speaker-info

Jay Abercrombie

City Manager

City Manager – City of Henderson, TX

Jay Abercrombie joined the City of Henderson as City Manager in March of 2019.  With over 11 years of experience in public service, the last 4 years have come in the City Manager’s role where Jay oversees the management and operations of all City departments and services.  As the City Manager, Jay reports to the City Council with the responsibility of providing professional recommendations for the Council’s decision making and to then implement the Council’s policy direction.

Jay served as the City Manager for the City of Bullard for over 3 years before his transition to Henderson.  In Bullard Jay was able to work directly with a smaller staff and learn the details of day to day operation of a City.  With Bullard’s rapid growth he was able to create new and strengthen old partnerships with real estate developers and builders to help Council’s vision of smart growth.  Jay was able to guide the City of Bullard into the use of technology to communicate better with its citizenry through the use of a new website, interactive budget and a mobile application for cell phone users.

Before serving as the City’s Chief Officer in Bullard, Jay was able to serve in the elected position of Bullard City Councilman for 7 years, 5 of those as Mayor ProTem.  His desire to be in public service quickly rose to become his passion as he volunteered his time in this elected position.  Jay immediately became interested in the inner workings of a City which ultimately led him to a career change after 14 years in the banking industry with Southside Bank in the Tyler, TX area.

Jay’s communication skills and desire to build relationships through trust has allowed him many leadership opportunities not only in work, but in Civic Clubs, associations, numerous Boards and filling various needs within the community.  Jay currently serves as  Board Member on the Texas City Managers Association and has served the East Texas City Manager’s Association as President.  He has also served as President of the Bullard Area Chamber of Commerce (BACC), Chairman of the Board for the BACC, Treasurer of the Bullard Area Kiwanis Club, charter member and past President of the Rotary Club of Bullard, Boys and Girls Club Board of Director, Cherokee County United Fund Chairman and several other appointments. In addition, much time was spent in the support of the Bullard Independent School System, working on school bond proposals, supporting the FFA, Bullard Belles, Bullard Band, and calling basketball games on Panther Radio.

Jay lives in Henderson, Texas with his wife Brandi and they have been married for 24 years.   He has two daughters, Lexi (23) is in Law School at The University of Tulsa and Livi (19) who works for Henderson Animal Care Hospital.  Jay went to school at Kilgore College before transferring to Tarleton State University where he studied exercise and sports studies with initial dreams of being a basketball coach.  He attended Tyler Junior College attending numerous continuing education programs and Stephen F. Austin State University where he holds his Certified Public Manager Certification.

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