SOUTH PADRE ISLAND, RGV – South Padre Island City Manager Susan Guthrie has resigned to take up a similar role for Sunnyvale, a small town close to Mesquite, Texas.
Guthrie resigned from SPI on Dec. 20. She takes up her new post on Feb. 4.
“I am very thankful for the time I’ve spent with the city of South Padre Island and will forever be grateful for the opportunity I had to work with an amazing group of professionals and citizens,” Guthrie said. “I am extremely proud of what this team has accomplished together over the last two years. Many projects have been completed that will set a strong foundation for the island in the years to come.”
Guthrie said she will work with the SPI team to plan over the next few weeks in order to achieve a smooth transition and maintain the positive momentum the city is experiencing.
South Padre Island Mayor Dennis Stahl; said: “Susan Guthrie is an outstanding person, leader, and city manager. The city of South Padre Island has benefited greatly under her past two years of leadership. She departs a better-managed city with a well-trained staff. I am especially proud that under Susan, we now have eleven different six-sigma DMAIC process greenbelt trained city staffers.”
Stahl added: “Susan drew wide attention throughout Texas for her leadership and the recent South Padre Island improvements. I’ll allow others to announce her new destination. Knowing Susan and her family, her new position is an almost perfect fit. I wish her and her new community the very best. The South Padre Island City Council will begin the search process for her successor shortly.”
The City Manager’s Office is responsible for the implementation of policy established by the City of South Padre Island’s City Council. According to its website, “exceptional customer service, efficient operations, and effective communications” are priorities for the office.
The website states: “Promoting regional efforts through cooperation is vital to the success of the Department. The City Manager’s Office is ultimately responsible for the work culture and promotes a work environment embracing contributions of each employee while also fostering professional development and success of its workforce.”
The Mesquite News has the story about Guthrie moving to Sunnyvale. It said: “The Sunnyvale Town Council has chosen Susan Guthrie to lead Town operations as the next Town Manager beginning on Feb. 4, 2019.”
The story goes on to say: “Susan has over 15 years of results-oriented public service gained through leadership positions in the Cities of South Padre Island, Tyler, and Mesa, Arizona provide a combination of experience and a unique perspective as she prepares to lead Sunnyvale in overseeing all executive functions of the Town, and implementing the vision at the direction of its Town Council.”
Sunnyvale Mayor Saji George told the Mesquite News: “The Town Council and I are extremely pleased to welcome Susan Guthrie to Sunnyvale as our next Town Manager. Her expertise in performance excellence, experience in both public and private sector, and strong commitment to employee development makes her an excellent fit for this role.”
Guthrie told the Mesquite News: “I am honored to have been selected to serve as the Town’s manager. I truly look forward to getting to know the residents and staff as we work together for Sunnyvale’s future.”
