Ott Taps More Fort Worth Talent

Hot off the wires: city manager Marc Ott today named Anthony Snipes to fill the chief of staff recently vacated by Kristen Vassallo. Ott worked with Snipes back in Cow Town; he says "His experience in the city government will be a vital asset for the departments he will oversee.” A write-up on the National Forum for Black Public Administrators website says "Mr. Snipes was an Assistant to the City Manager for the City of Fort Worth for five years and is now the Assistant Director for the Fort Worth Water Department." The city's full press release is below the fold.

Also, Ott's named Sue Edwards, director of economic growth and redevelopment services, as acting assistant city manager to fill Laura Huffman's seat until a national search is completed – or Fort Worth's suitably rummaged.

City Manager Ott selects Chief of Staff

City Manager Marc Ott announced today the appointment of Anthony Snipes, an Assistant Department Director from Fort Worth, as his Chief of Staff.

Snipes supervised the Business Services Division of the Fort Worth Water Department which is responsible for water information technology, customer service, water conservation and drought management, public information and meter services. He has experience in human resources, legislative and community relations.

“I’ve worked with Anthony and know what diverse skills he brings to Austin,” City Manager Ott said. “His experience in the city government will be a vital asset for the departments he will oversee.”

In Austin, Snipes will oversee the staff of the City Manager’s Office as well as Neighborhood Housing and Community Development; Human Resources; the Communications and Public Information Office; Agenda Office; and Government Relations.

Snipes has worked for the City of Fort Worth since May 2003 including roles as Acting Human Resources Director, Assistant to the City Manager and Senior Assistant to the City Manager before his current position.

In his 17-year career in the non-profit and government sectors, he’s also worked for the cities of Dayton, Ohio, and Tallahassee, Fla., as well as an internship with the Florida Legislature.

Snipes fills the vacancy created by the departure of Kristen Vassallo, who left the City of Austin May 2. He will begin his new duties in mid-June.