The North Houston District named Asdrubal "Dru" Gutierrez as its new public safety director on Monday, Aug. 24, tapping an eight-year staffer whose resume spans Harris County government, a local utility district and the Precinct 4 Constable's Office.

Gutierrez had been the district's field services director. He replaces Tracy Harrison, who held the title of vice president of public safety and joined the district in April 2015. The district has not explained why the role now carries a different title.

NHD President Greg Simpson said the district conducted a wide search this summer before deciding to promote from within.

"Dru knows the area, our organization, and is well-liked and respected by all levels of the District's team and board … We believe Dru is the right person to lead our existing public safety programs and help us continue the momentum that Tracy helped develop," Simpson said in a statement posted to the district's website.

Before his eight years at NHD, Gutierrez spent 11 years as an aide to Harris County Commissioner El Franco Lee. He also served as public safety liaison for Municipal Utility District 152 and for the Harris County Precinct 4 Constable's Office.

That county-level background, Gutierrez said, gives him a head start coordinating with the agencies that patrol the district. Public safety in the NHD area is a collaborative effort involving the Houston Police Department, the Harris County Sheriff's Office, Houston Fire Department and private contractor Spartan Security.

Gutierrez said visibility is the top concern he hears from the community. "… Most commercial property owners and local residents care especially about the visibility of our public safety personnel, which includes HPD, Sheriff's Office, and Spartan Security," he said.

His near-term priorities include meeting current leadership at HPD, HFD and HCSO and assessing ongoing safety programs. During his tenure as field services director, every park in the district received improvements.

The management district, founded in 1991 near I-45 North and the North Sam Houston Parkway, serves the Spring-area corridor in unincorporated Harris County.

Gutierrez plans to meet residents at National Night Out on Tuesday, Oct. 6, at The Harvest church.