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File #: ID 25-0439    Version: 1 Name:
Type: Informational Report Status: Filed
File created: 9/29/2025 In control: City Council
On agenda: 10/14/2025 Final action: 10/14/2025
Title: Introduction of new and promoted City of Brookings employees.

Title

Introduction of new and promoted City of Brookings employees.

 

Body

The following City of Brookings Fire Department supervisory employee will be introduced to the City Council and public:

                     Assistant Street Manager - Josh McClain

                     Police Dept. Executive Coordinator - Midge Christiansen

                     Deputy Police Chief - Ryan Baranyos

                     Deputy City Manager - Johnny Mays

 

Biographies

                     Assistant Street Manager - Josh McClain

Josh has been with the Street Department since 2008.  Before coming to the City, Josh worked for the SD Dept. of Transportation as a Lead Highway Worker.

 

Josh has also contributed to the City by serving on the Employee Advisory Group, and most recently as a member of the Culture and empowerment Committee.

 

                     Police Dept. Executive Coordinator - Midge Christianson

Midge grew up in Brookings County and graduated from SDSU.  With 35 years of experience in criminal justice and public safety, she has served in roles ranging from juvenile residential treatment and probation to directing a multi-county corrections agency.  Most recently she worked nationally as a Policy Advisor for the Council of State Governments Justice Center.

 

                     Deputy Police Chief - Ryan Baranyos

Originally from Northern Indiana, Ryan relocated to Arizona in his early twenties beginning a 24-year career in public safety with the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office.  Throughout his tenure, he held various assignments and steadily advanced through the ranks, ultimately retiring as a Lieutenant in 2023.  That same year, he joined the Estes Park PD as a Police Captain where he oversaw Investigations, Patrol, the School Resource Officer program, and the Community Services Officers.

 

Ryan holds an Associate and a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice, a Master’s Degree in Human Resources, and is a graduate of Northwestern University’s Police Staff & Command Program.

 

                     Deputy City Manager - Johnny Mays

Mays is coming to Brookings from Columbia, MO, where he has worked as Director of Facilities Management for Boone County since April 2023.  Prior to that, Mays worked 12 years in various supervisor and manager roles for the City of Lenexa, KS. 

 

Mays earned his doctorate in public administration and public policy from West Chester University of Pennsylvania. He has a master of liberal studies degree with a concentration in political leadership and public service from Fort Hays State University and a bachelor of arts degree in organizational management from Ashford University in Arizona. In addition, he completed the Arizona State University Certified Public Management Program and the Emerging Leaders Academy at the University of Kansas Public Management Center.