Celebrating Women's History Month: Spotlight on Assistant City Manager Rebecca Vice

In honor of Women's History Month, we are delighted to spotlight Assistant City Manager Rebecca Vice, one of the remarkable women making waves in our community. As a pivotal figure in our administration, Rebecca brings expertise, dedication, and a pioneering spirit to her role. Her journey in public service is a testament to her individual accomplishments and the power of women's leadership in shaping our cities and communities. Check out our Q&A with Rebecca as we delve into her experiences and insights.

Please tell us your name, role, and how long you have worked for the city.?

I am Rebecca Vice, Assistant City Manager. I joined the City of Allen in early 2013.

Can you share some key moments in your career journey that have led you to your current position??

Growing up in a small town and being raised in a family of public servants, having a career in public service always felt inevitable and informed my academic and, later, my professional pursuits. Some pivotal moments included a successful proposal for an outdoor classroom and cleanup effort to my local school board and administration, seeing the Twin Towers fall from my college classroom and quickly changing my major from Mass Communications to Political Science, and begrudgingly agreeing to attend a presentation at UT-Arlington on the Master of Educational Leadership program (I was a public school teacher at that point) only to accidentally enter the wrong room and hear an overview of what would later become my next degree – a Master of Public Administration. Meeting my future friend and mentor, Shelli Siemer, at a professional networking event was another key moment. Working in this field has always made sense to me, and I have been so incredibly blessed to continue my professional growth in city management from within this organization.?

Have you encountered any specific challenges or obstacles as a woman in your field, and how have you navigated them??

Absolutely. What I realized pretty quickly is the value of a strong organizational culture, and that starts at the top. If the leader of an organization has high behavioral expectations for everyone on the team, then that is a team I want to be a part of and help lead, too. If I feel safe and valued, I know I can thrive and help others do so as well.

Can you discuss a project or accomplishment you're particularly proud of and how it reflects your contributions to the organization??

In my current role, I provide guidance and encouragement, find the resources, or remove barriers so others can achieve those accomplishments. I am particularly proud of a few special projects working alongside community members, including successful GO Bond programs and various Ad Hoc Committees (the Heritage Village has come a long way!) I love mentoring, and I am really fulfilled when I see someone I have coached or hired do well for the City of Allen. But more than anything, I am really proud of the City of Allen team and how we have responded to some incredible challenges over the years.

What is your philosophy around Leadership??

I subscribe to Servant Leadership. I enjoy seeing those in my stead thrive, achieve their goals, build confidence in their decisions, and learn from their mistakes. I hope others see me as supportive, and I strive to check my ego at the door every day. If I am successful, I have left someone or something better than I found it.

What is your favorite part of working at the City of Allen??

The people – the people who work here and the people who live here.?

What does Women's History Month mean to you??

This month offers a time to reflect on the contributions women have made to our society in the past (that we probably didn't read about in our school history textbook) while appreciating the rich perspectives women offer today and empowering the women (especially the little ones) in our lives to keep?leaning in. Raising a daughter really drives this home for me.?

What advice would you give to other women aspiring to similar roles??

I would give anyone interested in a similar role the same advice:

• Surround yourself with positive role models.
• Remain open to learning new information or ways of doing things.
• Stay true to yourself.

That requires knowing yourself, so do the work. Commit yourself to non-negotiable values, and work and live according to those values.

Best advice you have ever been given??

You can probably have it all, just not all at once.