Frisco City Manager hired two more people

The leadership ranks in Frisco are set to undergo a refreshing transformation this summer with the addition of two new members: Rob Millar and E.A. Hoppe, who have been appointed as Assistant City Managers, Dallas Metro News reported.

Their induction was a strategic decision made by City Manager, Wes Pierson, who handpicked this dynamic duo from a pool of eight highly-qualified contenders, of which three were internal applicants. As new Assistant City Managers, Millar and Hoppe will team up with current team players - Deputy City Manager, Henry Hill, and fellow Assistant City Manager, Ben Brezina, in their continued effort to steer Frisco's administrative vision forward.

“Because Frisco is such a dynamic, fast-growing community, we want to be well positioned to balance our continued pace of development with preparing for the future,” said Wes Pierson, City Manager. “We’re fortunate the new positions drew so many impressive, qualified candidates, including three internal applicants. I believe Rob (Millar) and E.A. (Hoppe) will bring additional skills and experience complimentary to our leadership team and will help us continue our ‘Progress in Motion’.”

Rob Millar, an established figure in the government sector, has an illustrious career spanning thirty years. His professional journey has been largely centered in Scottsdale, Arizona, where he has occupied several critical roles. He started his career as a Neighborhood and Citizen Liaison and went on to become the Chief of Staff for the Mayor. His most recent role was as the Director of Economic Development for the city.

Millar, in his role as the Director, has made significant contributions. He facilitated the creation and preservation of more than 12,000 jobs, leading to a monumental five-year total economic impact of $40 billion. Millar also helped augment Scottsdale's revenues, injecting $350 million through new capital investments and developing a forward-looking five-year strategy.

A recipient of certifications from the International Economic Development Council (CEcD) and the International Association for Public Participation (IAP2), Millar's education includes a Bachelor of Arts in Public Administration from Ottawa University.

In contrast, E.A. Hoppe brings to the table an 18-year tenure in government service. His professional roots are in Richardson, Texas, where he served in various leadership roles as a management analyst for more than nine years.

His career trajectory includes a stint as City Manager in Bulverde, Texas, lasting four years. More recently, he served as the Deputy City Manager in Kerrville, Texas, for about five years before assuming the role of City Manager in 2021, a position he still holds.

During his time as Kerrville's City Manager, Hoppe successfully secured numerous economic development grants and pioneered the city's first Tax Increment Finance Zone (TIRZ). He also has a record of overhauling the zoning code and laying out extensive long-term plans regarding housing, water supply, and infrastructure.

Over his tenure of seven years in Kerrville, Hoppe has overseen projects worth more than $100 million, enhancing the city's infrastructure. He played a crucial role in launching various initiatives to stimulate downtown rejuvenation.

Hoppe's educational accomplishments include a Master of Public Administration from the University of North Texas and a Bachelor of Arts from Austin College.

The hunt for these prestigious Assistant City Manager positions commenced in February, attracting an impressive array of 136 candidates nationwide. The selection process gradually whittled this list down to 20 and ultimately to eight top contenders. These finalists participated in a thorough evaluation process, involving meetings with city department directors, city tours, and interactive sessions with an internal six-member panel made up of city managers and staff.

Rob Millar and E.A. Hoppe official statements can be found on this link.