajectory.
Berry's integrity and collaboration with coworkers and community stand as a testament to her dedication to service, always ensuring that the voices of residents are not just heard but acted upon. Her innovative problem-solving abilities and her passion for both grand and humble projects in sustainability have not gone unnoticed, earning her respect far beyond Lewisville.
On the other hand, John Flores-Hidones' contributions, though only at the LPD for a shorter duration, approximately 18 months, have made a significant impact on the department's efficiency. As "the central figure in all things budget-related for LPD," Flores-Hidones has developed budget tools that have crucially cut overtime costs and vetted spending processes, with immediate savings recognized by the department. Not only does he manage fiscal matters, but he also handles vital department policy documents like the Racial Profiling Report and the Response to Resistance Report, ensuring transparency and rectitude in LPD operations.
The award, commemorating Maurice Strickland, not only honors the memory of a man dedicated to quality and exemplary public service but also serves as a beacon, illuminating the tireless efforts of city employees who follow in his footsteps. Strickland’s own tenure spanned over two decades, ending as he retired from the Operations Supervisor position over Utility Line Maintenance in 2011, leaving an indelible mark on the community he served.
