After months of searching, the Clarkdale Town Council announced on Thursday, April 25, that they found a new town manager. Tracie Hlavinka, currently deputy city manager of the town of DeSoto, Texas, will take over administrative duties and day-to-day operations for Clarkdale on Monday, June 3, pending approval at the council meeting, which took place after press time.
“I am overjoyed at the opportunity to serve as the new Town Manager for Clarkdale,” Hlavinka said in a press release from the town of Clarkdale. “I feel honored to lead such an impressive staff and look forward to working with residents and neighboring jurisdictions.”
Hlavinka will take over from Gayle Mabery, who has led the city government for 21 years and will retire on July 1.
Hlavinka has a M.S. in human relations and business from Amberton University, as well as a B.S. in psychology from the University of Texas at Arlington and has spent over 21 years in city government, starting as a Community Initiatives Manager for DeSoto in 1997. She has worked her way through the government of the town of just under 50,000, culminating in her current position of deputy city manager. In her application, Hlavinka highlighted her experiences turning the city’s deficit into a surplus, leading to an improved bond rating and overseeing an IT overhaul.
“My work has required me to have a high attention to detail, advanced analytic skills and to practice good decision making in a fast-paced environment,” Hlavinka wrote in her application. “I am excited to share my knowl- edge of employee development, customer service, project management and community growth that would sustain the positive achievements and continue further progressive outlooks for the community and organization.”
Hlavinka was one of four finalists interviewed by the council in a three-day interview process in closed executive session from April 17 to 19, in addition to a planned fifth applicant who canceled due to a family emergency. The finalists were chosen among more than 70 applicants found by the Novak Consulting Group, who were hired in November to recruit a new town manager.
“She comes to us with more than 20 years’ experience in city management and a wealth of skills that will serve Clarkdale well and help us reach into the future with enthusiasm and a strong sense of community,” Clarkdale Mayor Doug Von Gausig wrote in the press release. “While she was the deputy town manager of DeSoto, Texas, Tracie built strong ties to her community and to the economic drivers in the region — we know that those skills will serve her and Clarkdale well and feel fortunate to have her join our team. Congratulations to Tracie and to our town!”
If Hlavinka’s contract is approved at Tuesday’s board meeting, her starting salary will be of $119,500.
