Mesquite, TX – January 25, 2021 – T
The Mesquite City Council unanimously appointed Yolanda Shepard on Jan. 19 to the City of Mesquite’s Civil Service Commission and Personnel/Trial Board, making her the first African American female resident to serve on the volunteer board. Shepard was sworn-in during a brief ceremony at the office of Mayor Bruce Archer on Jan. 25.
Mayor Archer said, “On behalf of the entire Mesquite City Council we are excited to make this announcement of Yolanda Shepard’s appointment to the Civil Service Commission and Personnel/Trial Board. Yolanda is exactly the type of resident we need serving on our boards. She has lived in Mesquite for 27 years, has raised a family here and is a long time community volunteer. And, she has displayed a genuine interest in making our community better through her service on the Rugel crime watch group and other volunteer roles within our community.” Mayor Archer shared the City Council thinks very highly of Yolanda and her character will play a vital role in the sensitive matters the board discusses.
The Civil Service Commission and Personnel/Trial Board is a three-member commission which provides for the administration of the City’s Civil Service Program. This program includes the City’s Personnel/Trial Board for the appeals of personnel matters of general government employees in addition to the Mesquite Firefighters’ and Police Officers’ Civil Service Commission for various personnel matters involving public safety employees.
Shepard previously served on the City’s Planning and Zoning Commission, Capital Improvements Advisory Committee and Charter Review Committee. She has volunteered for the Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, the Mesquite Heart Board and MISD’s Read Play Talk program.
Mayor Archer said, “Today, we made history. It is significant, as we set another benchmark towards expanding unity within our community. We will continue to encourage talented individuals from diverse backgrounds to serve on the City’s volunteer boards and commissions.”
