The City of Commerce has announced that former City of Pecos (Tex.) Assistant City Manager Howdy Wayne Lisenbee has been selected to be hired as the new city manager for the City of Commerce. Lisenbee is scheduled to begin work on Nov. 2.
A native of Paducah, a Northwest Texas community, Lisenbee attended Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene. After working in banking, Lisenbee worked for a number of years for the City of Abilene, first in the water department, then as director of facilities and capital improvements.
Interim City Manager Ned Muse has been serving in his present capacity since January 202, after former City Manager Darrek Ferrell resigned in December 2019. Ferrell had held his position since 2016.
The City of Commerce used Keller-based Strategic Government Resources to assist with the search for a new city manager, according to a release. The City of Commerce received 49 applications from candidates in 15 states and two countries, the release said.
A 2017 interview with Lisenbee for the now-defunct Abilene news site thrive325.com remains posted at the audio sharing website Soundcloud. In the interview, Lisenbee discusses the City of Abilene’s creation of a municipal pool that included water-park features.
