Shayla Lee brings experience leading cross-departmental initiatives, strategic planning, government relations, and data-informed organizational improvement.
(Richardson, TX) – City Manager Don Magner has announced the appointment of Shayla Lee as the City of Richardson’s Director of Strategic Initiatives. Lee will begin her new role Sept. 21, 2026.
Incoming Director of Strategic Initiatives
The Director of Strategic Initiatives is a newly created position within the City Manager’s Office, and Lee will serve as a member of the City’s leadership team. The role was established to lead high-priority projects, advance strategic priorities, support public-private partnerships, and help turn major ideas into measurable community outcomes. Working across departments and with a wide range of stakeholders, the director will help build consensus, encourage innovation, and move transformational initiatives from concept through implementation as Richardson continues planning for the future.
Lee currently serves as Director of Strategic and Government Affairs for the City of Sugar Land, where she supports City leadership in translating organizational priorities into coordinated, cross-departmental initiatives. She also leads implementation of Sugar Land’s 2025-27 Strategic Action Plan and oversees the City’s Office of Data and Innovation and Intergovernmental Relations efforts.
“Shayla has demonstrated an exceptional ability to bring people together, translate complex priorities into action and keep major initiatives moving toward measurable results,” Magner said. “Her experience working across departments and leading strategic programs will be an important asset as Richardson continues advancing projects that require strong coordination, accountability, and long-term focus.”
Lee has served the City of Sugar Land since 2021, beginning as a management analyst before advancing to assistant to the city manager and then to her current director position. Her work has included managing multidisciplinary projects, tracking performance measures, developing policy recommendations, supporting budget oversight, coordinating internal communications, and evaluating the effects of legislative and regulatory changes on municipal operations.
During her tenure, Sugar Land earned Bloomberg Philanthropies’ What Works Cities Gold Certification in 2025, recognizing the City’s use of data and evidence to guide policy, evaluate programs, and improve services. Lee was also selected as a recipient of the International City/County Management Association’s 2025 Early Career Leadership Award and is a graduate of the 2024 Texas Women’s Leadership Institute.
“Richardson is known for thoughtful leadership, strong public services and a commitment to planning for the future,” Lee said. “I am honored to join the City and look forward to working with employees throughout the organization to advance strategic priorities, strengthen collaboration, and support initiatives that make a meaningful difference for the community.”
Lee earned a Master of Public Administration from the University of Georgia and a Bachelor of Arts in political science from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. She serves on the University of Georgia Master of Public Administration Advisory Board and has participated in professional mentoring and leadership programs supporting emerging public-sector professionals.
