Real Estate Photographer in Elgin, TX

As of Friday, former city manager Aretha Ferrell-Benavides remains one of four finalists for the city manager of Elgin, Texas, despite being fired from the position in Martinsville on Aug. 7.

The Elgin City Council held a closed work session Tuesday to discuss city manager recruitment and contract negotiations, according to the published agenda. Still, no announcement was made after the meeting.

A published report in the Elgin Courier on Wednesday stated city officials were remaining mum on how the termination of Ferrell-Benavides’ employment in Martinsville might affect the hiring process.

“Elgin officials said Monday they had no comment on the city manager search when asked whether they were aware of the termination and if it would affect finalist evaluations,” the article stated. “Some residents have voiced concerns about public trust and the importance of securing the best candidate for Elgin — a city still recovering from years of financial mismanagement and turnover in key positions.”

Acting Community Services Director Stacy Osborne told the Bulletin she would send notification of the announcement when a selection has been made.

In addition to Ferell-Benavides, other finalists include former Dickinson city manager Theo Melancon, Cibolo City Manager Wayne Reed, and Texas Division of Emergency Management Chief Operating Officer Jared Miller.

The Elgin City Council terminated the employment of former city manager Tom Mattis and appointed Isaac Turner as interim city manager in January.

“I chose public service as a career because it’s a passion. It’s what’s needed, and it’s what we have to do, and Texas is my hope,” said Ferrell-Benavides at a “Meet and Greet” event in Elgin on July 29. “I applied for this job because sometimes it’s best to be home.”

On Aug. 7, the Martinsville City Council terminated the employment of Ferrell-Benavides by a 4-1 vote following a two-hour closed session. Mayor L.C. Jones cast the dissenting vote.

In his motion for the dismissal of Ferrell-Benavides, Councilman Julian Mei cited “malfeasance and dishonesty, violation of city code and regulations, unsatisfactory performance, and any other behavior or conduct that may be deemed by City Council to adversely affect the confidence of the public or integrity of the city.”

Four veteran public administrators with extensive experience leading cities in Texas and beyond are finalists in Elgin’s ongoing search for a new city manager.

Aretha Ferrell-Benavides, Theo Melancon, Jared Miller and Wayne Reed visited Elgin for a public meet-and-greet after press time Tuesday evening — all are scheduled for closed-door interviews with City Council July 30. A fifth candidate withdrew from the process last week, city officials said.

“Each of these four individuals has a wealth of experience and expertise to share with us, and we are pleased that they are all interested in sharing their knowledge and experience with our community,” Mayor Theresa McShan said. “I know I speak for my fellow council members when I say that we are all looking forward to getting to know the candidates better and hearing their impressions of Elgin.”

The nationwide search is being aided by Strategic Government Resources, a municipal recruitment firm hired after Isaac Turner was appointed interim city manager in January.

ARETHA FERRELL-BENAVIDES

Ferrell-Benavides is currently city manager in Martinsville, Virginia, where she oversees a full-service city government. Her public service career spans several decades with time also spent as city manager in Duncanville and Glenn Heights, as well as Petersburg, Virginia.

Her resume highlights managing budgets up to $117 million, overseeing more than 600 employees and spearheading structural reforms. Notable achievements include reorganizing finances to improve a city’s credit rating, leading a $57 million historic property redevelopment into affordable housing and launching an initiative to boost employee engagement.

“I bring a flexible leadership approach, grounded in situational awareness … always centered on empowering teams and engaging residents meaningfully,” Ferrell- Benavides wrote in her cover letter to Elgin officials.

Virginia news outlet WDBJ7 reported that Ferrell-Benavides was placed on administrative leave in Martinsville July 22, following concerns raised by local critics over recurring travel and staff expenses charged to the city’s credit card. The Martinsville City Council approved a $20,000 forensic audit at the same meeting, and no formal findings have been reported.

Ferrell-Benavides holds degrees in political science and public education from Southern University and Howard University, and completed executive training in Virginia and Chicago. She is a National Academy of Public Administration fellow and a former national president of the National Forum for Black Public Administrators.

THEO MELANCON

Melancon’s resume reflects a career focused on building organizational capacity, funding large-scale infrastructure and guiding communities through growth. He has served as city manager in four Texas cities, most recently in Dickinson, where he helped establish the city’s first internal legal, communications, human resources and information technology departments.

His portfolio highlights securing over $100 million in grants for infrastructural improvements, launching a $14 million municipal broadband utility — the first of its kind for Dayton — and negotiating development deals covering more than 9,000 acres and 20,000 housing units.

“My leadership style is collaborative and focused on results,” he wrote to the mayor. “I bring the steady leadership, transparent communication and strategic insight required to support Elgin’s goals.”

According to the Galveston County Daily News, Melancon left Dickinson in February with a $150,000 severance. The departure was described as mutual during a period of staff turnover and organizational change.

He holds degrees in history, law and public administration from the University of Louisiana and Louisiana State University. He is a credentialed manager with the International City/County Management Association and active in regional transit and economic development boards.

JARED MILLER

Miller currently serves as chief operating officer for the Texas Division of Emergency Management, overseeing disaster response coordination across the state. He previously held city manager positions in San Marcos, Snyder, Crosbyton and Amarillo, where he managed a $490 million budget and a workforce of more than 2,600.

His record includes leading a $70 million public facilities bond, a $46 million minor league stadium project and managing flood disaster responses in San Marcos that brought in more than $25 million in federal recovery funds.

“I have the ability to, with short notice, take on and lead multiple projects to fruition,” Miller wrote the city. “I am team oriented, always composed and believe that quality dialogue will yield workable solutions to most community or organizational issues.”

In 2023, ABC7 reported that the Amarillo City Council voted unanimously to terminate Miller’s contract without cause, approving a $767,000 severance. The council cited no specific reason for the decision.

A U.S. Navy Reserve veteran and former intelligence officer, Miller holds political science and public administration degrees from Abilene Christian University and Texas Tech University. He is a past recipient of multiple state management awards.

WAYNE REED

Reed has served as city manager in Cibolo since 2021, where he helped adopt the city’s first strategic plan and advance a $100 million capital improvement effort. Under his leadership, according to his resume, Cibolo improved its credit rating and cut staff turnover by more than half, from 23% to 10%.

He brings more than 27 years of municipal government experience with executive roles in Colorado and served as assistant city manager in nearby Georgetown — managing a $537 million municipal budget and launching internal staff development programs.

“My greatest strength comes from my passion to serve and desire to lead others in a values- based and collaborative manner,” Reed wrote in his letter. “I am confident that my experience, integrity, skills and leadership make me uniquely qualified to inspire others about Elgin’s purpose and execute on its goals.”

KSAT reported earlier this year that Reed drew scrutiny after approving a $49,999 consulting contract with a retiring public works director — one dollar below the threshold requiring council approval. The deal was later canceled with no formal action taken, and the station reported no findings of ethical misconduct.

Reed holds degrees from Texas A&M University, is credentialed by ICMA and has received recognition for leadership in planning and organizational development. He also served in the U.S. Army Reserve and holds certifications in strategic leadership and governance.

More updates and a detailed review of the city’s selection to come in the Courier.