Shain Hunn is the Director of Organizational Leadership, he oversees the "Life Connected" Program and most importantly, he has taken on his latest role as a newlywed. We caught up with him and his wife Marquin over coffee in the courtyard of Annie Jack.
Your history with Celina runs deep, how long have you lived here?
I have lived in Celina since 1970, my family goes back 3 generations! My father graduated from Celina in 1947.
Tell us about your role with the city.
My role in Celina initially began as the Assistant Fire Chief where I worked for 5 years. During my time in the fire department, I was asked to provide leadership training for city staff. Jason Laumer, our City Manager, knew I had a passion for leadership, more specifically “Servant Leadership” and asked if I could provide the training. After several discussions it was decided that I would begin with our City Core Values: Excellence, Community, Integrity and Service and follow with an in-depth study of the “Servant Leadership” model. The training was well-received by City employees and momentum began as this continued for well over a year. The moment came when I was approached about focusing all my efforts towards leadership training and I accepted the position of Director of Organizational Leadership. My role is focused on employee development with an emphasis on leadership. The training is provided for all city employees giving each one the opportunity to learn best practices resulting in employee retention, great customer service and ethical leadership. Classes are held for upper management, emerging leaders as well as a formal leadership Academy requiring 9 months of participation ending with a group project. In addition, I oversee the City’s “Life Connected” program which focuses on employee engagement, volunteerism and connecting with HOA’s providing helpful information in various workshops. We have had great success with the “Life Connected” program, the program manager, Jade Mizzell, does a tremendous job and is such a servant leader for our wonderful community.
What is something you would tell a new resident about our community?
Plain and Simple – you have just moved to the greatest community in the world! Celina has always been a special place and that is due to the people that call Celina home. The people of Celina, past and present embrace a culture that is friendly and inviting to all they encounter.
You’ve had an exciting year, update us on your personal life.
Wow, what a year this has been! Aside from my busy work life, my personal life recently took a turn and that would be a turn in the right direction! About a year and a half ago I reconnected with my high school girlfriend and we were married July 16th at our favorite place to be, the Ft. Worth Stockyards! My wife’s name is Marquin and she too spent her younger years attending school and playing sports in Celina. Marquin’s father was the football and track coach while her mother was an English teacher. Back then, Marquin and I were more friends than anything else and I have recently learned just how important that is in a relationship. Marquin is truly my best friend, I adore her, the relationship, and the love we share. If you haven’t met Marquin, you have missed out. She is by far the better half when it comes to us as a couple. You know… sometimes people don’t know what great looks like till they find it.
This month’s issue is about Giving Thanks. What are you most thankful for?
I have so much to be thankful for, my family would be at the top of the list, truly a blessing to me in so many ways.
Describe Celina in three words.
Wholesome, Inviting, Special