Three Finalists Named for City of Celina City Manager Position

CELINA, TEXAS – The City of Celina announced the selection of the three finalists for the City Manager position on Tuesday, October 24. Working alongside executive search firm, Affion Public, the City conducted an extensive search that yielded 107 highly-qualified candidates from across the country.

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“The City is enthusiastic about selecting the upcoming City Manager who will guide us towards its most opportunistic years ahead,” said Ryan Tubbs, Celina Mayor. “Each of the three candidates demonstrates a robust enthusiasm for community involvement, the expansion and acquisition of small and large businesses, administrative guidance, and fiscal responsibility.”

Robert Ranc, Deputy City Manager – Dublin, Ohio
Ranc has served as the Deputy City Manager for Dublin, Ohio, since June 2021 where he has provided executive leadership for the City’s Public Works and Parks & Recreation Departments. Prior to his current position, Ranc served as the Deputy City Manager for Burleson, Texas, from 2018 –2021 where he provided leadership for the Development Services, Human Resources, Information Technology, Public Works, Parks & Recreation, Neighborhood Services, Purchasing, and Fire Departments. Ranc served as the Assistant to the City Administrator in Lehi, Utah, from 2013 –2015 before being elevated to Assistant City Administrator from 2015 – 2018.

Karla Stovall, Assistant City Manager/Interim City Manager – Celina, Texas
Stovall has served as the Assistant City Manager for the City of Celina since 2019 before being elevated to Interim City Manager in June 2023. As the City’s Interim City Manager, Stovall oversees the day-to-day operations of the City and has provided executive leadership for the Finance, Purchasing, Information Technology, Marketing & Communications, and Human Resources Departments as the Assistant City Manager. Previously, Stovall served as the Chief Financial Officer for the Town of Little Elm, Texas, from 2015 – 2019, Chief Financial Officer for the City of Bastrop, Texas, from 2009 – 2015, and Budget Officer for the City of Wylie, Texas, from 2002 – 2009.

Eric Strong, Deputy City Manager – Allen, Texas
Strong has served as the Deputy City Manager in Allen, Texas, since January 2020 where he has provided executive leadership for the City’s Finance, Development Services, Public Works, City Secretary, Community Enhancement, and Engineering Departments. Prior to joining the City of Allen, Strong served as the City Manager of Richland Hills, Texas, where he oversaw the day-to-day operations for the city from 2014 – 2020 and was the City’s Assistant City Manager from 2013 – 2014. In addition, Strong has served as the City Manager for Ferris, Texas, from 2009 – 2013 and the Assistant to the City Manager for Ennis, Texas, from 2007 – 2009.

The three candidates were selected for in-person interviews with the Celina City Council, City Staff, and Community Stakeholders following virtual interviews with potential candidates. These interviews will take place on Thursday, October 26, and will conclude on Friday, October 27, with a final interview with Celina City Council.