At the city council meeting on Dec. 19, 2022, City Manager Mike Slye announced his retirement which would go into effect Feb. 28, 2023. Effective March 1, Mike Holder was welcomed with open arms into his new role as city manager.
Holder, a long-term resident in Kaufman County, has been an active member of the community since his arrival. Over 20 years ago, Holder relocated to Kaufman from the Dallas area with a desire to serve the community. His desire was met when the City Council appointed him to the Planning and Zoning Committee. His passion for the city of Kaufman only continued to grow as he and his wife Shana, watched his kids blossom in the community and built their family around Kaufman’s small-town charm. From 2008-2011 Holder who had previously served for 20 years with the Dallas Police Department, assumed the role of Police Chief in Kaufman. After leaving the City of Kaufman from 2011-2017, Holder was brought back as the assistant city manager. With Slye’s retirement announcement in December, the city appointed Holder to once again move up the ranks as Kaufman’s new city manager.
“What’s important to me is keeping the momentum Kaufman has had over the last few years,” said Holder. “We’re going to continue to manage the projects that we have moving through the pipeline, including residential, commercial and retail…and continue our focus on infrastructure.”
Holder shared that one focus is adding more amenities to our public spaces through city park developments. Three city parks are currently undergoing redevelopment with more potential growth in the future.
Holder also intends to continue managing Kaufman’s growth in a way that stays true to the city.
“We want any new development to fit Kaufman and we want to keep that community feel that Kaufman has. I think it’s unique. We recognize our heritage; we recognize that small town feel. Everybody champions everyone else. We’re a very cohesive community and we want to keep that. My priority is to match and enhance the character and culture of Kaufman.”
As the new city manager, Holder intends to work toward furthering Kaufman as a unique destination through both business additions and by ameliorating the city’s beauty. After getting settled in, he also intends to make organizational changes to accommodate growth.
“I think Kaufman’s brightest days are ahead and I’m excited to be a part of it and shepherd it along the way.”
Holder actively serves on the Child Advocacy Center board, as a member of the Kaufman Lion’s Club, as an Elder at the Kaufman Church of Christ, and the Chamber of Commerce board of directors and plans to continue his community involvement in his new role.
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