“My long-term goal has been to be a City Administrator or City Manager because I enjoy being a public servant,” explains City of Fairfield’s new City Administrator, Nathaniel (Nate) Smith.
Beginning his new position on Monday, January 7, 2019, Smith comes to Fairfield from the City of Palestine where he served the past three years as Assistant to the City Administrator and Communication & Best Practices Officer.
While at the City of Palestine, Smith was responsible for maintaining the City’s website and social media platforms, updating employee policies, assisting with budgets, and working with the Public Works, Tourism, and Economic departments.
One project that he is especially proud of is the abatement and demolishing of the asbestos infested Old Memorial Hospital, expected to be completed by the end of this month. Smith says that he was happy to help solve this problem, an eyesore that the neighboring residents have had to look at for the past twenty years.
“I have great experience and learning to bring here to Fairfield, and I’m ready to implement those skills for the betterment of the City,” says Smith.
During his first week on the job, Smith was introduced to City personnel during a meet and greet held on Tuesday, January 8th.
“This is a group of highly motivated, loyal, and dedicated employees,” explains Smith. “I can’t wait to work with them and get to know them better.”
He’s also had the pleasure of meeting many City residents; and has been brought up to speed on all the different City projects.
“After meeting so many people, the one thing that has resonated is that they all have what’s best for Fairfield at heart,” says Smith.
Coming to Fairfield during a time of transition – a new mayor, change of council members, and a civil case with the City of Teague, – Smith wants to make sure that employees and residents know that his door will always be open and that everyone will have a chance to be heard.
“I want the residents to know that they are welcome and encouraged to come and talk to me about what they want to see in Fairfield, or about any issues or complaints they may have,” explains Smith.
“There are several things that need to be worked on, tweaked if you will, but they won’t all happen overnight,” says Smith. “What you will see is a very dedicated and responsive staff that will work hard to make those changes why adhering to City policies and ordinances, and State laws.”
Smith explains that his three most important and immediate goals are: start working to make needed changes, getting to know residents and get a feel for what they need and want, and ensuring that tax payer funds are spent in a transparent and fiscally sound manner.
Originally from Indiana, Smith and his family moved to Texas in 2014 while he was working as a reporter and editor for newspapers. The move was prompted by a job offer to serve as editor for the Palestine Herald Press.
“I wasn’t born in Texas, but I got here as fast as I could. We love it here,” he exclaims.
Smith has a Bachelors Degree in Journalism and English from the University of Southern Indiana.
He spent four years in South Korea as an English Teacher before returning to Indiana to work as a journalist.
Eleven years ago, he married his wife Allison, and together they have 11-year old Colin and 7-year-old Cooper. Allison works for State Farm in Palestine.
In addition to working more than forty hours per week to get up to speed, being a full-time father and husband, Smith is currently studying to earn a Masters Degree in Public Administration from Stephen F. Austin.
“I’ve spent time covering and being involved in the public sector; and now I have reached my goal of being a public servant,” Smith says with a smile.
When in town, be sure to stop by City Hall to welcome Nate to the community!
