Dylan Mayfield isn't one to ask others to do something he wouldn't do himself.
Mayfield's all in as he assumes the role of Brazos River Authority Lake Granbury Reservoir Manager. Eager to gain a comprehensive understanding of the operation, Mayfield is actively engaging with his staff and the organization. Mayfield said he's the type that likes to listen to the insights of those around him so he can successfully lead his team and safeguard the reservoir for years to come.
Mayfield joined the BRA in November 2024 after 15 years with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
"In the position I'm in now, I've touched most aspects of the job due to my experience with the Corps of Engineers," he said. "So, whether it is boat patrol, lease inspections, or public meetings, it's all very, very similar. Really, the biggest management difference is that the Corps' primary mission is flood-risk management at the lakes I have previously worked, with water supply as secondary. Most of the Corps management lakes in Texas have the right to temporarily hold flood waters, which can sometimes be tens of feet higher than normal. The Corps and the BRA just manage water in different ways."
Randall McCartney, BRA's regional lake operations manager, said Mayfield brings a very diverse background to the Brazos River Authority.
"Dylan has served in multiple roles and his knowledge and experience will serve the Lake Granbury Staff and the BRA for years to come," McCartney said. "I believe combining Dylan's experience and knowledge with a great organization is a win-win combination."
Lake Granbury and the DeCordova Bend Dam in Hood County are one of three water supply reservoirs owned and operated by the BRA. The other two include Possum Kingdom Lake and the Morris Sheppard Dam, and Lake Limestone and the Sterling C. Robertson Dam. Dec. 15, 2024, marks 55 years since the start of the construction of the dam in Granbury, which was later completed in 1969.
With a Bachelor of Science degree in Forestry from Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, Mayfield joined the Corps of Engineers, beginning a 15-year career at several locations across Texas. For the first eight years, he served as a Natural Resource Specialist/Park Ranger at Lewisville Lake in North Texas along with Lake Ray Roberts north of Denton located on the Elm Fork of the Trinity River, before transferring to the Corp's Real Estate Division. Finally, he served as Lake Manager at Bardwell Lake, located in Ennis.
Mayfield said he wanted to work for the BRA for additional opportunities to use his skill set. He is able to incorporate things he loves – being on the water, fishing, and teaching about water safety, combined with his daily job- and the more, the better.
Mayfield feels passionate about interacting with the public and the community and finding opportunities to teach about water safety.
Mayfield has worked countless drownings over the years during his time with the Corps. So, saying he's passionate about spreading water safety awareness is an understatement.
And now he's bringing that passion and a background in lake management to the Brazos River Authority.
In 2012, Mayfield was presented with the Commander's Award from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Fort Worth District. According to a Corps press release, Mayfield and another ranger were conducting a routine patrol when they were flagged down as someone was struggling in the water. Mayfield and the other ranger were able to get the individual to shore and perform CPR.
"Their quick actions that prevented the victim from drowning epitomize the spirit of teamwork and reflect great credit upon them, the Corps of Engineers and the United States Army," states the release.
"Water safety is very close to my chest," Mayfield said recently at the Lake Granbury Office. "Everyone says, 'Oh I'm a great swimmer and I'll will never drown.' But I'll always remind them, 'Well, what if you're unconscious? There is always a long pause after that question' If you're out on the lake and you have an accident or somehow unintentionally end up in the water and you don't have that life jacket on, or if it's not on properly sized therein lies the issue."
Mayfield said he's seen many adults over the years at a swim beach with their kids. They think there are so many adults around that there's no way a kid could go under without someone noticing. The problem is there's not one person solely focused on each kid without distraction. Over the years, he said, in his capacity, he's done impromptu walks on the beaches handing out loaner life jackets and water safety giveaways along with working with school districts to promote swim lessons and water safety.
Mayfield said he's eager to experience the BRA Lake Granbury Office's annual Water Safety Awareness Day, which is held each May to give away free life jackets to area youth.
As for the immediate horizon, two big moves were already underway at the Lake Granbury Office. The lake office is developing a program that's proved highly successful at Possum Kingdom Lake.
PK Lake has a dedicated crew of highly skilled Brazos River Authority employees tasked with extending the life of Morris Sheppard Dam. The Reservoir System Maintenance Unit, also known as RSMU, works solely to maintain the dam and is made up of welders, painters, blasters, and concrete workers who are skilled in fabricating, coatings applications, metalizing, and heavy equipment operation, among other skillsets. The RSMU staff has proven they can repair, replace, construct, install and maintain challenging engineering projects. Due to their talents, they help the BRA save money by not having to go out to hire a firm to complete work.
As the DeCordova Bend Dam ages, it will require more maintenance in the coming years. Staffing and equipment purchases are already under review as the lake office works to create a similar group for the reservoir. It's a process that will take time; it didn't happen overnight at PK when it was first formed in 1992.
There's another multi-year project kicking off in January at Lake Granbury. They are calling it the Trifecta Project, and it will extend the life of both the dam and reservoir. The project incorporates multiple efforts to facilitate operational and structural improvements. The project is a continuation of ongoing and regular maintenance and repairs existing at the reservoir, as the BRA is dedicated to maintaining the structural integrity of its dams and prolonging the life of these critical structures.
While the Trifecta Project ensures the future of Lake Granbury, Mayfield's journey reflects the enduring appeal of Texas' precious lakes.
Mayfield grew up in East Texas, where summer vacations were often filled with days on the water, whether that was fishing, boating, or skiing.
Mayfield currently lives in Midlothian with his wife of 15 years and their three daughters. He said they're looking to move to the Granbury area next year. His summers now mimic the years of his youth, and his children, too, enjoy being on a lake.