BROOKINGS — A South Dakota State University graduate is returning to Brookings to serve as the new assistant to City Manager Paul Briseno. Samantha Beckman will start her job on Tuesday.

A Brandon native, Beckman graduated earlier this month with her master of public service and administration degree from The Bush School of Government and Public Service at Texas A&M University. She earned her bachelor’s degree in history and political science from SDSU in 2021.

For nearly a year, Beckman worked as a planning and development services intern for the city of College Station, Texas. In that position, she assisted the city’s long-range planning team with research and development of high-priority planning areas. She also worked as a risk management intern for the city of College Station.

During summer 2022, Beckman worked as a recreation intern for the city of Sioux Falls, gaining skills in community outreach, customer service, research and development, trend analysis and business process improvement. 

“As a former Brookings resident, I am thrilled to be able to come back and serve the community that gave me so much! I am excited to begin this new assistant to the city manager role where I will be able to help foster a renewed sense of community through downtown and core neighborhood improvements,” Beckman said. 

Beckman was selected for the position from approximately 25 applicants following a nationwide search. 

Briseno said Beckman’s primary role will be to help revitalize downtown and core neighborhoods. That work ties directly to the 2023-27 Community Economic Development Master Plan, which the City Council unanimously approved in January after it was developed with help from community partners and stakeholders. The master plan calls for a multifaceted strategy to maximize existing infrastructure and invest in the city’s core. This, in turn, will benefit the community in myriad ways, including economically.

“We are excited to welcome Samantha back to Brookings,” Briseno said. “Her education and experiences working in municipal government, especially in planning and development, are key to the work she will be doing to help revitalize downtown and our core neighborhoods. Her personal experience as a former resident of Brookings also will inform her work.” 

Briseno said the first few months of Beckman’s employment will be focused on establishing relationships and understanding the organization and community.