DENTON, TX, Feb. 2, 2021 – The Denton City Council has approved the appointment of Deputy City Manager Sara Hensley to the position of Interim City Manager. Current City Manager Todd Hileman notified the Council of his intent to accept a City Manager role with another City on the previous Friday. Hensley brings with her more than 25 years of public service and municipal leadership experience to the position. Hensley will begin serving as interim effective February 20, 2021.
“I am excited to serve in the position of the Interim City Manager and honored that the Mayor and Council have faith in my abilities.” said Hensley. “During Todd’s tenure he created a team of department heads that are the best in their field. I look forward to working with them in continuing the efforts of the City.”
Hensley joined the City of Denton in May 2019 as Assistant City Manager and was promoted to Deputy City Manager when Mario Canizares departed for Nacogdoches, TX in August 2020. Prior to Denton, she served as the Parks and Recreation Director for the City of Austin, TX and as Interim Assistant City Manager for a period of two years. Sara has also served as the Director of Parks and Recreation for the City of Phoenix, Arizona; Director of Neighborhood Services, Animal Services and Parks and Recreation for the City of San Jose, California; and the Director of Parks and Recreation for City of Virginia Beach, Virginia.
“The Council knows the City is in good hands during this transition period with Sara at the helm,” said Mayor Gerard Hudspeth. “She and the entire leadership team have our full support and trust to carry forward the significant initiatives of the City and continue to take care of our community.”
Council has notified staff that it does not intend to immediately initiate a search process and will defer the bulk of a recruitment process until after the May 2021 elections.