In a significant announcement that underscores the City of Dallas’s commitment to seamless governance and strategic urban development, City Manager T.C. Broadnax recently appointed interim directors to lead two pivotal departments: Planning and Urban Design, and Housing and Neighborhood Revitalization. This crucial decision ensures continuity and stability following the unexpected departures of the previous directors, signaling a proactive approach to maintaining momentum on key city initiatives. The appointments highlight the depth of talent within Dallas City Hall, bringing seasoned professionals into leadership roles during a critical transitional period.

The changes in leadership come after the surprise resignations of Housing Director David Noguera and Planning Director Julia Ryan, confirmed earlier this month. Noguera has accepted a challenging new role with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development in Miami, embarking on a federal career path that will undoubtedly leverage his extensive experience. Ryan, a key figure in Dallas’s planning efforts, is transitioning to a transportation planner position with a prominent consulting firm based in Arkansas, indicating a shift in her professional focus towards regional infrastructure and mobility strategies.

Effective Monday, September 25, Assistant Director Cynthia Rogers-Ellickson stepped up to lead the Housing and Neighborhood Revitalization department as interim director. Concurrently, Assistant Director Andrea Gilles assumed the interim directorship of the Planning and Urban Design department. These appointments reflect a strategic move by City Manager Broadnax to leverage internal expertise and ensure that ongoing projects and vital services continue uninterrupted. Furthermore, the Planning and Urban Design department has recently broadened its scope, taking on oversight of the city’s Office of Historic Preservation, a testament to Dallas’s growing focus on preserving its rich heritage alongside fostering modern development.

Interim Directors Stepping Up for Dallas’s Future

Cynthia Rogers-Ellickson: Guiding Housing and Neighborhood Revitalization

Cynthia Rogers-Ellickson’s journey with the City of Dallas began in 2006, marking nearly two decades of dedicated service within the Department of Housing and Neighborhood Revitalization. Her career trajectory within the department is a testament to her profound understanding of Dallas’s housing landscape and her exceptional leadership capabilities. Starting as a manager in the crucial Home Repair Program, she quickly demonstrated her commitment to improving residents’ living conditions. Her expertise then led her to a promotion as manager of Housing Development, where she played a vital role in shaping the city’s housing initiatives.

Beyond these foundational roles, Rogers-Ellickson’s experience expanded significantly as she served as an assistant director within the department. In this capacity, she was instrumental in overseeing critical functions such as budget management, compliance with federal and local regulations, and administrative operations. Her comprehensive background ensures she is well-equipped to navigate the complexities of Dallas’s housing challenges, from affordability to community development. Prior to her impactful tenure with the City of Dallas, she also contributed her skills and knowledge to the City of Irving, further broadening her municipal experience. Her appointment as interim director is a strategic move to ensure stability and continued progress in addressing the city’s evolving housing needs, as noted by City Manager Broadnax in a detailed memorandum to council members on September 14.

Darwin Wade: A Permanent Addition to Housing Leadership

In a related development, City Manager Broadnax also announced the permanent appointment of Darwin Wade as Assistant Director for the Department of Housing and Neighborhood Revitalization, effective immediately. Wade’s appointment is a strategic reinforcement of the department’s leadership, bringing a wealth of experience to Dallas’s ongoing efforts to create equitable and accessible housing options. With over two decades of successful experience, Wade is a recognized expert in community development, federal grants management, and various forms of housing development including affordable, market-rate, and tax credit projects. His leadership qualities and skills have been consistently exemplary, making him a valuable asset to the city.

Currently, Darwin Wade is at the forefront of overseeing vital housing development activities through several key programs and corporations, including the Mixed Income Housing Development Bonus Program, the Dallas Housing Finance Corporation, the Dallas Public Facility Corporation, and the Dallas Housing Acquisition and Development Corporation. His deep involvement in these initiatives highlights his instrumental role in shaping Dallas’s housing strategy, ensuring innovative and inclusive approaches to urban growth and neighborhood revitalization. This permanent appointment alongside the interim directorship signifies a strong, stable future for Dallas’s housing sector.

Andrea Gilles: Charting Dallas’s Urban Future

Andrea Gilles assumes the interim director role for the Dallas Planning and Urban Design (PUD) department, bringing two years of profound experience as an assistant director within the same department. In her previous capacity, Gilles was responsible for critical areas including long-range planning, robust community engagement programs, and the formulation of zoning code amendments. She also spearheaded city-initiated zonings and numerous urban design initiatives, which have significantly shaped the aesthetics and functionality of Dallas’s urban fabric. Her leadership in these areas has been crucial for managing the city’s rapid growth and ensuring thoughtful development.

One of Gilles’s most significant accomplishments since joining the City of Dallas has been her pivotal role in spearheading the ForwardDallas comprehensive land use plan update. This monumental project is more than just a plan; it’s a community-driven future land use vision meticulously designed to guide Dallas’s development for the coming decades. ForwardDallas embodies an inclusive approach, reflecting the aspirations and needs of residents and stakeholders to create a sustainable, equitable, and vibrant city. Gilles’s dedication to this project underscores her commitment to community-based planning and her vision for Dallas.

With over 15 years of community-based planning experience spanning both Texas and the dynamic Washington, D.C. region, Andrea Gilles possesses a rich and diverse professional background. As an urban planner and passionate advocate, her work has consistently focused on inclusive community engagement, ensuring that all voices are heard in the planning process. She champions effective plan implementation, transforming visions into tangible realities, and is deeply committed to neighborhood investment and innovative urban design. Her expertise will be invaluable as Dallas continues to evolve and address its unique urban challenges.

Leadership at the Office of Community Police Oversight

City Manager Broadnax’s comprehensive September 14 memorandum also addressed leadership changes within another critical city function: the Office of Community Police Oversight. The memorandum confirmed the departure of Tonya McClary, who previously served as the director of this vital office. The Office of Community Police Oversight plays an indispensable role in fostering trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve, promoting transparency, and ensuring accountability within the Dallas Police Department.

To ensure the uninterrupted operation and continued efficacy of this office, Elaine Chandler was named interim director, with her appointment taking effect on September 21. Chandler brings a unique and highly relevant skill set to this demanding role. Since 2019, she has served as the employee relations manager in the Human Resources department, where she developed extensive experience in conflict resolution, policy implementation, and ethical workplace practices—all skills directly transferable to the oversight of police-community relations.

Prior to her tenure with the City of Dallas, Elaine Chandler held the esteemed position of director of human resources in the highly regulated healthcare industry. In this capacity, she was responsible for leading strategic initiatives focused on the delivery of people-related services, navigating complex regulatory environments, and ensuring high standards of professional conduct. Broadnax highlighted her proven ability to manage sensitive issues and lead strategic changes, making her an ideal candidate to uphold the integrity and mission of the Office of Community Police Oversight during this transitional period. Her appointment reflects the city’s commitment to maintaining robust civilian oversight and community trust.

These strategic appointments by City Manager T.C. Broadnax signify Dallas’s unwavering commitment to strong leadership and sustained progress across essential city departments. By tapping into a pool of experienced internal talent, the city aims to navigate these transitions smoothly, ensuring that vital initiatives in urban planning, housing, and community oversight continue to advance for the benefit of all Dallas residents. The new interim directors and permanent assistant director are poised to build upon existing foundations, address emerging challenges, and contribute significantly to the city’s prosperous future.