The Cedar Hill City Council has unanimously selected Melissa Valadez-Cummings as the city’s next city manager.
The decision, made on May 28, marks a significant milestone in Valadez-Cummings’ more than 20-year career with the City of Cedar Hill, where she has served in various leadership roles.
The most recent as deputy city manager.
Throughout her tenure, Valadez-Cummings has played a pivotal role in shaping the city’s future.
As deputy city manager, Valdez-Cummings was instrumental in implementing the City’s 2017 bond program, a $45 million initiative to enhance community infrastructure.
The program funded extensive park renovations, street and drainage improvements, the construction of an outdoor aquatics facility, and the development of a new public library and signature park.
Beyond infrastructure, Valadez-Cummings has been a leading advocate for Cedar Hill’s sustainability efforts.
Her work securing over $2 million in grants for green projects has advanced the city’s commitment to environmental stewardship.
She is an ICMA Certified Public Manager through the International City Managers Association and a graduate of prestigious leadership programs.
These programs include Harvard Kennedy School’s Senior Executives in State and Local Government program, the Senior Executive Institute at the University of Virginia, and the Leadership ICMA program.
Her academic background includes a bachelor’s degree in political science from Kansas State University and a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Kansas, where she remains actively involved on the alumni board.
Her extensive experience and deep connection to Cedar Hill made her the top choice for the city manager position as the city prepares for a leadership transition.
Current City Manager Greg Porter retired on July 31 after an impressive 37 years of service to Cedar Hill.
Valadez-Cummings officially stepped into her new role on August 1.