City Manager

About the City Manager

Opal Mauldin-Jones is the first African American woman to be appointed to the role of City Manager for the City of Lancaster, Texas. As the only female ever named City Manager in the City of Lancaster, she is currently the longest-serving City Manager since the establishment of the Council/Manager form of government. Opal has been serving the residents of Lancaster in various roles since 2003. Prior to being named City Manager, she served the City of Lancaster as Community Relations Coordinator, Assistant to the City Manager, Assistant City Manager, and Interim City Manager.

Her public service career began as a college intern in the office of The Honorable Eddie Bernice Johnson, who represents Texas’ 30th Congressional District. Opal progressed through the ranks and served in numerous positions transitioning into her final role as Assistant District Director at Representative Johnson’s office. She expanded her career in public service joining the staff of The Honorable Bob Filner of the 50th Congressional District of California.

One of the highlights of Opal's career and leadership was the two consecutive bond rating increases she implemented without issuing or restructuring debt. Despite the “great recession” the City of Lancaster has successfully established rainy day fund policies and balances that are increased annually toward the eighteen-percent (18%) target without the city decreasing in quality or level of service. Through Opal's leadership, the City of Lancaster received the distinct honor of being named a 2019 All-America City. Opal’s leadership philosophy is “Continuous Improvement and Excellence in the Quality and Deliverance of Service to Residents”. She ensures her staff continuously serves the City of Lancaster with P.R.I.D.E. (Productivity, Resourcefulness, Integrity, Dedication, and Excellence).

Opal is a lifelong learner, continuously committing herself to the advancement of education not only for the profession but for her community. Opal is an ICMA Credentialed Manager, a graduate of the Texas Certified Public Manager Program, and a 2014 graduate of Leadership North Texas. She has completed numerous certification and training programs including, in March 2021, becoming a certified John C. Maxwell Coach, Teacher, Trainer, and Speaker. Currently, she is pursuing a Masters in Theology towards a Ph.D. in Theology at Dallas Theological Seminary.

Opal currently serves as the Vice Presdient of the Texas City Management Association (TCMA) Board of Directors, ICMA RC (becoming MissionSquare Retirement) Board of Directors, Best Southwest Partnership Board of Directors, the Texas Municipal Leauge Intergovertmental Risk Pool Board, and the North Texas Commission Board of Directors. Opal has received various awards and recognition throughout her career. In 2019, she was the proud recipient of the Engaging Local Government Leaders (ELGL) Traeger Award and the Texas Legislative Black Caucus Outstanding Texan for District 109. Additionally, in 2020, Opal was the only American to receive the Woman of Influence in Local Government award through the Municipal World magazine; a distinguished honor that recognizes the top influential women in local government. Opal is also an active member of the International City/County Management Association (ICMA). 

Other memberships that contribute to Opal's city management career include the National Forum for Black Public Administrators (NFBPA), North Texas City Management Association (NTCMA), and Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.