Mesquite, TX – May 3, 2019 – City Manager Cliff Keheley announced the promotion of Neighborhood Services Director Raymond Rivas to the position of Assistant City Manager.
Keheley said, “Raymond is a tremendous asset to this organization. He has helped make massive improvements to city services for our citizens. In his new role, he will direct additional quality of life programs for the Mesquite community.” Keheley explained that Rivas will continue to direct the Neighborhood Services Department and will add the Parks and Recreation Department and the Mesquite Library System to his responsibilities.
In 2016 Rivas was selected to serve as the new Neighborhood Services Director. He has also directed the Mesquite Animal Shelter as well as Housing and Community Services. Under the direction of Rivas, the City has seen an 86 percent voluntary compliance rate by property owners with environmental code violations and a 90 percent live outcome at the animal shelter.
Rivas said, “I am honored to have the confidence of Mr. Keheley and the City Council to direct vital City services for our residents.” During their Goal Setting Workshop in December 2018, the City Council identified Attractive Neighborhoods as well as Quality Recreation and Culture as two of their strategic goals.
Rivas has previous management experience with the cities of Dallas and Fort Worth as well as the Federal Emergency Management Agency. He has a Masters of Public Affairs from the University of Texas at Dallas and a Bachelor of Science in Emergency Administration and Planning from the University of North Texas. Rivas is active in the Mesquite community through his service in the Eastern Skies District of Boy Scouts of America and Rotary Club International.
Rivas will join current Assistant City Manager Ted Chinn and Deputy City Manager Jeff Jones to round out Keheley’s executive management team. The search for a new Neighborhood Services Director will begin soon.