Celina City Council members conducted their last interviews with the final three out of 107 applicants Oct. 27, according to an Oct. 24 city news release.
“The city is enthusiastic about selecting the upcoming city manager who will guide us towards its most opportunistic years ahead,” Mayor Ryan Tubbs said in the news release.
Here is a brief look at the finalists.
Robert Ranc
Robert Ranc is currently serving as deputy city manager for the city of Dublin, Ohio, where he was hired in 2021, according to the news release.
He also served as the deputy city manager for Burleson from 2018-21 and as assistant to the city administrator in Lehi, Utah, from 2013-15 before being promoted to assistant city administrator from 2015-18.
Karla Stovall
Karla Stovall is currently Celina’s assistant city manager and has also been serving as interim city manager since June, according to the news release.
Prior to coming to Celina, Stovall served as chief financial officer for Little Elm from 2015-19. She also served as chief financial officer for Bastrop from 2009-15 and as budget officer for the city of Wylie from 2002-09.
Eric Strong
Eric Strong is currently serving as deputy city manager in Allen since January 2020, according to the news release.
Prior to working in Allen, Strong served as city manager for Richland Hills from 2014-20 and was the city’s assistant city manager from 2013-14. He has also served as city manager for Ferris from 2009-13 and as assistant to the city manager for Ennis from 2007-09.
Going forward
A decision on the new city manager is expected to be announced before Celina City Council members formally approve their contract at a Nov. 14 council meeting.
“Each of the three candidates demonstrates a robust enthusiasm for community involvement, the expansion and acquisition of small and large businesses, administrative guidance, and fiscal responsibility,” Tubbs said.
