City of Round Rock, TX
08/22/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 08/22/2024 17:36
Round Rock City Manager announces upcoming retirement
Round Rock City Manager Laurie Hadley has announced that she will be retiring in December 2024, following a 37-year career in local government and nearly 14 years serving the City of Round Rock.
"Throughout my tenure, we have faced numerous challenges and celebrated many successes together," she wrote in an email to City staff on Aug. 16. "Our collective efforts have transformed Round Rock into a thriving community, and I am so proud of what we have accomplished. From infrastructure improvements to community programs, our work has made a lasting impact on the lives of our residents."
Hadley has been a pillar of leadership through an era of substantial growth for the City of Round Rock, serving as its City Manager since 2014. Before moving to Round Rock to serve as an Assistant City Manager in 2011, she held the position of Deputy City Manager in Prescott, Ariz., from 1997 to 2011, and served as the Community Relations Director for Yavapai County, Arizona, from 1988 to 1997.
Under Hadley's leadership, Round Rock has seen significant growth and development, solidifying its reputation as one of the best-managed municipalities in Texas. Hadley's tenure has been marked by a series of successful initiatives that have enhanced quality of life for Round Rock residents.
Laurie Hadley
Hadley played a critical role in guiding major investments that significantly shaped the city's infrastructure and services. The voter-approved 2013 GO Bond, totaling $123.6 million, funded vital public safety facilities, major parks and recreation enhancements, the construction of a new main library, and a state-of-the-art public safety training facility. A decade later, voters approved the $274 million 2023 GO Bond focusing on transportation improvements, further expansion of parks and public spaces, and additional public safety upgrades that are already underway.
Her leadership also included the issuance of Certificates of Obligation Bonds to accelerate the completion of several major road projects. The City has invested hundreds of millions of dollars into Round Rock's roadways and associated infrastructure during her tenure.
Additionally, Hadley's efforts have attracted international industries, expanded medical facilities, and brought new university complexes to the area, further establishing Round Rock as a major center of economic development in Central Texas. Hadley played a key role in Kalahari Resorts & Conventions making Round Rock the home of its largest indoor water park resort.
"Laurie's impact on Round Rock is undeniable, and her contributions will be remembered for years to come," said Round Rock Mayor Craig Morgan. "She has done a tremendous job of translating the vision and goals of City Councils and our residents into actionable plans to meet the needs of our growing community."
Hadley said she plans to remain in Texas and enjoy her retirement by spending more time with her family, traveling and pursuing personal interests.
At its regularly scheduled meeting on Aug. 22, Round Rock City Council will consider accepting Hadley's retirement and voting for Assistant City Manager Brooks Bennett to take over following her departure.
Bennett has served as Round Rock's Assistant City Manager since February 2015. He started his career in the City's Communications and Marketing Department in 2004 and became Chief Information Technology Officer in 2012 before entering city management. He established a reputation in the organization for implementing new technologies and a future-forward approach to service and resident engagement, with an emphasis on transparency and accessibility. In his role in the City Manager's office, he has played a major role in overseeing legislative projects, growth planning and downtown revitalization.
Bennett was born and raised in Round Rock, where he resides with his wife and two children. His father, Bob Bennett, served as Round Rock's City Manager between 1979 and 2003 and was instrumental in the development of the City's transportation and utilities systems, economic development agreements with Dell Technologies and the Round Rock Express, and several City facilities.
Brooks Bennett
"I am excited to work with our top-notch staff and amazing City Council to continue growing Round Rock as a great community while preserving the character that makes it unique," Brooks Bennett said. "Laurie's positive impact on our city and organization have been awe-inspiring. I am grateful for the opportunity to continue in her footsteps and build on the foundation set by those who came before us."