ATLANTA, Texas — The City Council has appointed Danica Porter as the new city manager to replace David Cockrell, who is retiring after serving in the position for 13 years.
Porter has been employed with the city for 11 years, most recently as director of finance/city clerk. She holds a master’s degree in business administration from Texas A&M University-Texarkana.
Porter is a member of the Texas Municipal Clerk’s Association and the Government Finance Officers Association of Texas.
Cockrell, who will retire effective Sept. 30, said he is very confident in Porter’s abilities as the next city manager.
“She is an extremely talented person,” Cockrell said. “She has a lot of drive, and I was fortunate enough to hire her. We’ve worked very closely over the past 11 years.
“I would say that over the past six years, not a single decision has been made at City Hall about the path of Atlanta without her being involved. She’s been in the succession plan to be the city manager for many years.”
Porter said she could not be more excited about the opportunity.
“I am up for the challenge,” she said. “I’m grateful and excited and just really happy to see that I have a council who can see that I will be a great person for this job.”
Atlanta means a lot to Porter, who said she is looking forward to being even more involved in the inner workings of the city.
“I’m happy to see where the city can go and where the city can grow,” she said.
She said her main focus right now is economic growth.
“I’m looking to grow and continue growing our downtown area by working with our Atlanta City Development, as well as our business park. We’re trying to get some businesses out there, so that’s one of my goals I’m going to be working towards.”
She said she also wants Atlanta to grow in terms of housing development and entertainment.
Porter’s appointment is historically significant for the city, Cockrell said. He said she is not only the first woman to serve as Atlanta’s city manager, but will also be the town’s first Black city manager.
“I just think that’s great, and it’s so unique to have a first like that in Atlanta,” he said.
Cockrell said deciding to retire was a difficult decision, but he feels confident he is leaving the city in good hands and in a good position.
“It’s just been wonderful here. It’s a wonderful community. My wife and I love it, and we plan on sticking around,” he said. “Atlanta has so much potential. And there’s been a lot of recent growth in the area, so it’s an exciting time.”
He said the city's finances are what he is most proud of when he looks back on his tenure.
“The city’s financial condition is very strong right now. The city can operate in its major funds with no revenue coming in for over half a year. That puts the council in a really good, strong financial condition. And I’ve been really blessed to have some of the best city councilmen in Texas to work with,” he said.