Dockery to lead City Hall

Clarendon’s new city administrator is no stranger to the Panhandle and is looking forward to getting back to this area after accepting the position last week.

David Dockery, who was selected by the Board of Aldermen on January 27, brings with him more than 20 years of experience as a municipal employee, including nearly a decade in city administration.

“My wife and I are looking forward to coming to Clarendon and becoming a part of a community with such a fantastic heritage,” Dockery told the Enterprise.

Mr. and Mrs. Dockery were both raised and educated in Quanah, and Mr. Dockery had a plumbing business in that community before spending seven years as the director of public works in Chillicothe. He then spent 15 years working for Johnson City, starting as the director of public works and then adding city administrator to that title for about nine years.

“I had a lot of other titles, too,” Dockery said. “You wear a lot of hats in a small town.”

Johnson City has a population of about 1,800, according to the Census Bureau.

Dockery and his wife have family living in Quanah, Childress, and Amarillo, and the prospect of moving closer to “home” was just one of the things that attracted him to Clarendon.

“I was drawn to Clarendon by the community itself and the unlimited opportunity and potential I see for the city being strategically placed on US 287,” Dockery said. “I see the potential for growth for tourism and economic development.”

The new administrator was packing his Johnson City home this week in preparation for the move to Clarendon. A start date has not been set for Dockery while he looks for a place to stay, but he will be in the city this week to meet with Mayor Larry Hicks and other residents. His first goal on the job will be to familiarize himself with the city.

“I want to get acquainted with what’s in the works right now and then be part of the team that brings a bright future to Clarendon,” he said. “I want to be involved in faith and civic organizations.”

Dockery’s former activities include memberships in the Lions and Kiwanis clubs and a position on the board of the Pedernales Groundwater Conservation District.

Dockery said he will bring several characteristics to his new job, including leadership, customer service, a background in city finances, and a history of community development and improvements.

The new administrator also said he believes that some of Clarendon’s strengths are its residents and the dedicated employees who work for the city.