Wichita Fall’s new city manager has started to work.
The City Council voted in April to hire Jeffrey Jenkins at a base salary of $278,000. Jenkins started work Monday, replacing former City Manager Darron Leiker, who was asked to resign in July 2024.
The city said on its Facebook page that Jenkins “is known for his strategic problem solving, innovation, and ability to inspire teams.”
Jenkins has served as the deputy/assistant city manager for the city of Taylor since 2017.
“He played a key role in securing the Samsung Chip Plant, one of the largest Economic Development Corporation deals in U.S. history,” the city’s post said. “He also led major Parks and Recreation projects such as Heritage Square Redevelopment, Murphy Park improvements, and the development of Pierce Skate Park. Under his leadership, the City of Taylor received its highest-ever bond rating in 2024 and its first upgrade in 12 years.”
Jeffrey Jenkins
Jenkins also served as assistant city manager for Broken Arrow, Oklahoma.
“Jenkins oversaw Development Services while the city became the fastest growing in the state, and ranked among the nation’s top 50 places to live in the US,” the city’s post said.
The post also said that as city manager of Lucas, Jenkins managed a “rapid growth metroplex community, overseeing residential and commercial developments. His leadership secured the city’s first S&P rating, $5 million in infrastructure funding, and $1.5 million in road expansion funds with minimal matching costs.”
While in Henrietta, Jenkins obtained $3.5 million from the Texas Water Board for infrastructure improvements and a $1 million grant to enhance community walkability, according to the city’s post.
“Jenkins is originally from the Wichita Falls community. He is an active member of the International City/County Management Association (ICMA) and the Texas City Managers Association (TCMA) Region 7,” The post said.
In addition, Jenkins earned a bachelor of arts in political science and history and a master’s degree in public administration from Midwestern State University, according to the post.
“I said from the beginning that this would take as long as it takes,” Wichita Falls Mayor Tim Short said. “After an extensive and thorough search, I believe we have found the leader we need to take the next steps toward transformative, meaningful growth. I look forward to working with Jeff to make Wichita Falls the best Wichita Falls we can be.”
More: Council signs off on new city manager, fire chief
More: DA: Sex charges against former Wichita Falls car dealer being ‘actively worked’
This article originally appeared on Wichita Falls Times Record News: Wichita Falls’ new city manager starts work