FORNEY, Texas — The Forney City Council, during a special-called meeting on Thursday, selected a new city manager — bringing an end to an approximate 10-month nationwide search.
FORNEY, Texas — The Forney City Council, during a special-called meeting on Thursday, selected a new city manager — bringing an end to an approximate 10-month nationwide search.
The city's top position has seen a number of changes since long-time City Manager Brian Brooks announced his resignation in January 2016.
On Thursday night, the council voted to appoint Tony Carson as the city manager. Carson is currently serving as the city manager in Pekin, Illinois, and has served in that capacity since November 2016.
After Brooks resignation, Charles Daniels served as interim city manager before the city council selected Murphy, Texas, City Manager James Fisher in July 2016. Fisher was terminated in September 2017 and Assistant City Manager Wendle Medford served as interim. Former Waxahachie City Manager Paul Stevens also served a brief stint as interim city manager while the search continued for a permanent replacement.
Carson is expected to begin his new role as the city manager on August 31.
More from the City of Forney on Carson's appointment:
Mayor Rick Wilson and the City Council were unified in conveying the qualities the new Forney City Manger must possess to Keller-based Strategic Government Relations (SGR), who performed the search. These prioritized criteria included experience as a city manager or assistant city manager in a premier quality-of-life community, a track record of success in high quality economic development, and a proven commitment in creating a successful organizational culture that is passionate about customer service. The qualified candidate must also be an authentic leader who has the ability to motivate and inspire employees while creating a positive and productive workplace with a history of results-oriented management excellence, and a serious commitment to be a good steward of taxpayer resources.
Mr. Carson has more than 20 years’ experience in local government. Besides currently serving as the City Manager in Pekin, IL, he has worked in Painesville, OH, Berlin, MD, Fenwick Island, DE and Trumbull County, OH. Mr. Carson has a Bachelor of Science from Kent State University and a Master of Public Administration from Valdosta State University. He has been an ICMA Credentialed Manager since 2008 and along with his local government experience, he has owned successful businesses in the private sector.
Carson will begin his new role as the Forney City Manager on August 31. Assistant City Manager Wendle Medford will continue to act as the interim City Manager until Carson’s appointment.
