City of Pearland, TX
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CLAY PEARSON NAMED NEW CITY MANAGER
“During his career, Pearson gained a broad overview and understanding for the varied operations of City government and has a strong vision of what needs to be accomplished in the future,” said Mayor Tom Reid. “I’m confident that Pearson will be an outstanding City Manager,” Reid continued.
Pearson comes to Pearland from the City of Novi where he served as the City Manager since July 2006 after serving as Assistant City Manager since September 2000. Prior to that, Pearson served the City of Elgin, Illinois for more than a decade in various capacities, including Assistant City Manager.
Pearson brings with him more than 20 years of experience in municipal government. During his tenure at the City of Novi, he oversaw all City operations and worked closely with City Council to carry out their annual goals and policy directives. Some of the highlights include: initiating and developing international business relationships, leveraging partnerships with schools, road and surrounding agencies for joint facility use and garnering national attention when the City was named in the Top 100 Places to live by Money Magazine and Top Ten Places in the U.S. for families by Family Circle Magazine.
Over the last year, Pearson has been instrumental with business attraction efforts and economic growth on a local, national, and international level. He continues to be active with the International City/County Management Association (ICMA), an organization of 9,660 managers worldwide, along with multiple associations and organizations. Pearson serves as Chair of the ICMA International Committee and on the Boards of Alliance for Innovation, the Michigan Intelligent Transportation Systems, Michigan Local Government Managers Association, and the Library Network.
In his new position, Pearson will oversee sixteen City departments and manage more than 650 employees and a $209.4 million total operating budget including capital improvements.
“City Council is excited about having Clay Pearson on board here in Pearland. We went through an extensive interview process following Bill Eisen’s retirement announcement late last year. Mr. Pearson stood above the rest as he has proven himself as a leader, and successful city manager with his passionate, innovative and creative approach to public administration. We are ready to have him help take Pearland to the next level,” said Mayor Pro Tem Greg Hill.
Pearson holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, Minnesota and a Master of Public Administration degree from the University of Kansas. He is relocating to Pearland with his wife, Jennifer.
The City of Pearland is a multicultural community located less than 10 miles south of Houston, Texas. The City is comprised of an estimated population of 133,400 and is the fastest growing city in Texas and the 15th fastest growing City in the nation. The award-winning Texas City is known for its highly skilled, productive workforce, outstanding schools, safe neighborhoods and a superb quality of life. Key industries include healthcare, life sciences and manufacturing. For more information, visit cityofpearland.com.