The Amarillo City Council on Tuesday appointed Rodney Rhoades as interim city manager during its regular meeting. He will begin immediately.
Rhoades said he will work to provide calm, consistent leadership and keep the council's priorities moving forward. He said he plans to communicate openly with staff, residents and council members, and to support employees and department heads. Rhoades said he has more than 35 years of Texas government experience. His past roles include director of finance and operations for Collin County, Travis County executive, and interim executive director of the North Texas Municipal Water District.
Rhoades said he prefers to manage in the field and plans to meet one-on-one with people first to learn about departmental challenges and council priorities. He said he will then develop a 60/90-day plan based on what he learns. He also said the city has many projects underway and that he wants to move them forward.