Barron brings more than 25 years of engineering experience and has helped lead Richardson’s capital improvement program since February.
Incoming Director of Engineering and Capital Projects
City Manager Don Magner has announced the appointment of Katie Barron, P.E., ENV SP, as the City of Richardson’s Director of Engineering and Capital Projects. Barron will begin her new role October 5.
Barron has served as Richardson’s Assistant Director of Engineering and Capital Projects since February 2026, overseeing the City’s capital improvement program. During that time, she has helped guide completion of projects included in the 2021 Bond Program while also helping develop the City’s 2026 Bond Program.
As director, Barron will serve as department head and City Engineer, overseeing Richardson’s capital improvement program and the planning, design and construction of major infrastructure projects. Her responsibilities will include coordinating infrastructure master plans, prioritizing projects, managing engineering and construction activities, developing funding strategies, and working with City departments, outside agencies, utilities, consultants, and contractors to deliver projects throughout the community.
“Katie has already demonstrated the leadership, technical expertise and collaborative approach needed to manage an increasingly complex capital program,” Magner said. “She understands both the infrastructure needs of our community and the importance of coordinating that work across the organization. Her experience with our current bond programs also provides valuable continuity as we move from planning into delivery of the next generation of improvements for Richardson.”
A Richardson resident for nearly 20 years, Barron brings more than 25 years of civil engineering, project management and municipal infrastructure experience to the position. Before joining Richardson, she served as Director of Engineering for the City of University Park, where she managed a department responsible for engineering, construction inspection, right-of-way and asset management functions, and oversaw a portfolio of more than $40 million in active capital projects.
Her previous municipal work includes major roadway, drainage, water, wastewater, sidewalk, and public facility projects. Barron also spent nearly two decades in private-sector engineering and consulting, including positions with Huitt-Zollars, Kimley-Horn and other engineering firms, where she managed and designed municipal infrastructure projects throughout North Texas.
“Having called Richardson home for nearly 20 years, I am especially grateful for the opportunity to help shape the infrastructure that serves our community,” Barron said. “Richardson has a strong commitment to investing in its infrastructure and planning for the long term. Having spent the past several months working with our team on both the completion of the 2021 Bond Program and development of the 2026 program, I have seen firsthand the expertise and commitment our employees bring to these projects. I look forward to continuing to work with them and our partners to deliver improvements that will serve the community for years to come.”
Barron earned a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from The University of Texas at Austin and is a licensed Professional Engineer in Texas. She is also an Envision Sustainability Professional.
She is active in the Texas Chapter of the American Public Works Association’s North Central Texas Branch, serving in several leadership roles, including as branch president. She was also elected to the Texas Chapter board this year as Trustee, and will advance through leadership of that Executive Committee over the coming years. Her professional recognitions include the North Central Texas Branch Member of the Year and President’s Award, as well as statewide awards recognizing her contributions to education and chapter service. Barron is also a graduate of the Texas Society of Professional Engineers Leadership Institute.
