by
By Rita Cook
Correspondent
I Messenger
SEAGOVILLE – June 23, 2025, was the first day Dallas native Carey D. Neal, Jr. stepped into his lead role in Seagoville.
Neal was hired as the new City Manager.
While this is his first official “City Manager” position, he is no stranger to the title or the substantial responsibilities that come with the role.
Neal spent six years with the City of Lancaster, serving in various leadership roles that included Deputy City Manager beginning in 2023 and his role prior to that as Lancaster’s Assistant City Manager beginning in 2021.
“I am deeply grateful for the experiences and mentorship I gained during that time,” Neal said of what he gleaned from his jobs in Lancaster. “It was an outstanding place to grow professionally.”
Neal acknowledges Seagoville is a different environment, and he is eager for the new challenges and opportunities.
“Each community is unique in its needs, history, and opportunities,” he explained.
“Lancaster is a dynamic city that provided me with a strong foundation in municipal leadership — from budget planning to strategic initiatives and community development. Seagoville, while distinct in its character and scale, is similarly positioned for thoughtful growth.”
Neal said he looks forward to bringing the lessons he learned in Lancaster- particularly around cross-department collaboration, infrastructure planning,
and community engagement — to help guide Seagoville into its next phase.
“The experiences are highly transferable, but I’m also entering Seagoville with humility, ready to listen, learn, and adapt to its specific priorities,” he added.
A few of the differences Neal will consider is the fact Seagoville is a rural-suburban atmosphere with a population of roughly 20,000 as compared to Lancaster with roughly 40,000 residents.
Neal added that Seagoville has a strong sense of small-town community pride “being “A city that feels close-knit and welcoming. Lancaster, on the other hand, operates in a more urban context with a faster-paced infrastructure and policy environment.”
To that end he pointed out both communities are deeply committed to progress and resident well-being, “and I’ve enjoyed the contrast in culture and scale – each offers valuable insights into how to approach leadership effectively,” he added.
Of course, change and growth comes with challenges and Neal said he believes the biggest challenge and opportunity – will come with managing the city’s growth.
“Seagoville has significant potential, but that growth must be guided with care, strategic vision, and community input.”
He said he believes another challenge will be ensuring infrastructure keeps pace with development, while at the same time maintaining financial responsibility and long-term sustainability.
“Balancing operational priorities, regional partnerships, and resident expectations is complex, but it’s also what makes this work meaningful,” he stated. “Seagoville has strong bones, committed public servants, a rich natural environment, proximity to Dallas, and a population that takes pride in where they live. There’s already a lot to build on here. By aligning economic development with community values and enhancing public infrastructure, Seagoville is well-positioned to expand opportunities for families and businesses alike.”
Neal decided Seagoville was a good fit for him because he believed “The alignment of values really stood out. Seagoville’s leadership shares a deep commitment to thoughtful planning, integrity, and fostering a community where people feel seen and heard.”
It also presented the right balance of challenge and purpose an opportunity to lead with impact, while continuing to grow as a public servant, bringing the lessons he learned while with Lancaster along as well.
Neal’s former boss, Lancaster City Manager Opal Mauldin-Jones expressed she is happy about Neal’s new position.
“Carey began with me as Assistant to the City Manager and progressed to Deputy City Manager,” she said of her former right-hand man. “I am proud of him and grateful for his dedicated service to Lancaster. Seagoville is fortunate to have a dedicated committed individual such as Carey.”
Moving into his fourth week Neal said so far the new position has been “fast-paced and fulfilling. I’ve been warmly welcomed by staff, residents, and the Council, which affirms my belief that Seagoville is where I’m meant to be.”
He said too, one of his biggest surprises has been “How quickly people have opened their doors and hearts to me. That says a lot about this fantastic community.”
For the future, his goals are to not only ensure Seagoville continues to be a city on the move, but with both feet firmly planted in its values.” “In the years ahead, you can expect a focus on transparent governance, community partnerships, and investment in infrastructure that supports our long-term vision,” he concludes. “We’re not chasing growth for growth’s sake — we’re cultivating a future that honors the people who live here today and welcomes those who will call Seagoville home tomorrow.”
Neal holds a Master of Public Administration from American Public University, a Bachelor of Science from the University of Texas at Arlington and he is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Public Policy.
Rita Cook is a world traveler and writer/editor who specializes in writing on travel, auto, crime and politics. A correspondent for Texas Metro News, she has published 11 books and has also produced low-budget films.
