City Manager of Richardson DON MAGNER

job they do and the people they serve. Whether it is keeping us safe, providing core services like water or trash collection, or maintaining our beautiful parks and trails, our employees work around the clock and in difficult conditions every day with little fanfare to provide exceptional programs and services.

Name three adjectives which best describe you.

Grateful, adaptable, and direct.

Did you have a mentor growing up who inspired you? If so, please tell us about him or her.

My father was an inspiration to me. He had very little education but was industrious, savvy, and had a strong desire to provide for his family, which he did successfully. He always stressed the importance of education and worked multiple jobs so that my brother and I could attend good schools. He demonstrated that your early circumstances in life do not have to dictate your future.

We’d love to know the Magners…can you tell us about your family?

Dionne and I have two sons, Davis and Aidan. Dionne is a professor of nursing at Baylor University. She’s an awesome partner to me and an amazing professional who is helping develop the next generation of nurses, which is very important work. Davis and Aidan are both smart, funny, hard-working young men. Dionne and I are proud of their journey so far and excited to see them reach their full potential. Davis currently lives and works in Dallas while Aidan is a sophomore at UT.

When you aren’t working, what hobbies or activities do you enjoy most? How do you spend your free time when you aren’t working?

I really enjoy exercising. I also enjoy relaxing in our pool or on a beach, anywhere. I’m also an aspiring drummer (emphasis on aspiring!).

Do you live by a certain mantra? If so, will you share it with us?

Do good work every day! My predecessors as City Manager, Bill Keffler and Dan Johnson, instilled this simple yet important concept in me throughout the years. I truly believe that if you come to work every single day and focus on providing exceptional customer service, delivering quality core services and programs, and making everyone you encounter feel appreciated and valued, the City and community will continue to thrive.

What do you hope people will say about you at your funeral (hopefully YEARS AWAY!)?

I, too, hope it is years away! When the time comes, I hope they say I was a good dad and husband, committed leader and mentor, and that I cared about the people I served with throughout the years.