Duncanville is officially on the clock. City officials have launched a nationwide search for a new city manager, tapping T2 Professional Consulting to run the recruitment in what is expected to be a months-long process of outreach, vetting and public input.
According to a City of Duncanville news release posted yesterday, the council selected T2 Professional Consulting, LLC for its experience guiding communities through leadership transitions. "The City Manager plays a vital role in guiding the organization and helping advance the long-term vision of the community," Mayor Greg Contreras said in the release. T2 will work with the mayor, city council and staff to clarify priorities, screen applicants and present finalists for the council’s decision.
How the search will work
T2, a Fort Worth–based firm that lists executive recruiting and leadership development among its services, will manage outreach, screening and evaluation of applicants, according to its LinkedIn profile. The City of Duncanville also announced the launch of the search on its official Facebook page, signaling the start of a more public-facing phase of the process.
Per the City of Duncanville, the recruitment will feature targeted outreach to potential candidates, followed by formal screening and evaluation before a shortlist of finalists is presented to the mayor and council. Input from residents, business and community leaders and municipal staff will factor into how candidates are assessed. Officials expect the process to take several months before finalists are named for interviews.
Local context and what's next
The search comes after a stretch of churn in Duncanville’s top administrative seat. City Manager Douglas E. Finch was placed on indefinite paid administrative leave in July 2025 and later resigned, with Assistant City Manager Richard B. Abernethy stepping in as interim, local coverage shows. A previous Hoodline report on the resignation and interim appointment noted that Duncanville had already turned to T2 to lead police and fire chief recruitments, a track record city leaders pointed to in choosing the firm again.
Residents should see multiple chances to weigh in as the search unfolds. The city plans to gather feedback from staff, stakeholders and the public during the vetting process before finalists are brought to the mayor and city council for interviews and a final vote.
For ongoing updates and details about public engagement opportunities, officials are urging residents to keep an eye on the city's website and social channels for announcements and meeting notices. Additional timeline details and any public forums will be posted as the process moves forward.
