Mayor and Council
The Mayor and City Council members, serving as the elected representatives of Caldwell, create public policies that address community needs and promote organized development throughout the City.
The City Council of the City of Caldwell will convene in a Regular Meeting on the Third Tuesday of every month at 5:30 PM.
John Rychlik, Mayor
Elected 2026 | Current Term Ends 2028
Mayor.Rychlik@caldwelltx.gov | 979-575-4151
John Rychlik is a Caldwell native and graduate of Caldwell High School. He earned a degree in Finance from Southwest Texas State University and later received his M.B.A. from the University of Bridgeport.
Rychlik began his career with the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) and later worked as an internal auditor before beginning a 25-year career with Philip Morris. His career took him to more than 50 countries, where he held leadership positions including Finance Director, Controller, and Regional Compliance Director.
After retiring, Rychlik returned home to Caldwell and became actively involved in the community. He serves St. Mary’s Catholic Church as a Lector and Eucharistic Minister, serves as Treasurer of the Knights of Columbus, and is President of the Burleson County Czech Heritage Society. He also supports the Czech Heritage Museum and volunteers with the Food-4-Families Drive.
As Mayor, Rychlik brings decades of financial, compliance, and leadership experience to his service to the Caldwell community.
Kavon Novak, Mayor Pro-Tempore
Elected 2011 | Current Term Ends 2027
Kavon Novak is a 1991 graduate of Texas A&M University, where he earned a degree in Marketing. He moved to Caldwell in 2003 and has called the community home for more than two decades. He and his wife, Lori, have four children: Jesse, Bay, Hattie, and Harrison.
Novak has worked in the financial services industry for decades and has owned his own investment firm since 1998. He is a Registered Investment Consultant with LPL, bringing extensive experience in financial planning, investment management, and business ownership to his service on the City Council.
He is actively involved in the community as a member of the Burleson County Chamber of Commerce, Caldwell Men’s Lions Club, and Rotary Club. Novak also serves on the Brazos Valley Council of Governments Board of Directors, providing additional experience in regional collaboration.
As a Councilmember, Novak brings a background in finance and business, longstanding ties to Caldwell, and extensive civic and regional involvement to his service to the community.
Gary Easter, Alderman
Elected 2023 | Current Term Ends 2027
council.easter@caldwelltx.gov | (979) 324-1020
Gary Easter is a lifelong Caldwell resident and a 1972 graduate of Caldwell High School. He and his wife, Janice Urbanosky, married in 1983 and have two daughters and five grandsons.
Easter retired in 2007 following a 33-year career in the oilfield industry, including service as a Senior Production Foreman with Anadarko Petroleum. In that role, he was responsible for overseeing operations, budgets, and personnel, providing extensive experience in leadership, resource management, and team supervision.
His lifelong connection to Caldwell provides Easter with a strong understanding of the community and the people who call it home. He values collaboration and open dialogue and believes thoughtful decision-making is important in addressing community needs and planning for Caldwell’s future.
As a member of the City Council, Easter draws on his professional leadership experience and lifelong ties to Caldwell in serving residents and supporting the continued growth of the community.
Lee Glidewell, Alderman
Elected 2022 | Current Term Ends 2028
council.glidewell@caldwelltx.gov
Lee Glidewell is a lifelong Caldwell resident and a 1996 graduate of Caldwell High School. He and his wife, Kimberly, have three children: Natalie, Nathan, and Nicholas. Outside of his professional and public service, he enjoys hunting, fishing, and supporting his children’s athletic activities.
Glidewell has more than 25 years of experience in the information technology and electrical ITS industries. He currently serves as a Senior Information Assurance Cybersecurity Specialist with Softek International Inc., bringing extensive technical experience and a background in information security and technology to his service on the City Council.
Glidewell is also actively involved in youth athletics, coaching two baseball teams with the Brazos Valley Renegades and supporting his daughter’s involvement in volleyball. His coaching provides an opportunity to work directly with young athletes and families in the community.
As a Councilmember, Glidewell brings technical expertise, professional experience, and lifelong ties to Caldwell to his service to the community.
John Larch, Alderman
Elected 2025 | Current Term Ends 2027
John Larch and his wife, Emma, made Caldwell their permanent home in 2007. They have been married for more than 30 years and have a family that includes six adult children, twelve grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.
Larch retired in 2022 following a 43-year career in the precious metals industry, all with the same company. Over the course of his career, he advanced to serve as President and CEO, gaining decades of experience in business leadership, organizational management, and executive decision-making.
His involvement with the City predates his service on Council. Larch has served on the Caldwell Police Department Advisory Board since 2013 and was elected Chairman of the Board, providing him with longstanding involvement in the Caldwell community and municipal public safety.
As a member of the City Council, Larch draws on his extensive business and leadership experience, along with years of community involvement, in serving Caldwell’s residents and businesses and supporting the community’s continued growth.
Thomas Trnka, Alderman
Elected 2026 | Current Term Ends 2028
Thomas Trnka is a lifelong Caldwell resident. He and his wife, Bengee, have two daughters, Kymberlee and Kyndall, and two grandsons, Koleson and Kashten. He attends Connect Church, where he serves on the usher team.
Trnka retired from the City of Caldwell following 44 years of service. As Director of Public Works, he oversaw streets and drainage, solid waste, parks and recreation, maintenance, and the municipal airport. At various times, his responsibilities also included permits and inspections, animal control, and the Civic Center.
Trnka also served the Caldwell Police Department for 25 years as a commissioned reserve officer and has served for more than 30 years as a Director of the Burleson County Fair Association. His community involvement has also included support for Caldwell FFA and local youth athletics.
As a Councilmember, Trnka brings decades of municipal experience, institutional knowledge, and community service to his role representing Caldwell residents.