Alison Ortowski, Southlake’s Assistant City Manager, was named the North Central Texas Council of Governments' 2020 Linda Keithley Award for Women in Public Service Winner at a virtual meeting on August 14.
She was nominated earlier this year by Mayor Laura Hill and City Manager Shana Yelverton for her nearly 17-year career in public service, including 13 with the City of Southlake.
“Alison’s impact on Southlake is tremendous,” said City Manager Shana Yelverton. “She is an outstanding decision-maker who can rightly rely on this strength, but generously works to ensure that voices are heard, and perspectives are honored.”
Ortowski’s public service career started as the Main Street Director for the City of Gatesville, Texas, from 2000 – 2003. She then served as the Downtown Project Coordinator for the City of Denton from 2003 – 2007. Southlake City Manager Shana Yelverton hired Alison in 2007 as the Assistant to the City Manager. In 2013, due to her ability to deftly handle complex and detailed projects, like the Southlake Citizens Satisfaction Survey and the production of Southlake’s award-winning annual budget document, City Manager Yelverton promoted Ortowki to Assistant City Manager.
“Alison is a woman of integrity who finds a way to get things done, a trustworthy, can-do professional who brings enormous energy to her work,” said Mayor Laura Hill. “She is brilliant and is beyond dedicated to serving Southlake with great competence.”
Ortowski is a member of ICMA - International City/County Management Association, TCMA - Texas City Management Association, TML- Texas Municipal League, and the Urban Management Assistants of North Texas. She has also acted as a liaison for SPIN (Southlake Program for the Involvement of Neighborhoods) and for the Community Enhancement Development Corporation (CEDC), the board that works with Council to support The Marq Southlake facility operations, and the Economic Development and Tourism Master Plan recommendations.
“Alison leads by example. She is a change agent within an organization that is constantly evolving, and she expects as much of herself, if not more than she expects of those she works with,” said Boerne City Manager and former Southlake Assistant City Manager Ben Thatcher. “Alison is fearless, committed, and determined and does not shy away from tough challenges.”
The award recognizes a woman who displays the Linda Keithley traits of integrity, dignity, poise, loyalty, commitment, and dedication while serving as a faithful public servant. The award was established in 1986 to honor Mrs. Keithley for her 17 years of service to the Council of Governments.