February 9, 2024

Alison Ortowski Joins Mayor and the Southlake City Council for First Meeting as City Manager

After the recent retirement of Southlake’s City Manager of 30 years, Shana Yelverton, the City Council made the decision to appoint Alison Ortowski to lead and usher in a new chapter for the city. On Tuesday, February 6th, 2024, Ortowski participated in her first meeting as City Manager, joining Mayor John Huffman and the Southlake […]

After the recent retirement of Southlake’s City Manager of 30 years, Shana Yelverton, the City Council made the decision to appoint Alison Ortowski to lead and usher in a new chapter for the city. On Tuesday, February 6th, 2024, Ortowski participated in her first meeting as City Manager, joining Mayor John Huffman and the Southlake City Council.

During the meeting, the Mayor and Council expressed their enthusiasm in welcoming the new City Manager, highlighting Ortowski’s extensive 24 years of public service, with 16 of those dedicated to Southlake. They also acknowledged her numerous accolades, including the prestigious Linda Keithley Award for Women in Public Service, and praised her creative problem-solving abilities, which have already shown to be valuable for the City.

Photo of a City Council members and the City Manager smiling in Council Chambers

The Southlake City Council gathers with City Manager Alison Ortowski for a photo in Council Chambers

“I am so pleased to welcome Alison into this role,” Mayor John Huffman said. “I am confident that Alison will bring a fresh perspective, strong leadership, and dedicated commitment to the City of Southlake. When we were looking to fill this role after Shana’s announced departure, this was one of the easier decisions we’ve made as a Council.”

Community Experience

Ortowski’s tenure as Assistant City Manager encompasses comprehensive expertise across all facets of municipal governance, with extensive experience in Economic Development and Tourism, Emergency Management, and overseeing the Council’s vision for the Capital Improvements Program.

Bringing unique expertise as the former Director of Economic Development and Tourism (while simultaneously serving as the Assistant City Manager), Ortowski works closely with the current team to attract, sustain, and support world-class businesses in the community. Additionally, she has dedicated significant time and resources to develop and strengthen the city departments responsible for upholding Southlake’s safety, security, and emergency management standards. Most recently, she has played an instrumental role in enhancing the City’s Capital Improvements Program and has helped contribute to Southlake’s success through strategic investments in essential infrastructure such as roads, sidewalks, and the water system.

“Today marks a new chapter for Southlake, and I am grateful for the trust and confidence the City Council has placed in me as I step into the role of City Manager,” Ortowski said in a recent statement to staff. “I have full confidence in our collective ability to continue delivering the high-quality services that our community deserves.”

To watch the full February 6th City Council meeting, click here.

Image features a joyful bride surrounded by her bridesmaids
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