The Allen City Council voted Tuesday to hire Eric Ellwanger as city manager.
Ellwanger, 43, has been acting city manager since May 1, when City Manager Peter Vargas stepped down after 20 years at the city's helm.
Ellwanger was hired as assistant to the city manager in 2012 and was promoted to assistant city manager two years later. He previously held local government positions in Plano and Colleyville.
"As council considered the recipe of a great leader, it became clear that Eric has all the ingredients," Allen Mayor Stephen Terrell said in a written statement. "He is extremely patient. He doesn't make rash decisions. He has a lot of support from city staff. He is ingrained in the Allen community and is extremely familiar with Texas laws. And, perhaps most importantly, he is truly committed to Allen."
Vargas helped lead the city through major growth and development after coming to Allen in 1999. He was previously the city manager in Laredo. In a recent AllenCityTV interview, Vargas said the area's projected growth attracted him to the town.
The council was "aware that growth was coming," he said. "They wanted someone who could manage the growth, rather than the growth managing them."
As the region continues to develop, Ellwanger said he plans to keep Allen on the same course.
"I firmly believe this city is on the proper path," Ellwanger said in a written statement. "I intend to continue to guide it in a similar direction with confidence and integrity."
