Leader Spotlight: Opal Mauldin-Jones – A Champion for Service and Resilience in Lancaster, Texas

When you meet Opal Mauldin-Jones, it doesn’t take long to understand why she has become such a respected figure in local government. Her approach to leadership is marked by a unique blend of humility, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to her community. As the City Manager of Lancaster, Texas, and the first African American female President of the Texas City Management Association (TCMA), Opal’s career is a powerful example of resilience, service, and breaking barriers.

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A Journey Rooted in Service

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Opal’s path to public service began with a foundation built on faith, family, and a calling to serve others. Growing up with her grandfather, a Baptist minister, she was surrounded by the values of compassion and service from an early age. This upbringing instilled in her a commitment to helping others—a value that has been central throughout her career.

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Her professional journey started in 1993 as a staff member for U.S. House Representative Eddie Bernice Johnson and continued with Representative Bob Filner. In 2003, Opal joined the City of Lancaster as a Community Relations Coordinator and Public Information Officer. By 2011, she was named City Manager, leading her community through periods of both challenge and growth.

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Professional Connections and Shared Experiences

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I first met Opal early in my career through North Texas City Management Association (NTCMA) meetings. Our paths truly crossed when we served together on the ICMA Conference Planning Committee in 2008 for the 2009 conference in Montreal, Canada. Planning that event was both memorable and filled with challenges—particularly as the Great Recession led to budget cuts that affected municipal travel and conference attendance. Many of you might recall the uncertainty around this conference, but ICMA pivoted to offer a virtual attendance option that year.

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Stepping Into Leadership with Grit and Grace

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Opal’s early tenure as City Manager wasn’t without its trials. Lancaster, like many communities, faced fiscal constraints in the aftermath of the Great Recession. Employees had endured salary reductions, and city services were strained. Opal had to make difficult, often unpopular, decisions to stabilize Lancaster’s finances and move the city forward.

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“It was a time that required factual information, clear communication, and tough choices,” she recalls. But it was also a period of immense personal growth. “Leadership isn’t a popularity contest,” she adds. “I had to be okay with standing alone if it meant doing what was right.”

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Resilience in the Face of Adversity

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Resilience has become a cornerstone of Opal’s leadership style. Lancaster has faced its share of challenges, from fiscal crises to natural disasters. Her first year as City Manager was marked by an F2 tornado that left a path of destruction but, fortunately, no loss of life. “Motivation comes from being present and ensuring my team has what they need,” Opal reflects. Her focus on clear communication and empowerment helped her team navigate those difficult times with confidence.

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Handling public scrutiny and criticism is another area where Opal’s resilience shines. “I tend to internalize criticism,” she admits, “but I try to find anything in the negativity that can make me better.” Her empathetic approach has allowed her to address issues with grace and grow as a leader. “You can’t take it personally,” she emphasizes. “The goal is to serve and improve.”

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A Mentor and Advocate

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Mentorship is more than just an action for Opal—it’s a calling. “Paying it forward is a must,” she says. Having benefited from the guidance of influential mentors like the late Julie Robinson, who shared her wisdom and insight, and retired City Manager Jim Landon, who gave her opportunities and support early in her career, Opal has made it a point to offer the same to others. “I learn from those I mentor as well,” she notes. “If I’m to continue growing, there is always something to learn from every encounter.”

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Her commitment to supporting emerging leaders extends beyond her city limits, evident in her active participation in professional organizations and dedication to fostering connections among peers.

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A Legacy of Empathy and Service

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Opal’s career is built on a foundation of empathy, a quality she considers essential for effective leadership. “Empathy is the seasoning to the main course of public service,” she says. Whether engaging with Lancaster’s diverse community or listening to her team, Opal believes that understanding others’ perspectives is key to serving well. “I want everyone I encounter to feel heard, seen, and with an expectation of a response,” she explains.

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For Opal, public service is a calling, one that demands resilience, a love for people, and an unwavering commitment to doing what’s right. Her influence reaches beyond the City of Lancaster and into the larger public service community, where her leadership and example continue to inspire.

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Conclusion

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Opal Mauldin-Jones’ story is one of purpose, resilience, and the unyielding belief that public service is about more than policy—it’s about people. Whether she’s leading her team through a crisis, strategizing for the future, or mentoring the next generation of public servants, Opal’s leadership leaves a lasting impact. Thank you, Opal, for your dedication and for showing us that true leadership is about service, empathy, and making a positive difference.

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