Powell, who is currently an assistant city manager in Lewisville, will succeed retiring city manager Donna Barron effective Jan. 31, 2022, following a transition phase that will begin Dec. 31. Powell will be the eighth city manager for Lewisville and the second woman to hold the position, according to a news release provided by the city.
"I am proud to be the new city manager and excited to further serve our community," Powell said in the release. "I appreciate the City Council's confidence in me, which I believe reflects their desire to preserve our organizational culture and further our Lewisville 2025 vision plan. The City Council and I share the same priorities for Lewisville."
Lewisville Mayor TJ Gilmore said he has worked with Powell on a number of projects.
"She cares deeply for the community and is a strong leader,” Gilmore stated in the release. “Her ability to analyze issues and build collaboration to solve unique problems will serve Lewisville well as our new city manager.”
Barron has been with the city of Lewisville in various roles since 1990. She has been Lewisville's city manager since 2014.
According to the release, Powell has more than 15 years of local government experience and has been with the city of Lewisville since 2011. She was initially hired to serve as an assistant city attorney and became the assistant city manager over development services in 2016.
Earlier this year, according to the release, the finance, budget, municipal courts and human resources departments were added to Powell’s list of day-to-day responsibilities.
In addition, Powell has been involved in projects concerning economic development, transportation, long-range planning, zoning, building inspections, city engagement, housing initiatives, sustainability, federal grants, and neighborhood revitalization, according to the release.
Powell holds a bachelor’s degree from Trinity University and earned a J.D. from The University of Texas School of Law.
"What I am most excited about is working alongside an incredible team of leaders —our Lewisville employees," Powell said in the release. "With our team approach, we will continue providing top-notch city services to our residents, businesses and visitors."
