Ford makes history serving as the first woman and first African American mayor of the city. She is the 12th person to hold the office, according to the city. Prior to being elected, she served as District A Council Member from 2013 to 2018. She was also Mayor Pro Tem.
She is a native of Missouri City, graduating from John Foster Dulles High School. She went on to receive a degree in psychology from the University of Houston and a Masters in architecture from Prairie View A&M University. Over the past 20 years, her career has involved developing nonprofit programs overseeing multi-million-dollar developments, land acquisitions and fund management.
“I know we have a lot of differences, but with that, we have to learn to appreciate our differences so we can work together to get things done,” Ford said. “We have to learn to work together as brothers or we will perish as fools.”
In addition, Chris Preston took oath of office for the third time as At Large Position 2 Council Member.
Chris Preston takes the oath of office as At Large Position 2 Council Member for Missouri City on Dec. 17, 2018.[/caption]“I am a proud product of Missouri City, and am committed to integrity and forward progress,” he said. “We have a lot of unfinished business, so let’s get back to work.”
Meanwhile, former mayor Allen Owen was recognized for his 32 years of service to the city. He served as a city council member from 1986 to 1994 before being elected mayor.
Yolanda Ford presents Allen Owen a proclamation to recognize his 32 years of service to Missouri City.[/caption]“I wish Yolanda the best of luck in her new job,” he said. “Thanks to the people who supported me, it has been a great journey. There were 24,000 people here when I started, and we have come a long way. We are not the bedroom community we used to be. I think we are the industrial giant of Fort Bend County.”
