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About NFBPA
Who We Are
We truly believe that NFBPA is the nation’s most progressive results-oriented organization for African-American public servants. The NFBPA is dedicated to providing the highest level of public service while advancing Black leadership in the community and the nation. We are ably represented by more than 300 jurisdictions throughout the country with over 40 local chapters and local membership of 230 members.
NFBPA’s success is attributable to a committed leadership and dedicated members. Today, as we look ahead to the opportunities and challenges of the future, NFBPA’s presence is even more critical. The North Texas Chapter (NTC) is always seeking new thoughts and ideas to broaden the positive impact of NFBPA initiatives and programs.
The North Texas Chapter comprises incorporated and unincorporated Tarrant, Dallas and Collins Counties. The chapter currently has approximately 200 members and is continually growing.
Our valued membership includes elected and appointed officials, municipal managers, corporate executives, deans, faculty, students, and public administrators from the local, state and federal offices of jurisdictions operating throughout our beautiful region.
The key cities in our region include Dallas, Fort Worth, Arlington, Garland and Plano. In addition, our Chapter covers other key cities in the area that are growing. The North Texas Chapter hosted the 1988 national NFBPA conference and hosted FORUM 2006 in Fort Worth, Texas, April 8–12, 2006.
Our Mission
NFBPA is rapidly emerging as the nation’s premiere association of Black public leadership with a rapidly growing reputation for proudly strengthening the capacity of federal, state, and local government managers active in a range of multidisciplinary roles. This important status is maintained and fortified through dynamic on-going training and professional development programs, aligned with a powerful network of Black leaders in influential public positions.
The NFBPA is committed to strengthening the position of Blacks within the challenging and competitive field of public administration; to prompting an increase in the number of qualified Blacks appointed to executive positions in the public service arena; to helping and grooming younger, aspiring administrative leaders for senior management positions in the years ahead. The following critical goals allow the NFBPA to realize its commitment and mission:
- To identify, motivate, and groom younger, emerging Black talent serving in the public sector by providing mentoring and relevant exposure to both the challenges and the rewards of a successful public service career.
- To provide intensive, rigorous training, and on-going education in critical management areas in response to the unique needs of Black public sector professionals.
- To conduct legitimate research on selected social and economic issues of special consequence to Blacks, and to address the critical professional, civic, and social issues illuminated through such research.
- To serve as a magnet organization by stimulating the proactive networking of the public, private, and academic sectors to promote and support enhanced communication, innovation and professional development among Blacks on the public service career path.
- To sponsor and conduct local, regional, and national forums addressing timely, relevant issues and concerns that both directly and indirectly impact public administrative functions, as well as the needs and concerns of the Black community as a whole.
- To develop and maintain a national database on the nation’s growing community of Black administrative leaders.
Our History
| 1986 |
The NFBPA North Texas Chapter is founded in Fort Worth by Vernell Sturns, Robert “Bob” Terrell, and Roderick Bremby |
| 1988 |
Bob Terrell is elected president. During his tenure, the chapter hosted FORUM ’88 (the national convention) in Fort Worth. This was the first FORUM held in a chapter city without an African American Mayor. The Chapter accomplished this feat under the leadership of Vernell Sturns, Bob Terrell and Dallas City Manager Richard Knight |
| 1989 |
Roderick Bremby is elected president. Under his leadership, the Chapter hosts its first regional conference at the Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport. Roderick accepted a position in Lawrence, Kansas in 1990 |
| 1990–91 |
Dee Stewart served the remainder of Mr. Bremby's term as president of the chapter. Under her leadership, the chapter was instrumental in holding a key workshop/training session with Dr. Troy Coleman on organizational growth and leadership at DFW Airport. |
| 1991–92 |
William McDonald is elected president and the chapter continued to grow and address challenges in public administration. |
| 1993 |
Chris Williams-Allums is elected president and during her tenure, the chapter participated in a successful fundraiser with the Jethro Pugh Golf Classic, which further reinforced the chapter’s presence in North Texas. |
| 1994–95 |
Elvenn J.A Richardson is elected president. During his tenure, the chapter earned “Chapter of the Year Award” during FORUM 95. He also instituted the rotation of the General Body Meeting locations. |
| 1996 |
Herbert M. Miller, Jr. is elected president. Under his presidency, the chapter continued to experience growth and began publishing a member newsletter. The chapter also began a local Marks of Excellence Award. The first recipient was Dr. Troy Coleman. Herb established the first scholarship award program. Two high school students received scholarships from the chapter. He also initiated the strategic planning process for the chapter. |
| 1997 |
Davis Ellison is elected president before taking a position in Scottsdale, Arizona. During the 10th anniversary banquet, Elvenn Richardson, received the chapter’s Marks of Excellence Award. |
| 1998 |
Jacqueline L. Lee is elected president. Under her leadership, the chapter’s five-year strategic plan was completed. Two successful regional conferences were hosted. The chapter has also continued the scholarship awards initiatives and established the first NFBPA youth chapter. |
| 2001 |
Mary K. Vaughn is elected president. Under her leadership, the chapter continued to be a strong force locally and nationally with increased attendance at local meetings. A total of 40 members attended the annual conference in Las Vegas. |
| 2002 |
Charles Daniels is elected president. During his leadership, the chapter continued to grow. Due to personal reasons, Mr. Daniels resigned. Anthony Snipes completed his term. |
| 2002–2006 |
Anthony Snipes is president. Under his leadership, the chapter hosted the national board of director’s July 2002 meeting, launched the chapter’s first web site, successfully planned the regional conference for November 2003, and secured FORUM 2006 held in Fort Worth, Texas. The North Texas Chapter won “Chapter of the year” twice under his leadership. He also created the first Executive Leadership Development Program in collaboration with the HLO and six local Universities. |
| 2006 to present |
Carl Smart is elected president. |
Where Are They?
The National Forum for Black Public Administrators is committed to identifying and supporting public administrators. Following is a look at the careers of those who started and supported the development of the North Texas Chapter of the National Forum for Black Public Administrators, as detailed in our Chapter Review.
Vernell Sturns. Mr. Sturns career in the north Texas area has included service in the public and private sectors, including time spent on the DFW board. He is currently a consultant with Montgomery Watson Harza.
Robert “Bob” Terrell. Mr. Terrell served as City Manager for the City of Fort Worth, TX for more than 8 years. When he announced his retirement in late 2000, he was recognized as having the longest tenure as City Manager in Fort Worth.
Roderick Bremby. After a successful career in Texas, Mr. Bremby left the Dallas/ Fort Worth area to accept a position as Assistant City Manager with the City of Lawrence, Kansas.
Richard Knight. Mr. Knight’s career in City government climaxed with his service as Dallas City Manager for 4 years. He is now Chairman and CEO of the Knight Company, Inc.
Dee Stewart. Ms. Stewart managed the Action Center for the City of Fort Worth for more than 28 years before retiring.
William McDonald. Mr. McDonald has been the Economic Director for the City of Balch Spring, Texas for more than 8 years, and is also a professor of Government at Eastfield Community College.
Chris Williams-Allums. Ms. Allums served the City of Fort Worth, TX for 28 years, and retired from the position of Senior Administrative Assistant.
Elvenn J.A. Richardson. Mr. Richardson served as Assistant City Manager for the City of Plano, TX before starting his own consulting company. He currently serves as president of EJAR STAR & Associates, Inc.
Herbert M. Miller, Jr. Herbert Miller spent three years of his professional career as Purchasing Agent for D/FW International Airport Board until his appointment as Purchasing Manager for the City of Allen, TX.
David Ellison. Mr. Ellison served as Assistant City Manager in Carrollton, TX before leaving in 1997 to accept a position as Assistant City Manager of Scottsdale, Arizona. He served as the Assistant City Manager for the City of Sugarland, TX. He is currently the Assistant Director for the Department of Homeland Security for the City of Houston.
Jacqueline L. Lee. Ms. Lee’s professional career with the City of Dallas spans over 29 years. Her last position prior to her retirement was Assistant City Manager.
Mary K. Vaughn. Ms. Vaughn served as Director of Environmental & Health Services for the City of Dallas for five years and now serves as Housing Director in Kansas City
Charles Daniels. Mr. Daniel’s career includes executive positions in the City of Fort Worth and the City of Dallas. He is currently an Assistant City Manager for the City of Dallas.
Anthony Snipes. Mr. Snipes was an Assistant to the City Manager for the City of Fort Worth for five years and is now the Assistant Director for the Fort Worth Water Department.
What Are They Saying
Testimonials
"Words alone cannot explain what the NFBPA ELI program has done for me. I continue to benefit from the knowledge gained from various mayors, city managers and university staff. After 8-hours of classroom style training, many of them invited us to informal settings such as their homes and shared personal experiences over dinner. As a result of this training, I have a broader perspective about issues that I face on a daily basis.
Another major component of the program is my relationship with the 17 individuals who shared the experience with me. We learned that we all face similar issues and we made a commitment to keep in touch and help each other along the way. A very special bond exists between us because of NFBPA."
Maebell Brown
Year of Graduation: 2003
Current Position: Assistant Director, Fort Worth Water Department
"Upon completing the ELI program in April 1995, I experienced tremendous personal and professional growth. I was immediately appointed to the Assistant City Manager position in the City of Palestine, Texas. In October 1996, I was promoted to City Manager. I have since left the City of Palestine and am currently working for the Community Investment and Economic Development programs for the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas (FHLBD)."
Sheyi Ipaye
Year of Graduation: 1995
Current Position: Manager for FHLBD
"ELI provided me with an awesome opportunity to assess my professional skills through workshops, research, dialogue, mentors, coaches and assessment profiles. These experiences in turn helped me to establish long and short term career strategies. I grew personally and professionally through ELI. I met enlightening and successful people of color and traveled to universities that were inspiring. More importantly ELI gave me lifelong friends and a network of professionals who are readily accessible, willing and highly competent to help me along my professional journey.
ELI is a legacy that provides what no other institution provides for professionals of color - role models that continually remind us that if we prepare diligently, we can be successful when the opportunity arrives. With that success comes the awesome responsibility to reach back, reach sideways, and reach forward to others so that the legacy continues."
Paulette Owens-Holmes
Year of Graduation: 1995
Current Position: Executive Director of Administrative Services for the City of McKinney
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