EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — The City of El Paso has a new chief internal auditor.

The City Council appointed El Paso native Adrian Serrano to the post following a national search, the City said. Serrano will lead the City’s Internal Audit Department.

Serrano brings more than 13 years of internal audit experience in both the public and private sectors, the City said.

His professional background includes serving as a corporate income tax auditor III with the Arizona Department of Revenue and as an audit manager with Ernst & Young LLP in San Antonio. He currently serves as vice president of internal controls at Affinius Capital LLC, where he oversees internal control frameworks and risk management functions.

The chief internal auditor reports to the City Council through the Financial Oversight and Audit Committee and is responsible for planning and directing financial, operational, compliance, and performance audits of City programs and related agencies.

The position oversees an approximately $1.1 million budget and a professional audit staff, ensuring adherence to generally accepted governmental auditing standards and strengthening internal controls across City operations, the City said.

Serrano earned his bachelor of science degree in accountancy from Arizona State University and his master of science degree in accountancy from the University of Texas at El Paso. He is a certified public accountant (CPA).

“Adrian Serrano brings a strong blend of public sector experience and private sector expertise in internal controls and risk management,” Mayor Renard U. Johnson said. “His background will help the City continue to advance transparency, accountability, and strong financial stewardship.”

City Rep. Alejandra Chavez, chairwoman of the City’s Financial Oversight and Audit Committee, said it is important to have independent oversight.

“Adrian Serrano’s experience conducting complex audits and strengthening internal controls aligns with the City’s commitment to integrity and responsible governance,” Chávez said. “The committee looks forward to collaborating with him to support rigorous, independent audit practices that serve our community.”

The Internal Audit Department plays a vital role in promoting good governance by providing independent, objective assurance and advisory services, the City said.

For more information about the Internal Audit Department, click here.

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