Item 9A - MemoITEM 9A
ICITY OF
SOUTHLAKE
MEMORANDUM
September 12, 2023
TO: Shana Yelverton, City Manager
FROM: Stacey Black, Senior Director of Human Resources
SUBJECT: City Council confirmation of the City Manager's appointment of Pillar
Schank as the Director of Communications.
Action
Requested: City Council confirmation of the City Manager's appointment of Pilar
Schank as Director of Communications for the City of Southlake.
Background
Information: Chapter 4 of the Southlake Charter requires that "The head of each
department shall be a chief, director, or superintendent who shall be
appointed by the City Manager subject to the approval of the Council
and such chief, director or superintendent shall have supervisory
authority and financial control over his/her department."
Ms. Schank has demonstrated exceptional commitment and
expertise throughout her 30-year career in communications, public
relations, writing, and TV news media. Her career with the City of
Southlake began in 2006 when she assumed the role of Community
Relations Officer. Over the years, she has taken on roles of
increasing responsibility, including Communications and Websites
Manager, Deputy Director of Public Relations, and most recently,
Deputy Director of Communications.
Her academic qualifications provide her with a strong foundation and
include a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from the University of
Nevada, Reno, a Graduate Certificate in Marketing from Southern
Methodist University, and a certification in public communication
from Texas Christian University. However, it is her practical
experience and dedication to the City's mission that set her apart.
Her deep institutional knowledge and extensive industry insights
make her well -suited for the role of Director of Communications.
In her current capacity, Ms. Schank has significantly enhanced the
City's communications strategy. Her leadership has been
instrumental in elevating the City's public image and fostering
September 12, 2023 ITEM 9A
Page 2
improved communications with the community. As Director of
Communications, she will assume management and leadership
responsibilities within the Office of Communications and Customer
Experience. This will encompass strategic communications planning,
media relations, digital and social media management, content
creation and oversight, executive communication support, team
management, financial oversight, and risk management.
Ms. Schank's appointment will ensure continuity and stability within
the organization's management structure. Her appointment carries
no negative budgetary implications and aligns with the City's
commitment to excellence in communications and public relations.
With your ratification, Ms. Schank's appointment will be effective on
October 1, 2023.
Financial
Considerations: City Manager Yelverton has extended an offer of promotion to Ms.
Schank. There is no negative budget impact.
Strategic Link: Performance Management and Service Delivery: Attracting,
developing and retaining a talented and motivated workforce for
lasting world -class performance.
Citizen Input/
Board Review: N/A
Legal Review: N/A
Alternatives: N/A
Supporting
Documents: Ms. Schank's Resume
Staff
Recommendation: City Council confirmation of the City Manager's appointment of Pilar
Schank as the Director of Communications.
Pilar Schank, Public Communication and Content Expert
Goal
To generate great stories with a dynamic team of storytellers and branding experts to drive strategic goal -
oriented messages to raise awareness and engagement. Deliver media relations and crisis
communication expertise when it matters most - in high -risk, highly visible scenarios.
Experience
Deputy Director, Communications, Content & Public Relations 2015-Present
City of Southlake, Texas
Promoted in 2015 to Deputy Director of Communication and then again in 2017 to Deputy Director of
Marketing and Communication. Named Deputy Director of Public Relations in June 2018 and Deputy
Director of Communication in 2021. Responsible for overseeing and corporate communication strategy
for the City's Manager's office. Collaborate directly with the City Council, City Manager's Office, and
Executive Leadership team on internal and external messaging, media relations, social media
management, website management, and citywide branding.
Communication & Website Manager 2008-2015
Promoted in 2008 to Communication and Website Manager. Communication portfolio and platforms
expanded to support the expansion of official City websites, including VisitSouthlakeTexas.com and
Southlake's digital news platform - MySouthlakeNews.com. Established City email blast system; managed
Southlake's community mass -call system.
Community Relations Officer 2006-2008
Managed public information functions for the City of Southlake, Texas. Spearheaded creation and rollout
of new city logo; managed re -design and launch of www.CityofSouthiake.com, with outside vendor;
worked with City Manager's Office on external City newsletters and internal communication; managed
city media relations.
Communication Coordinator
Dallas Symphony Orchestra
2005-2006
Media relations and communications, including raising public awareness of the Orchestra, subscription
opportunities, and musical excellence.
News Manager
WLFL-TV Raleigh, NC
2002-2004
Supervised a 20-person news team producing daily local newscasts in a top-25 television market.
Managed hiring, $1 million+ yearly budget, editorial supervision, and resource allocation.
Education
University of Nevada, Reno 1989-1993
Bachelor's Degree, Journalism
Texas Christian University 2014-2015
Certified Public Communicator
Southern Methodist University 2012
Graduate Certificate in Marketing