Levelland City Manager James Fisher announced his upcoming retirement effective Feb. 1, 2027.
Fisher began his tenure with the City of Levelland on Oct. 1, 2023.
“Every city has something special about them that make them unique,” said Fisher. “Levelland is a special place that truly cares about its neighbors and will do whatever it takes to help them out. Levelland has a huge heart and puts that heart in action daily by serving the needs of others through our churches, community groups, service organizations, city employees and the amazing students at LISD. Levelland is the preferred city of the South Plains!”
Fisher has dedicat-ed 33 years to municipal leadership, serving the Texas cities of Bee Cave, Murphy, Forney, Brenham and Silverton and believes that public service is a privilege, and the public trust should never be taken for granted.
Throughout his career, he built a reputation of collaboration among community leaders, having demonstrated the ability to seek out and ask the hard questions, listen to understand and then follow up with the best recommendation/ decision for the success of the community and the stability of the city moving forward.
“I believe I am leaving Levelland better than when I found it three years ago and I appreciate the opportunity given to me to serve the community and the organization,” said Fisher.
“Currently the community has a unified city council that is willing to ask the hard questions while also planning for a bright and solid future.”
Fisher has successfully negotiated numerous economic and development agreements resulting in strong business opportunities, and continually worked to enhance the quality of life within his communities while also providing a strong, reliable revenue source for the cities’ budgets.
During his time in Levelland, Fisher has proven himself in the areas of strategic planning and visioning, leading by empowerment, decisive management, team building and servant leadership. By promoting a focus on “continuous improvement”, he has supported his employees in reaching beyond their potential to achieve results, both professional and personal. This encompassed professional promotions, college degrees, certifications, and strengthening of their workplace and personal relationships.
A past recipient of the Texas City Management Association (TCMA) Administrator of the Year Award, Fisher’s career has been complemented with a Master of Public Affairs (MPA) from UT Dallas, a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) from West Texas State, and graduation as a Certified Public Manager and ICMA Senior Executive.
Fisher said as he begins the next chapter of his life, he looks forward to spending time his wife and children, as well as being a full-time “Paw Paw” to his grandchildren.