Shana Yelverton to step away from her position as Southlake City Manager

Southlake City Manager Shana Yelverton has announced plans to leave her post. In a letter to Mayor John Huffman and the Southlake City Council, Yelverton explained her decision to step away and pursue new opportunities after the first of the year.

“It is time for me to make this change and forge a new chapter in my life. My gratitude to all of you for the opportunities afforded to me during my time in Southlake is immense.” She added, “The more than thirty years I have served the City of Southlake have been incredible. With the help of outstanding elected officials, professional staff, and committed members of the community, I have been honored to have a part in the development of this beautiful city.”

Yelverton’s career in Southlake started in 1993. In 2005, she was promoted to City Manager. During her time as City Manager, Southlake has achieved AAA bond ratings from all three bond rating agencies (Standard and Poors, Fitch, and Moody’s), grown its parkland and open space to more than 1100 acres, expanded the city’s school safety program by placing a School Resource Officer at every school. She has worked with elected and appointed officials to plant a firm course for Southlake’s future with the development and use of its Strategic and Comprehensive Plans.

Yelverton has also received multiple honors for her work. Two awards, the Texas City Management Association’s 2017 Mentoring Award in Memory of Gary Gwyn and the 2007 Urban Management Assistants of North Texas Joy Sansom Mentor Award, recognized her passion for hiring and developing staff members at the start of or at a turning point of their local government careers.

“It is hard to say if I ever fully imagined the success we would achieve, and there are many, many memories I will always treasure, such as the opening of The Marq – both Legends Hall and Champions Club as well as the expansion of the city’s public art collection. I have also relished the quieter, less public achievements, such as the growth and development of young professionals, “ she noted.

Yelverton’s last day is January 31, 2024. She pledged to work with the Council on a solid transition plan involving Assistant City Manager Alison Ortowski and other staff and put the finishing touches on the projects she leads.

“It’s exciting to anticipate what will be achieved by these leaders as they work with you to move the City of Southlake forward. I will be proudly watching and cheering everyone on.”