City council appointed Rodney Rhoades as interim city manager during its regularly scheduled meeting Tuesday (October 27).
Rhoades brings nearly 36 years of public sector experience to Amarillo, including executive leadership positions in municipal government, county administration and regional utility operations throughout Texas.
The appointment follows council’s decision to engage Strategic Government Resources (SGR), a firm specializing in local government executive recruitment and interim management services, to assist in identifying an experienced leader to guide the organization during its transition to a permanent city manager.
Rhoades previously served as executive director and general manager of the North Texas Municipal Water District, where he oversaw water, wastewater and solid waste operations serving communities across North Texas. His experience also includes serving as chief financial officer for the City of McKinney, county executive for Travis County and director of operations and administration for Collin County.
Following his retirement from the North Texas Municipal Water District, Rhoades established Rhoades Public Solutions, a consulting firm providing operational, financial and strategic guidance to public sector organizations. Through that work, he has assisted numerous local governments with organizational guidance, financial analysis and strategic planning.
“I’m excited to work alongside Mr. Rhoades and look forward to the city moving forward under strong leadership,” said Mayor Cole Stanley.
Rhoades said his approach to the interim assignment will emphasize supporting city employees while advancing city council’s priorities.
“I recognize that this period of transition may bring some uncertainty, especially among staff,” Rhoades said. “My focus will be to provide calm, consistent, and accessible leadership while maintaining momentum on council’s priorities.”
Rhoades will oversee the city’s day-to-day operations and work alongside the city council and department leadership to maintain essential services, advance organizational priorities and support the transition to permanent executive leadership.
The appointment follows the September resignation of former city manager Grayson Path. Andrew Freeman, the city’s deputy city manager and chief operating officer, has served as acting city manager during the transition.
City council will continue evaluating its next steps in the recruitment and selection of a permanent city manager.