Jeff Jenkins receives 20-year Service Award
SOUTH PADRE — Assistant City Manager Tom Yantis earned an award that could be compared to “a state title” in sports, but for city employees.
Yantis was awarded the Assistant of the Year Award in memory of Valerie Bradley by the Texas City Management Association. The award was presented during the TCMA Annual Conference Awards Luncheon June 21 in South Padre Island.
The award recognizes a TCMA member who is an assistant/ deputy city manager and exhibits a fierce advocacy for advancing ethical local government leadership and the mentorship of young professionals. Yantis was nominated by Taylor Deputy City Manager Jeff Jenkins.
“Since he came to the city of Taylor, Tom has been an exceptional leader, not only in his own role as assistant city manager, but also as a mentor for up-and- coming professionals. He has created a strong development services team on a foundation of dedication to customer service. He also led the development of the Envision Taylor Comprehensive Plan, which will serve as a solid roadmap for future city leaders. This recognition is a testament to Tom’s hard work and dedication to ethical local governance,” said Jenkins, “The city of Taylor celebrates this well-deserved honor and we appreciate his continued leadership.”
Yantis has been with the Taylor since 2018. In his role, he oversees the Development Services Department, Main Street Program and Internal Services Department. He also leads the Taylor Project Team, which reviews the Samsung construction permitting and development.
He has spent over 20 years in both public and private sectors helping cities create quality, sustainable places. Yantis’ accolades also include recognition by numerous organizations including the American Planning Association’s STAR Division and the Texas APA chapter award for comprehensive planning.
Also during the conference, Jenkins was awarded the 2024 TCMA Service Award for his 20 years of service. TCMA annually recognizes members who have reached service milestones and they honor members who have been full or associate members in full-time services as an appointed employee of a local government entity for a minimum of 20 years.
TCMA is an organization of local government professionals dedicated to promoting the highest standards of governance, service, leadership, ethics, and education while embracing individual and regional diversity for the benefit of members and cities of Texas. For more information about TCMA and the Professional Awards, please visit www.tcma.org.
