The City of University Park is pleased to welcome Shanna Sims-Bradish to our leadership team. Shanna will begin her duties as Assistant City Manager on July 5. Shanna’s selection follows an extensive local, regional and national search for highly qualified applicants. She will fill the vacancy that results from the retirement of Assistant City Manager Lea Dunn.
An Assistant City Manager with the City of Richardson since 2012, Shanna supervises seven city departments: Health/Animal Services, Budget, Parks and Recreation, Eisemann Center of the Performing Arts, Community Services, Human Resources and the Library.
With more than 27 years of experience in local government, Shanna’s commitment to public service includes similar roles with the City of Farmers Branch, the Town of Addison and the City of Carrollton, following early career assignments for the Town of Lexington, Massachusetts and the City of Lawrence, Kansas. Adept at strategic planning and financial analysis, Shanna is also skilled at working with interdepartmental teams, neighborhood groups, civic organizations and arts councils to develop programs and initiatives that benefit all concerned.
In making the announcement, City Manager Robbie Corder said, “I am excited to have an experienced professional with the credentials and knowledge that Shanna possesses join our organization. Residents and co-workers will find her approachable and dedicated to the service of others and the betterment of University Park.” He continued, “This is a critical position for us, and I am confident that Shanna will elevate the organization’s performance and service.”
“I am honored and excited to join the University Park team,” Shanna said when accepting the position “The City has a reputation for providing high quality services to its residents. I’m looking forward to working with the staff and the community on a full range of tasks and projects.”
Awarded a Master of Public Administration from the University of Kansas (Buford Watson Scholar) in 1997, Shanna graduated in 1995 from the University of Missouri (Honors Diploma) with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science.
A member and credentialed manager of the International City/County Management Association (ICMA), Shanna completed the ICMA Emerging Leader Graduate program in 2008 and is a member of the Awards Evaluation Committee for ICMA. She is also a graduate of Leadership Metrocrest (1999) and Leadership Richardson Class XXIX. Shanna’s civic involvement includes membership and leadership roles with Chambers of Commerce, P.E.Os and Rotary Club chapters, local PTA groups and local adult literacy organizations.
Shanna replaces Assistant City Manager Lea Dunn, who is retiring on June 30. Lea’s 40-year career in local government began in Garland, and includes leadership positions in Bellaire and Addison. Lea’s tenure with the City of University Park began in 2016 as Director of Organizational Development. She has served in her current capacity since 2018.
Throughout her six years with the City, Lea worked closely with various resident committees on a variety of issues related to long-term financial management, risk management, and insurance-related matters. Thanks in large part to her efforts, our Human Resources Department now has succession plans for each operational department. Lea’s ability to mold and develop policies that have lasting impact also placed her at the center of work on our Centennial Master Plan, library governance and information technology planning.
Commenting on Lea’s service to our organization and the community, City Manager Robbie Corder said, “Lea’s innovative nature and her dedication to public service are inspiring to everyone in the field of city management. Lea leaves University Park better than she found it, which underscores her commitment to her professional and servant leadership. I am truly grateful Lea chose to work and live in University Park.“
