MANSFIELD, TX, November 12, 2026 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Troy M. Lestina has been recognized for achievement in public sector government administration and finance.

Mr. Lestina's professional journey in public sector government administration and finance has been marked by a steady progression through increasingly responsible roles, each contributing to the growth and transformation of Mansfield, Texas. Since March 2023, Mr. Lestina has served as the Deputy City Manager for the City of Mansfield, while concurrently holding the position of Chief Financial Officer, a role he assumed in 2021.

As a member of the management team, Mr. Lestina guides the organization, clears roadblocks for staff, supervises direct-report employees and supports staff in addressing matters involving council members, citizens and regulatory agencies. His leadership is instrumental in advancing the city's growth and prosperity, particularly as Mansfield has evolved from a small town into a thriving first-ring suburb on the southern edge of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. The city's population has grown from approximately 30,000 to nearly 92,000 during his tenure, and Mr. Lestina regards his involvement in this transformation as a significant source of pride for the entire management team.

Before his current appointments, Mr. Lestina was the Director of Finance for the City of Mansfield from 2020 to 2021. In this capacity, he managed financial operations and contributed to the city's continued development. Before returning to Mansfield, Mr. Lestina served as the Director of Finance for the City of Cleburne, Texas, from 2019 to 2020, where he honed his expertise in municipal finance. Earlier, he spent over a decade between 2007 and 2019 as an Assistant Business Director for the City of Mansfield. During this period, he played a key role in supporting financial planning and administration as the city experienced rapid expansion.

Earlier in his career, Mr. Lestina worked in the private sector as a senior staff accountant at Trinity Industries in Dallas from 2003 to 2007, following the same position at Trammell Crow Company in Dallas between 1999 and 2003. These positions provided him with valuable experience in corporate accounting before transitioning to municipal government service.

Mr. Lestina's educational background laid a strong foundation for his achievements in public service and finance. He earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in accounting from Texas State University in 1993. Committed to ongoing professional development, Mr. Lestina completed the Texas Certified Public Manager program at Texas State University in 2023 and, that same year, graduated from the International City/County Management Association High Performance Leadership Academy. These credentials have equipped him with advanced skills in leadership and management that have proven essential throughout his career.

Throughout his career with the City of Mansfield, Mr. Lestina has also held responsibilities as the treasurer for both the Mansfield Economic Development Corporation and the Mansfield Parks Facility Development Corporation, positions authorized by statute and approved by voters. Additionally, he is an active member of several professional organizations, including the Texas City Managers Association and the International City Managers Association, both of which share a code of ethics that informs his decision-making, as well as the Government Finance Officers Association.

In addition to his professional accomplishments, Mr. Lestina is dedicated to civic engagement and mentorship. He has volunteered extensively through Partners in Education as a mentor within local schools, working closely with boys at various grade levels over several years. He has also mentored youth through Big Brothers Big Sisters and served as a church mentor leading confirmation classes and Bible studies for children.

Recognition for Mr. Lestina's contributions has included being named one of Government Review's Top 10 Deputy City Managers for 2026, an honor reflecting both peer nomination and industry acknowledgment. He was also recognized when he received Mentor of the Year honors from the school district's Partners in Education program.

Mr. Lestina credits much of his success to exceptional coworkers and teammates who have contributed to Mansfield's collaborative culture. Early in his career, he believed individual effort drove results. Over time, Mr. Lestina came to appreciate that progress depends on collective action and mutual support within an organization. The emphasis on hiring individuals who fit well with Mansfield's family-oriented culture has further helped maintain cohesion even as the city has grown to more than 600 employees.

Looking ahead, Mr. Lestina intends to continue building upon Mansfield's success by supporting its ongoing growth and ensuring it remains responsive to citizens' needs while navigating future challenges presented by legislative changes or shifting community priorities. He is committed to providing resources that enable staff to deliver award-winning services, such as those recognized in Mansfield's park system, while honoring the legacy established by previous leaders who laid the foundation for today's achievements.

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