The Islander: City Manager Randy Smith
(Pictured: Randy Smith, FBI National Academy 2006 Class 224th)
Rich in family history, City Manager Randy Smith, is originally from Houston, Texas, as his family roots date back to when Houston was named Harrisburg. "My daughters are the seventh generation Houstonians in my family," said Smith. "My great-great-grandfather, Daniel C. Smith (pictured, below) was Houston's Mayor from 1886–1890, and many of my relatives played a variety of landmark roles in Houston throughout the decades."
Smith, who says he's always been drawn to the coast, accepted the Police Chief position at Surfside Beach next to Galveston before being offered the same job at South Padre Island in 2010. "Both of my grandparents had vacation beach homes, so most of my adolescence summers were spent on the coast. From day one, I have felt at home in SPI. I enjoy the atmosphere, work-life, and the citizens."
As soon as Smith graduated high school in 1980, his natural pathway was into public service working for the City of Houston as a court clerk at the city's jail docket court. "I always felt like public service was in my blood." Soon, he attended the police academy, working his way to several Houston agencies such as patrol, juvenile, and mental health division on a specialized county-wide crisis intervention response team.
(Pictured, Smith during the '80s)
In January of 2019, the City of South Padre Island appointed the (then) Police Chief Smith as a full-time City Manager, "I have 40-years of related service, a master's degree in management, and have been in a supervisory role for 30-years. I believe in leading from the front, not ever asking anyone to do a task that you yourself wouldn't do and/or haven't done," said Smith.
Over the years, Smith has been a community team player by joining several boards, committees, and associations. Currently, he's a part of the SPI Chamber of Commerce and a part of the Chapel by the Sea committee.
As City Manager, Smith explained that he believes the need for balance between established years of related service, formal education, and proven leadership is important to keep municipal government management successful.
During his time as City Manager, he's been deeply involved with several key city initiatives like "the completion and grand opening of the Multi-Modal Center, the median and sidewalk project, the wind and water sports site, the Convention Center expansion planning, Laguna Blvd improvement planning, the new Marisol public boat ramp and day parking, and the completion of John L Tomkins Skate Park."
He looks forward to new and ongoing projects such as the Historical Museum, and environmental study related to the 2ndcauseway project. “Also, the evaluation for possibilities such as a major Aquarium project, iconic LED lighting of the causeway, a deep-water marina, and additional parking," revealed Smith.
In his free time, he appreciates the outdoors. “I’ve always enjoyed outdoor activates, particularly fishing. Being out of the water, bay or offshore is the ultimate for me.” Smith enjoys island restaurants as well and mentioned missing his dining experience at Ted’s Restaurant which recently was forced to close in December of 2020. “It is hard to say I have a favorite as I enjoy them all. Although I’m not a big breakfast person, whenever I would eat breakfast, I enjoyed Ted’s, which will be missed. I also really like the buffet and ambiance that Windjammers at Isla Grand and Las Olas at the Peninsula have to offer. The Island offers many unique dining experiences and provides a great backdrop to any meeting one may have. I’ve had business lunches at almost every location on the island and have enjoyed each experience.”
When holidays roll in, Smith looks forward to his daughters, and his three grandchildren. "I enjoy spending holidays with my daughters, now all adults, and my three grandchildren whenever possible."
(Pictured: Smith in his SPI uniform during the 2010s)
"My ultimate objective as city manager is to strive every day to do the best that an organization can, creating a helpful atmosphere. Where citizens and visitors feel comfortable reaching out and are confident, they will receive fast, friendly responses to their induvial needs, and where employees take pride in their work and feel that they are contributing to the overall goals."
–City Manager, Randy Smith
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Island Matters | P.O. Box 2778 | South Padre Island, TX 78597
