Fort Worth city manager to retire at end of 2010

Dale Fisseler will be replaced by Assistant City Manager Tom Higgins while the city searches for a new city manager.

fortworthgov.org

Dale Fisseler

FORT WORTH — City Manager Dale Fisseler announced on Tuesday his plan to step down from his position, effective January 1, 2011.

"[As of this December,] I will have completed 30 years of service in city government," Fisseler said. "I have decided that it is time for a change and I will be leaving my position as city manager on December 31. I have truly been honored to serve as your city manager and I am really proud of what our team has accomplished over the years."

The announcement -- made during the Pre-Council work session -- outlined a transition plan, which includes the promotion of Assistant City Manager Tom Higgins to deputy city manager and the promotion of Planning and Development Director Susan Alanis to assistant city manager. Planning and Development Deputy Director Dana Burghdoff will become acting director of that department pending the hire of a new Planning and Development director.

Higgins will be in charge of city operations as of January 1, during the search for a new city manager.

Fisseler was named city manager in 2007, succeeding Charles Boswell in that position, and oversaw the day-to-day operations of the city during a period that saw consistent growth, as well as challenging budget considerations.

"Dale, you guided our city with deliberate focus during a difficult national and regional economic climate," Mayor Mike Moncrief said after the announcement. "You have set a course that will change our local government for the better. And I respect and embrace the recommended changes you have just offered this morning. No doubt, this will be a challenging transition, but as always you have provided a suggested course that puts the citizens and taxpayers first. We will continue to look to you for insight and suggestions as we begin to further put in place a transition process, beginning next week in Executive Session."

Source: City of Fort Worth