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A collage of weekly public leadership appointments.

Leadership Appointments: Feb. 19 – 25, 2026

February 25, 2026

North Carolina – Michael Burroughs has been appointed city manager for the city of Trinity. Burroughs previously served as planning director for Montgomery County, a role he held since 2022. His appointment marks a leadership transition for Trinity as he steps into the chief administrative position overseeing municipal operations.

Arizona – Monica Prieto has been named as the next chief of police for the Tucson Police Department. Prieto brings more than 25 years of experience with the department, having begun her career in 1999 and serving across multiple divisions. She was promoted to deputy chief in 2023, where she served as second in command for three years before being named chief.

Texas – Erica Lee Carter has been appointed as the next county administrator for Harris County, effective March 9. Carter previously served as policy director for Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis and briefly represented Texas in Congress following the passing of her mother, Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee. In her new role, she will oversee the county’s administrative operations and coordinate functions across departments, serving as a key executive leader within county government.

Michigan – Winnie Liao has been announced as the next chief operating officer for the city of Detroit. Liao previously served as vice president of enterprise operations at a large finance company, where she led large-scale operational improvements, and spearheaded customer service reforms for the Michigan Secretary of State that reduced wait times and improved service processes. In her new role, she will focus on driving efficiency, equity, and innovation across Detroit’s city government.

Florida – Larry Little has been appointed by the city of Lakeland to serve as the next director of government communications. Little brings extensive experience in strategic communications and public engagement. In his new role, he will lead the city’s communications strategy and public information efforts.

Alabama – Cale Smith has been announced as the first ever city manager for the city of Homewood. Smith, who has served the city for nearly 20 years in roles including director of engineering and zoning, formally assumes the position under Homewood’s new council-manager form of government, marking a historic governance transition for the city.

New Mexico – Angie Gonzales has assumed the role of county manager for Quay County. Gonzales previously applied for the position six years ago and said she was motivated to apply again due to her strong interest in serving the county. In her new role, she will oversee county operations and administrative functions, working with commissioners to manage local government services and priorities.

Georgia – Miglena Dimov has been announced as the next city manager for Stone Mountain. She will assume the role, which is responsible for chief leadership initiatives and accomplishing citywide goals. As city manager, she will oversee municipal operations and work with elected officials to guide city governance and service delivery.

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