The City of Celina on Tuesday officially tapped executive search services firm Affion Public to conduct a nationwide hunt for a new city manager.
“We are fortunate to have incredible strategic plans and masterplans as guideposts for our growth,” said Celina Mayor Ryan Tubbs in a statement the day before the city council meeting, per reporting from the Celina Record.
“I am eager to find a unifying leader who can work with the city staff and the city council to align with these plans and lead Celina through these exciting days of growth, while honoring and guarding the wonderful heritage and cherished traditions we hold dearly,” Tubbs said.
Former City Manager Jason Laumer tendered his resignation on May 26. Assistant City Manager Karla Stovall was named acting city manager on May 30 and will serve until a permanent replacement has been selected.
In addition to selecting Stovall as interim manager, council members also agreed to raise her salary by 16% while serving in that position. The measure was approved in a 5-0 vote, with the salary increase set to go into effect on June 19.
“I am thankful tonight that the city council acknowledged and affirmed her years of great work and service to our city by naming Karla Stovall as the interim city manager,” said Tubbs in a statement reported by the Celina Record.
“I am equally as excited to begin our search process with the seasoned team from Affion Public. With an impeccable reputation and an impressive list of previous placements around Texas and this region of the country, I am certain that they will find us the most talented and experienced pool of candidates from which we will choose our next city manager,” Tubbs said.
Once potential candidates have been selected, Tubbs explained that residents, city staff, and council members will be given an opportunity to meet with the candidates and offer their input. Council members will then vote on the candidates sometime later.
“I believe the expectation of the council and the community will be to find a candidate with the background and experience in a similar city who will be invigorated by the opportunity to lead and work in the fastest-growing city in Texas,” Tubbs said ahead of a June 13 city council meeting.
“This person should be seasoned in strong negotiations with large developers, able to attract large businesses while incentivizing our wonderful small businesses, and comfortable with the outfacing public relationships that are critical for leading this community through the unprecedented days before us,” he said.
