Ben Thatcher
City Manager, City of Boerne
My career highlights and education: Growing up in a city management family, I’ve dedicated over 23 years to local government. I’m currently the city manager of Boerne, Texas—guiding a 23,000-resident community with a $141 million budget. I hold an MPA from the University of North Texas and a BA from the University of Utah.
What I like best about public service: I love playing a key role in building quality of life for a community that might not see all the behind‐the-scenes work—but that work profoundly impacts residents’ personal and family lives. Solving big problems is like piecing together an intricate puzzle. I’m also enthusiastic about uplifting our profession by inspiring others to join this noble pursuit.
Best advice I’ve ever received: A long-time mentor once said, “Swim to where you want to go instead of letting the current drift you.” This advice reminds me to set clear goals, plan strategically, and act deliberately and intentionally—principles that drive strong outcomes.
Something I wish more people knew about the division of government I serve: City managers sometimes imagine themselves as elegant conductors, orchestrating a flawless symphony. In reality, running a city is more like being a circus ringmaster—juggling chaos and risk every day. By empowering and trusting my team, we ensure we deliver the vital services the Boerne community truly relies on.
A current project or initiative I’m working on: I’m excited about how AI can transform local government—streamlining operations, cutting waste and boosting decision-making. It gives us more capacity and capability than ever before, opening an incredibly exciting horizon. I’m challenging my team to be creative and innovative in this space, and not to shy away from opportunities even when uncertainty looms.
One thing outside of government service people may not know about me: I’m a passionate baseball and football fan who loves live sporting events. I also coach youth sports with my four boys, volunteer with my church and support school initiatives—always striving to build something great both professionally and personally.
