Mr. Douglas E. Finch, MPA
Douglas Finch, a seasoned leader in municipal management, currently serves as the City Manager of Duncanville, Texas. With over two decades of rich experience in state and local government, Douglas brings a wealth of knowledge and a proven track record of successful community development and strategic planning.
Background and Education:
Douglas’s academic journey is marked by a steadfast commitment to learning and development. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Marketing and a Master’s in Public Administration. His passion for higher education continues, and he is currently serving as a remote adjunct professor of Business and Leadership Development for Southern New Hampshire University. This blend of business acumen and public sector knowledge has been fundamental to his approach to municipal management.
Family and Causes:
Douglas is married to wife Fabiola, a native of Juarez, Mexico. The couple has two daughters and a son-in-law. Douglas and Fabiola have traveled extensively, including throughout Mexico, where Fabiola has broadened Douglas’ exposure to the Hispanic culture and the pride of the Mexican people. Douglas strongly advocates diversity, equity, and inclusion and very much enjoys the arts, music, travel, and exploring new food and cultures. Douglas’ favorite abbreviated quote is from Mark Twain, “…travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness…”
Career Journey:
Douglas’s career began with entrepreneurial ventures, including owning a small music store and an ice cream shop. His flair for public relations and community engagement led him to a significant role as a program director and on-air personality in the radio industry. These early experiences sharpened his skills in public communication and community outreach.
Transitioning to government service, Douglas served as the Chief of Staff for the New York State Assembly Minority Leader, where he honed his skills in policy development and legislative processes. His career path continued in local government, serving as the town manager for Canandaigua, NY. As Canandaigua’s town manager, Douglas was instrumental in transforming the community through strategic financial planning and infrastructure development and implementing innovative projects like constructing a universally accessible playground. During his tenure in Canandaigua, the community welcomed over 60 new businesses and grew from a community asset valuation of $900M to over $2.6B over his ten years of leadership.
Role as City Manager of Duncanville:
As Duncanville’s City Manager, Douglas oversees the city’s day-to-day operations. He works closely with the Mayor, City Council, and various departments to ensure the efficient and effective delivery of city services. His role involves strategic planning, budget management, and fostering economic development to enhance the quality of life for Duncanville’s residents. He is responsible for implementing policies set by the City Council and ensuring public service delivery aligns with the community’s needs and expectations.
Leadership Style:
Known for his collaborative leadership style, Douglas emphasizes teamwork, transparency, and inclusivity. He values open communication and believes in building solid relationships within the community and among city staff. Douglas believes in the power of community engagement and maintains an open-door policy, ensuring that the voices of Duncanville’s residents are heard and valued.
Vision for Duncanville:
Douglas’s vision for Duncanville is to foster a vibrant, inclusive, and economically thriving community, enhancing the quality of life for all Duncanville residents. He is committed to leveraging his extensive experience to address the unique challenges and opportunities of the city, promoting sustainable growth, fostering economic development, maintaining fiscal responsibility, and enhancing the lives of its citizens.
Douglas Finch’s leadership as the City Manager is characterized by a blend of strategic foresight, operational excellence, and a deep-seated commitment to public service.