Dan Black named to head Texas municipal group.

DALLAS -- Dan Black, a manager with the Texas Water Development Board, has been named executive director of the Municipal Advisory Council of Texas, replacing Danny Burger, who will retire Nov. 1.

Black, 42, who is the agency's development fund manager, was chosen by the advisory council's board from a field of more than 50 candidates.

"Dan had the best combination of skills," including communication, leadership, and technical abilities, said Robert Vanosky, executive vice president of Rauscher Pierce Refsnes in Dallas and the council board member who headed the search committee.

As executive director of the Municipal Advisory Council, Black will oversee the preparation of financial reports on state and local government debt issues as well as manage other aspects of the council, which has 75 investment banking firms and other members in Texas and 45 members outside the state.

"I get to run my own shop," Black said. "It's a step up and another challenge."

In addition, Black said he will earn a higher salary, although he would not disclose the amount.

During the past two years, Black has been responsible for overseeing the state agency's $1.3 billion portfolio and bond pool to provide cities, river authorities, and other agencies funds for water, sewer, flood control, and other projects. He has worked for the Texas Water Development Board for seven years in various capacities from loan analyst to assistant fund manager.

Previously, Black worked in the loan and trust departments at InterFirst Bank in Dallas and as a stockbroker at Rotan Mosle Inc. in Austin.

Black holds a bachelor's and master's degrees in political science from Memphis State University and a master's degree in business administration from the University of Texas at Austin.

Black said he does not plan to make any immediate changes in the council when he takes over the reins from Burger on Nov. 1.

Burger, 62, who had a liver transplant about a year ago, plans to retire in the Hill Country near Austin, Texas, after serving as executive director since 1976.

Burger worked at the council for two stints -- one as executive director, and the other, from 1955-1963, when he was senior analyst. The council was founded in the mid-1950s.

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