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BY Dollita Okine, 9:21am January 30, 2025,

5 facts about Kimberly Tolbert, Dallas’ first Black woman city manager who started as an intern

by Dollita Okine, 9:21am January 30, 2025,
She began her career with the City of Dallas 32 years ago as an intern and worked up to several leadership roles in administration and finance. Photo credit: LinkedIn, Kimberly Bizor Tolbert

Kimberly Bizor Tolbert recently made history as the first Black woman to serve as Dallas City manager. As stated in the Dallas Weekly, the city manager is one of the most influential positions in Dallas. Overseeing daily operations of the city, the city manager is responsible for managing a multibillion-dollar budget while supervising thousands of municipal employees.

In this capacity, Tolbert will also be in charge of carrying out the directives issued by the city council and making sure that mandatory city services run smoothly.

READ ALSO: Shanelle Scales-Preston becomes first Black woman on the board of supervisors in Contra Costa County

After a nearly year-long search, The Dallas Morning News reports that she defeated Fort Worth Assistant City Manager William Johnson and Sacramento Assistant City Manager Mario Lara in a 13-2 vote to win the spot.

Tolbert succeeds T.C. Broadnax, the former city manager of Dallas, who left in 2024. She had been serving as acting city manager since the position became vacant last June following the departure of Broadnax.

Before casting their votes, council members praised Tolbert’s efforts as the interim manager and expressed their belief that she was the best candidate for the position. As Tolbert steps into her role, here are five things to know about the history-maker:

She started her career as an intern with the City of Dallas

Tolbert stood out from the competition due to her long history in public service and her strong ties to Dallas. A Texas native, she began her career with the City of Dallas 32 years ago as an intern and worked her way up to several leadership roles in administration and finance.

She has held positions as the city manager’s chief of staff and deputy city manager. She has played an important role in driving crucial projects related to transportation, budgeting, and government efficiency. She has also gained the respect of both city officials and citizens due to her experience in municipal finance and governance as well as her unwavering commitment to serving the community.

Tolbert credits her achievement to her grandfather

According to the D Magazine, her grandfather inspired her to become a public servant.  He challenged me to be the change I was seeking,” she said. That saw her come from Tyler to Dallas, where she worked in city and regional government before becoming Broadnax’s deputy city manager. 

She has a solid educational background

Tolbert has a Master of Public Administration and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of North Texas, in Denton, Texas, and is a credentialed manager through the International City Manager Association, her bio says.

She earned support from various groups ahead of her appointment as city manager

According to CBS News, some council members expressed their particular satisfaction with Tolbert’s appointment because she would be the first Black woman to hold the position.

Furthermore, Tolbert received support from a number of community groups throughout the process. The Black Fire Fighters Association of Dallas, the Dallas Fire Fighters Association, and the Dallas NAACP all expressed support for Tolbert last month. The leader of the Dallas Black Chamber of Commerce also gave a speech regarding his organization’s endorsement of Tolbert before the vote.

She is among the highest-paid city managers in Texas

Tolbert will earn $450,000 a year to lead the city. A review of her contract by D Magazine indicates no severance is provided. “A source familiar with the negotiations said Tolbert did not ask for severance but asked for a provision that would qualify her for her full pension if she was terminated before February 2027,” the platform wrote.

READ ALSO: All about Natalie Pinkney, the only Black woman on the Salt Lake County Council

Last Edited by:Mildred Europa Taylor Updated: January 30, 2025

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