A Community-Informed Search for Rowlett’s Next City Manager
Congratulations, Cecil Marson
Clear Career Professionals congratulates Harry Cecil Marson V on his appointment as City Manager for the City of Rowlett, Texas. Marson, who goes by Cecil, begins serving on January 1, 2027.
Clear was proud to partner with the Rowlett City Council on the recruitment, led by Clear President Michael Boese. Four finalists interviewed with City Council and executive leadership, and residents met the finalists at a community meet-and-greet on October 29, asking questions and sharing feedback for Council's consideration.
"Selecting our next City Manager is one of the most important responsibilities we have as a City Council, and we approached this decision with a clear focus on Rowlett's future," said Mayor Jeff Winget. "Cecil brings extensive executive leadership experience, a demonstrated commitment to public service and a track record of managing complex organizations."
About Cecil Marson
Marson brings more than 29 years of leadership experience spanning municipal government and military service. He currently serves as City Manager of Bluefield, West Virginia, where he has led municipal operations, strategic planning and community development since 2021. In Bluefield, he has overseen a $16 million operating budget, advanced a $31.9 million Safe Streets initiative, and secured and executed more than $70 million in federal and state funding. Under his leadership, Bluefield earned West Virginia Municipal League All Star City recognition in 2025 and 2026, and Marson received the league's 2026 Tom Oxley Heart of the Community Award.
Before entering municipal management, Marson served in the U.S. Army and retired as a Colonel. From 2018 to 2021, he was Garrison Commander at the United States Military Academy at West Point, overseeing operations that supported approximately 1,500 personnel and a $280 million annual budget. He holds master's degrees in International Studies from Marine Corps University and Strategic Studies from the School of Advanced Military Studies, and a bachelor's degree from West Virginia University.
What Rowlett Was Looking For
When Mayor Winget joined The Clear Voice to talk about the search, he described a staff ready for the right leader:
"A city manager who comes to Rowlett is going to find a staff who is ready and willing to do the work and is looking for a good leader who's ready to listen, who's ready to communicate, and who's ready to create a culture."
A Word from Clear Career Professionals
Working alongside Mayor Jeff Winget, the Rowlett City Council and City staff has been a great experience, from the first conversations about what the community needed to the finalist interviews and the community meet-and-greet. Rowlett approached this search with care and openness, and it showed at every step.
We also want to thank every candidate who put their name forward. Each one invested real time and effort in this process, and that effort is what gives a council the confidence to make a decision like this one.
As we mark Veterans Day this week, we are especially proud to see a career Army officer step into service as Rowlett's next City Manager. Cecil's 29 years of leadership, from West Point to Bluefield, reflect the same commitment to service that so many veterans carry into local government. We thank him, and every veteran, for their service, and we look forward to watching Rowlett continue to grow under his leadership.
Thank You, Rowlett
Clear Career Professionals appreciates the opportunity to work alongside the Rowlett City Council throughout this important recruitment. Congratulations to Cecil Marson, the City Council, City staff and the Rowlett community on the successful completion of the search. We look forward to watching Rowlett's continued success under his leadership.
Read the City of Rowlett's announcement: https://www.rowletttx.gov/m/NewsFlash/home/detail/2897
The Clear Way to Executive Recruitment
Clear Career Professionals provides executive recruitment for local governments and public-sector organizations, with an approach built around clear communication, thoughtful outreach, candidate experience and a recruitment process tailored to each community.
Learn more about The Clear Way and our executive recruitment services: https://clearcareerpro.com/recruiting
Watch the Rowlett City Manager PositionCast®
PositionCast® helps communities go beyond the traditional job posting and recruitment brochure. In Episode #78 of The Clear Voice, Mayor Jeff Winget joined host James Groom and lead recruiter Michael Boese to talk about Rowlett's vision, priorities and the leadership the community wanted in its next City Manager.
Read more about the episode: https://clearcareerpro.com/clear-news/rowlett-texas-city-manager-podcast
Learn more about PositionCast®: https://clearcareerpro.com/positioncast
