Two business professionals joined the Frisco city staff as assistant city managers this summer: Rob Millar and E.A. Hoppe.
Wes Pierson, Frisco city manager, says he selected Rob and E.A. from a pool of eight finalists, including three internal candidates. Henry Hill, deputy city manager, and Ben Brezina, assistant city manager, comprise the rest of Wes' team.
“Because Frisco is such a dynamic, fast-growing community, we want to be well positioned to balance our continued pace of development with preparing for the future,” says Wes.
“We’re fortunate the new positions drew so many impressive, qualified candidates, including three internal applicants. I believe Rob and E.A. will bring additional skills and experience complimentary to our leadership team and will help us continue our ‘Progress in Motion.’”
Rob Millar Background
Rob has more than 30 years of government experience. He comes to Frisco from Scottsdale, Arizona, where he held various positions, beginning as a neighborhood liaison, citizen liaison and chief of staff for the mayor there. Most recently, he served as the director of economic development for the city of Scottsdale. In that role, he helped acquire and retain more than 12,000 new jobs that resulted in a $40 billion, five-year total impact.
He also says he helped generate $350 million in new capital investment for Scottsdale and developed a five-year strategic plan.
“I am sincerely humbled and honored to have been selected to serve as one of Frisco’s newest assistant city managers,” Rob says. “Frisco’s reputation in providing unparalleled service to the community is well known, and drew me to the exciting opportunity to be part of its future.”
Rob holds certifications from the International Economic Development Council (certified economic developer, CEcD) and the International Association for Public Participation (IAP2). He has a bachelor's degree in public administration from Ottawa University.
E.A. Hoppe Background
E.A. has more than 18 years of government experience. He began his career as a management analyst in Richardson, Texas, and served there for more than nine years in various leadership positions. He also was a city manager in Bulverde, Texas, for four years. In Kerrville, Texas, he served as a deputy city manager for nearly five years before being appointed as city manager, a position he has held since 2021.
As Kerrville’s city manager, E.A. says he negotiated numerous economic development grants and helped create the city’s first Tax Increment Finance Zone. He adds that he worked to overhaul the zoning code and implemented numerous long range planning efforts for housing, water supply and infrastructure. During his seven years in Kerrville, he helped deliver more than $100 million in infrastructure improvements.
He also initiated several programs to enhance Kerrville downtown revitalization.
E.A. says, "I’m excited and honored to join the Frisco team. Frisco has built tremendous momentum, and I look forward to helping progress the community’s priorities and vision for the future.”
He holds a master's degree in public administration from University of North Texas and a bachelor's degree from Austin College.
Recruiting for the two, new assistant city manager positions began during this February. The positions drew 136 applicants from across the United States. Frisco city spokespersons indicate the candidate pool was narrowed to 20. Ultimately, eight finalists were chosen. Those finalists met with city department directors, toured the city and met with an internal, six-member panel consisting of city managers and staff.
Wes says the city team is still working on their new organizational structure. “I’m confident Rob and E.A. will be valuable additions to an already great executive team. Our goal is to provide excellent city services, programs and special events to our residents, businesses and visitors. I’m confident this is the best team to build upon our strong foundation in anticipation of preparing for the future."
When businesses start or relocate their operations in Frisco, they are surrounded by industry and business leaders, such as the Dallas Cowboys, PGA of America, Keurig Dr Pepper, Addus Homecare, Careington International, Code Authority, the National Breast Cancer Foundation, FA Peinado, T-Mobile and Transplace.
In addition, Frisco is an established national leader of successful and effective public private partnerships. One of Frisco's most well-known and admired public private partnerships is The Star in Frisco. These public-private partnerships fueled Frisco’s economic engine and contributed to the city’s global opportunities that existing companies experience from being located in the 'Emerson railroad watering stop turned popular Sports City, USA's thriving municipality.
"As a business magnet, Frisco is one of the most desirable U.S. locations to live, work, play, educate and innovate. With no state income tax, available land, educated workforce and pro-business environment, Frisco is perceived as an exceptional location for corporate and regional headquarters, innovators, tech hubs, start-ups and entrepreneurs."
