DUNCANVILLE, TX – The City of Duncanville proudly announces the appointment of Richard B. Abernethy, MPA, as Assistant City Manager for Operations. With over 20 years of leadership in municipal government, Abernethy brings a wealth of operational expertise and a strong commitment to public service excellence.
Abernethy will officially begin his role on May 19, where he will be responsible for leading and supporting key operational departments, including Human Resources, Information Technology, Public Works (with Neighborhood Services and Permitting), Project Management, Fiscal Services, and the City Secretary’s Office.
“Richard’s operational insight and proven record of implementing strategic, customer-focused solutions will be a major asset to the City of Duncanville,” said City Manager Douglas E. Finch. “His leadership will help drive innovation and efficiency across departments that touch the daily lives of our residents.”
Most recently, Abernethy served as Director of Administrative Services for the Cities of Burleson and Waxahachie, where he oversaw departments ranging from IT and Utility Billing to Municipal Court and Solid Waste. His notable achievements include launching a citywide Key Performance Indicator (KPI) program, transitioning utility billing systems to Tyler Munis ERP, leading a comprehensive customer service survey initiative, and managing the design and construction of a new City Hall Annex.
Abernethy’s earlier work with the City of Dallas included high-impact roles such as managing Sanitation Services operations with an $89 million revenue stream and contributing to the successful rollout of the city’s $1.05 billion 2017 Capital Bond Program. His efforts in development services and permitting reform earned recognition for enhancing operational effectiveness and responsiveness.
A graduate of the University of North Texas with a Master of Public Administration, Abernethy also holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Texas State University. Known for his collaborative leadership style and data-informed decision-making, Abernethy is committed to strengthening Duncanville’s internal operations while maintaining the city’s high standards for transparency, accountability, and service delivery.
“It’s an honor to join the team,” said Mr. Abernethy. “I look forward to working with each department to deliver high-quality services to the residents of Duncanville.”
Please join us in welcoming Richard B. Abernethy to the City of Duncanville as we continue our focus on operational excellence and strategic service improvements.