GUN BARREL CITY–The City of Gun Barrel City announces that City Manager Angela Smith, Ph.D., has submitted her resignation, effective July 1.
Dr. Smith has served as city manager since 2023 and informed mayor and city council that her decision was made in order to be closer to family.
"It has been my honor to serve the City of Gun Barrel City and its residents," said Smith. "This has been a very difficult decision for me, but it is time to be closer to my family."
During her tenure, the city achieved significant milestones, including strengthening its financial position, advancing updates to city ordinances, opening the new Community Center, and continuing efforts to enhance services and quality of life for residents.
Mayor Brian Crull and city council expressed their appreciation for Dr. Smith's leadership and service to the community.
The mayor said, “We are extremely sad and happy at the same time knowing we are about to lose Dr. Smith as our city manager. She has been a leader of epic proportions and a great mentor and teacher of staff, and all those in the surrounding communities. Her help with the mayor’s coalitions as well as other outside communities has been greatly appreciated and will sorely be missed. I have said before, and I’ll say it again, she is a great leader, mentor, and an even better friend. We will miss her and her family, and send her all of God’s blessings for the future.” 
Dr. Smith also recognized the dedication of city employees, thanking staff members for their commitment to serving the community and supporting the city's vision for the future.
The city says the council will discuss next steps to contract with an outside management firm to place an interim city manager before Smith's final day. The city also stated additional information will be shared as it becomes available.