The city of Wichita Falls is getting closer to selecting its next City Manager, and a major step in the process took place on Monday evening, March 24, with a meet and greet event at the MPEC (Multi-Purpose Event Center).
This event gave community members and city leaders the chance to interact with the five finalists who are being considered for the important role of leading the city’s administration.
Why This Matters for Wichita Falls
The position has been vacant since long-time City Manager Darren Lieker resigned, about eight months ago, after serving for 18 years. Since then, city leaders have been working hard to find the right person to take over the role, and now, that search has come down to the final few candidates.
Mayor Tim Short emphasized the importance of this event, saying, “These are the stakeholders in the community. These are folks who help drive our community in the direction we want to go.”
The Mayor, along with the entire Wichita Falls City Council, attended the event to engage with the finalists and give them a better understanding of the city they may soon lead.
Learning About the Community
Chris Horgen, the city’s Public Information Officer, said the meet and greet wasn’t just important for the city leaders—it was also an opportunity for the candidates to ask questions and learn more about Wichita Falls.
“This gives them a chance to ask some questions and learn a little bit more about the community,” Horgen said.
He also explained that the city conducted a nationwide search with the help of an external firm to ensure they selected the best possible candidates. “You want the best of the best, you want the cream of the crop,” Horgen added.
What Happens Next?
Horgen confirmed that the next step starts Tuesday morning, with a called city council meeting. Council members will go into a closed executive session to hold interviews with the five finalists.
He said, “I think the ultimate goal is to hire someone tomorrow, if everything goes well.”
However, Mayor Short stressed that getting the right person is more important than rushing the decision. “We have one opportunity to do something great, and to get this right for the city of Wichita Falls,” he said.
The City Manager’s Role Is Crucial
The Mayor explained that the City Manager plays a key role in shaping the overall culture of the city’s government. “They’re the part that can affect the change that everybody desires at City Hall,” he said.
Horgen added that they hope the next person who takes on this role stays for the long term, just like Darren Lieker did. “You don’t want to hire somebody that’s going to be here for two years and then leave,” he said.
Final Decision Still Pending
As of now, it’s unclear whether a final decision will be made on Tuesday or if that decision will be made public immediately.
City officials are urging residents to stay tuned for updates, which will be shared both on-air and online through Texoma’s Homepage as the selection process continues.