Town Manager

The Town Manager is the Town’s chief executive officer appointed by the Parker Town Council, based on experience and credentials. As a professional manager specifically trained in local government operations and service delivery, the Town Manager directly or indirectly oversees all department heads. In Parker, the Town Manager supervises the following functions: Engineering and Public Works, Community Development, Finance, Police, Town Clerk's Office and the Town Manager's Office.

Michelle Kivela was appointed to the Town Manager position in September 2017. In this position, she oversees the Town’s $100 million+ annual budget, Town infrastructure and all financial and capital assets. She is responsible for more than 300 full-time employees and approximately 600 part-time employees.

Kivela has been a Parker resident since 2001. She has 25 years of municipal government experience in a wide variety of capacities and positions. Through her previous positions, she has overseen many functions and departments, including Public Works, Police, Finance, Human Resources, Parks and Recreation and Community Outreach. Prior to joining the Town of Parker in 2012, Michelle served as the Deputy City Manager for the City of Lone Tree for seven years. She has also held positions with the City of Greenwood Village, the City of Sugar Land, Texas and the Town of Addison, Texas.

Michelle earned both her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and her Master of Public Administration at the University of North Texas, which is ranked #5 in the nation for local government management by U.S. News and World Report.

Highlights of Town Manager Responsibilities
The Town Manager is responsible for a wide variety of duties, including:

  • Enforce Town laws and ordinances.
  • Prepare and propose the Town’s annual budget to the Town Council and administer the budget after adoption.
  • Exercise supervision and control over all departments.
  • Obtain engineering, architectural, maintenance, construction and work equipment services required by the Town.
  • Approve license agreements for use of Town-owned property.
  • Keep the Council fully informed of the Town’s financial condition and future needs.
  • Coordinate the activities of the various boards, commissions and committees of the Town with the activities and policies of Council.
  • Handles emergency operations and ensures the timely and effective use of Town resources to prepare for, respond to and recover from civil emergencies, emergencies or local disasters.
  • Establishes a system of accounting and auditing for the Town.

Form of Government
The Council-Manager form of government combines the political leadership of elected officials in the form of a Council with the managerial training and experience of an appointed local government administrator. The form establishes a representative system of government where the council hires a professionally trained manager to oversee the delivery of public services and the oversight of day to day operations. The Town Manager reports directly to the Town Council and carries out the policies adopted by Council.