Get to know Emily Crawford: New Abilene city manager sworn in

ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC)- A full house was in attendance for the Abilene City Council’s June 26 meeting to witness the swearing in of the new City Manager. Emily Crawford brings 14 years of experience in city planning and economics from her time in Brownwood. Abilene city staff announced one month ago that she would be replacing longtime City Manager Robert Hanna, following his retirement in March of this year. KTAB/KRBC spoke with Crawford at a news conference after that meeting to gain insight into her vision for the City.

“Comparing Abilene to Brownwood is definitely apples to oranges… However, I do see so many similarities… and that actually has given me a lot of comfort and confidence that I know what I’m getting into, it’s just on a different scale,” said Crawford.

Abilene’s military ties and larger population are among the aspects that Crawford said will be new to her. However, her transition is made easier thanks to the things the two cities share, such as universities, industrial and medical affiliations, and a push for revitalization.

“I have really loved this career because I have always wanted to have a career where I can impact people’s daily lives in a very positive way. And definitely local government gives me that opportunity,” Crawford said.

During her tenure, Crawford oversaw multiple significant moments for Brownwood. She guided the city through downtown revitalization, the COVID-19 pandemic, multiple infrastructure improvements, the opening of the city’s new event center, and the implementation of a county-wide 911 dispatch center, among other notable achievements.

Her accomplishments provide promise of a prosperous professional relationship moving forward, but it’s connection with her peers and the community she serves that have defined her career thus far.

“Some of my guiding principles in leadership are that the leader is only as successful as the team, so I very much believe in the dynamic of teamwork and collaboration… I look forward to having relationships internally as well as externally… Until I really understand dynamics, I certainly don’t want to make any unnecessary changes or giant swings until I understand the dynamics,” Crawford explained.

During the news conference, Crawford discussed a few issues she is looking forward to supporting the City Council in addressing. Among those issues were continued street maintenance, residential infill construction, and securing long-term city water resources to sustain future growth. Crawford also shared a few thoughts on the legacy left behind by her predecessor, Robert Hanna.

“I definitely believe that the the synergy, excitement, and growth that we’re seeing in Abilene to a large degree can be attributed to [Robert Hanna’s] tenure and his stability as city manager… that definitely helps me coming in as the new person outside the organization and to know that there are some really great systems and policies in place so that I can just start to run and build on those,” Crawford shared.

In addition to her professional experience, Crawford holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Health and Wellness Promotion from Texas State University and a Master’s in Organizational Development from Abilene Christian University. Her swearing in on June 26th marks her second official day on the job.