City hires search firm to find manager
Mayor says next leader will face challenges of growth and strategic planning.
The Pflugerville City Council took its first steps in the search for a new city manager.
Following a closed executive session, the council approved contracting with professional search firm Strategic Government Resources to assist in the search and recruitment of candidates to replace outgoing City Manager Brandon Wade.
The firm specializes in executive recruitment, interim management, leadership development, training and various services within local governments.
Wade announced his resignation in December after accepting the assistant general manager position with the Gulf Coast Water Authority. His resignation is effective Feb. 4.
Mayor Victor Gonzales said Wade has taken Pflugerville to a new level during his eight years serving as city manager. He said Wade played a pivotal role in steering the city through a period of rapid growth.
“This is my second time around in the process and I am very pleased with having been a part of bringing on Mr. Wade, who has had a positive impact on the development of our city as well as a positive impact on our staff and city departments,” he said. “With his transition to a new role the City Council has an opportunity to open a new chapter in Pflugerville’s growth and future.”
During Wade’s tenure as city manager, the city penned a deal with Hawaiian Falls — and later Typhoon Texas — to manage a local water park. Wade also oversaw a deal with the Living Spaces furniture company in bringing an estimated $40 million furniture center to the city.
Gonzales said the next city manager will be challenged with embracing continued expansion and growth, strategic planning, delivering public services in a diverse community and engaging collaborative resources in a regional context. “It can only get better,” he said. The council may take action to appoint an interim city manager during its next regular meeting Tuesday.
City officials said they hope to appoint a new city manager by this summer.
Wade is the fifth person to serve as Pflugerville city manager. His predecessor, David Buesing, served from 2004 to 2009. Before Buesing, Steve Jones, Truitt Gilbreath and Clarence Bohls had served as city manager.
“It takes an extraordinary opportunity for me to leave Pflugerville, as I have proudly worked to bring innovative change to the community and continually move the city forward under the guidance of our City Council,” Wade said in a statement.