Southlake council honors soon-to-be-retired city manager

Southlake Mayor Pro Tem Shawn McCaskill, second from left, speaks during a City Council meeting Jan. 16.
(Cody Thorn/Community Impact)

Community Impact
By Cody Thorn | 5:08 PM Jan 17, 2024 CST
Updated 5:08 PM Jan 17, 2024 CST

Southlake City Manager Shana Yelverton took part in her last City Council meeting Jan. 16.

She retires Jan. 31 after 30 years working with the city, starting as an assistant to the city manager then assistant city manager, and having been the city manager since 2005.

In a nutshell

In honor of her tenure in Southlake, the council passed a resolution which made Jan. 16 Shana Yelverton Day. Soon-to-be City Manager Alison Ortowski announced an annual award during Employee Appreciation Week will be named after Yelverton.

“This award will not only be named after you, but presented only to those individuals on our team who best exemplify the spirit of your commitment to mentorship and individual growth and development,” Ortowski said.

In addition, Mayor Pro Tem Shawn McCaskill announced Yelverton will be given a key to the city as a token of appreciation.

Also of note

During her nearly 20-year tenure as city manager, Southlake has grown its parkland and open space, expanded its school safety program, and achieved AAA bond ratings, according to a news release announcing her retirement in October. Yelverton has also been involved in the development and use of Southlake’s strategic and comprehensive plans.

In their own words

“I did a little calculation that 75% of my adult life has been spent here in Southlake, so I have celebrated a lot of personal and professional milestones while working in the city,” Yelverton said. “Three of them are here [pointing to her husband and two children]. It was really great to be able to make a life and serve a really growing community. Especially back in the day when it was moving so fast. We've overcome a lot of challenges, but along the way, the elected officials have fostered a sense of community that I think is unmatched.”