The city of Tomball has approved the appointment of police Chief Rob Hauck as its new assistant city manager.

Hauck, who has served as Tomball's police chief since 2008, replaces Christal Weber who left Tomball to become the assistant city manager in Lee's Summit, Mo., City Manager George Shackelford said.

"[Hauck] has more than 20 years of personnel management, a bachelor's and master's degree in management, is active in community organizations, and is well respected throughout the community," Shackelford said.

Shackelford said he made the recommendation to the city to hire Hauck, who did not apply for the position, after internal and external advertisement of the position and several interviews did not turn up the right fit for the city.

"After reviewing all the applications, I just did not find what I was looking for," he said. "[Hauck] meets all the basic requirements to fill the position and was the best fit. It's not an unusual to move the police chief to assistant city manager."

The appointment of Hauck as the city's newest assistant city manager leaves an opening for the police chief position. Shackelford said the search for a new police chief is set to begin soon. In the interim, Hauck will continue to work in the police department as interim chief, and he will also begin his administrative duties for the city until a new police chief is hired. Shackelford said Hauck will be a part of the budget process and has started giving him several projects to work on.

"When [Shackelford] approached me about the position I was surprised because I did not see it coming," Hauck said. "The more we discussed it, I realized it was the best fit for me and the city, and something I want to do. I am very excited about this opportunity to help lead this great city."

Tomball City Council

Meets at 6 p.m. on the first and third Mondays of every month. Its next meetings are scheduled for May 5 and May 19. 401 Market St., Tomball