Denton City Council hires Anita Burgess as new city attorney

by PegNews wire

DENTON — On Aug. 19, the Denton City Council approved an employment agreement and hired Anita Burgess as the new city attorney for Denton. Burgess will begin in October 2008, and fills the position that was vacated when Ed Snyder retired on June 30, 2008.

"The city council is very excited about Ms. Burgess becoming our next city attorney," said Mayor Mark Burroughs. "She has extensive municipal law experience, is a proven leader and is very well respected in her field."

“Ms. Burgess was one of three finalists for the city attorney position, but she clearly was the most qualified,” stated council member Jack Thomson, Chair of the Council Appointed Performance Review Committee. “I have every confidence that her experience and leadership will be beneficial to our legal department and our city.”

“It has been a pleasure to serve the city of Lubbock for the past 13 years, and I wish the very best for the city and each and every citizen," said Burgess "I am also grateful to the many elected officials with whom I have worked.

“I am delighted for the chance to serve as the city attorney in Denton. Denton is a vibrant community with a bright future, and I hope to make a significant contribution to its growth and continued success.”

Burgess has been the city attorney for Lubbock, Texas since December 1995. Prior to that she was a partner in an active trial practice specializing in employment law. Burgess served in the U.S. Marine Corps in both an active duty and reserve status for 28 years. She retired in 2003 with the rank of colonel. While serving in the Marine Corps she received a number of personal awards, to include the Legion of Merit, the Navy Commendation Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal, and the Military Manager of the Year award.

She has served as both prosecutor and defense counsel in felony and misdemeanor trials; Special Assistant U.S. Attorney; Principal Deputy for a major federal installation; Supervising Attorney for all Equal Employment Opportunity and personnel cases at all Marine Corps commands west of the Mississippi; and Lead Counsel for all western Marine Corps installations in water rights matters. Her court admissions include the United States Supreme Court; the Court of Military Appeals; the United States Court of Appeals, Fifth Circuit; and the United States District Courts in the Northern and Western Districts of Texas.

Burgess graduated from Texas Tech University cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts in 1976. She obtained her law degree in 1979 from Texas Tech University Law School, and received a Master of Legal Letters in 1988 from the University of San Diego Law School with an emphasis in labor and employment law.

She sits on the Board of Directors of the Texas City Attorney’s Association.

Burgess is married to Randall Pyles and they have two daughters. Anita and Randy enjoy supporting seven horses and four dogs.

In March 2008, the city contracted the Waters-Oldani Executive Recruitment Firm, a division of the Water Consulting Group, Inc., to do a nationwide search. After a thorough review and screening of 43 applicants by Waters-Oldani, three finalists were referred to council.

Source: city of Denton