BREAKING: The city of Marshall, Texas, has officially appointed Deck Shaver as the new interim director of public works, following the resignation of Eric Powell, who has taken a role as county engineer for Harrison County. This urgent change comes as the city prepares for new fiscal challenges in the upcoming budget year.
City Manager Melissa Vossmer announced the appointment during a city council meeting, expressing optimism about Shaver’s in-house experience. “I am really pleased about this appointment,” Vossmer stated, highlighting Shaver’s extensive background as the assistant director of operations and capital assets in the public works department.
Shaver holds both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in engineering technology from West Texas A&M University, and he is a certified public manager with diverse experience in municipal administration. “He has been a public works director, a utilities director, and a city manager. So, I get three for one with him,” Vossmer added, emphasizing Shaver’s customer service skills and understanding of city operations.
The city council is expected to see Shaver actively collaborating with Vossmer’s office to address budget needs and operational improvements. “You will be seeing him, and I think you will enjoy working with him,” Vossmer assured the council members.
In a heartfelt farewell, assistant city manager Alex Agnor thanked Powell for his six years of service, noting his contributions to public works, planning, and development services. “It’s been a pleasure,” Agnor remarked. Mayor Amy Ware echoed these sentiments, wishing Powell success in his new position.
In an additional development, Vossmer has announced Cheryl Carpenter as the new director of communications and community engagement. This role had been vacant following the retirement of Anna Lane, who served as director of community and neighborhood services. “I was so pleased to see Cheryl was interested in working with us. She has a tremendous background,” Vossmer said, praising Carpenter’s extensive experience in media relations and municipal engagement.
Carpenter, who has a rich career spanning decades in media and community service, expressed her enthusiasm for the new opportunity. She has received multiple awards, including a community policing grant and a Best of Texas Award for innovative social media use. “Cheryl has been here since 2018 and has been very involved in our community,” Vossmer noted.
With Carpenter’s strong ties to the community, including her role as chair of Keep Marshall Beautiful and membership on the Marshall Main Street Advisory Board, Vossmer expressed confidence in her ability to enhance community engagement. “She believes in Marshall, and she knows we have a lot of work to do,” Vossmer emphasized.
The council’s reception of the new appointments was positive, with Ware thanking Vossmer for introducing the new staff members. “We’re very excited to have y’all on board and helping us to help our citizens,” Ware stated.
As Marshall navigates these leadership transitions, residents and officials alike look forward to the positive impact these new appointments will have on the community. Stay tuned for further updates on how these changes will shape the city’s operations and engagement efforts.
