The City of Amarillo has announced that Assistant City Manager and Chief Technology Officer Rich Gagnon will resign from his position, with his departure taking effect on July 22.
Gagnon has served in several leadership roles since joining the city in 2016, including director of information technology, managing director, chief information officer, and most recently assistant city manager and chief technology officer. During his tenure, he oversaw a broad portfolio of city departments and initiatives while helping modernize Amarillo's technology infrastructure and public services.
City Manager Grayson Path credited Gagnon with playing a key role in transforming the city's technological capabilities over the past decade.
“Over the past decade, Rich Gagnon has played a vital role in advancing the technological and communication capabilities of the city for the betterment of citizens and the community,” Path said. “The progress the city has made under Rich’s leadership and guidance has been immeasurable, and he has vastly improved the city’s ability to serve residents.”
In his current role, Gagnon has been responsible for overseeing a diverse range of departments, including Information Technology, the Amarillo Public Library, the Office of Engagement and Innovation, the Amarillo Civic Center, Rick Husband Amarillo International Airport, Amarillo Public Health, Women, Infants and Children (WIC), Amarillo City Transit, Community Development, and Environmental Health.
Among his most notable accomplishments was leading citywide efforts to strengthen infrastructure and cybersecurity while expanding broadband access throughout Amarillo and the Texas Panhandle. Working through a multimillion-dollar public-private partnership with AT&T, the initiative extended high-speed internet service to neighborhoods across the city, including underserved areas in north and northeast Amarillo.
Gagnon also spearheaded innovative digital government initiatives, including the creation of "Emma," the city's first digital employee. The virtual assistant serves as the public face of the city's website, providing residents with around-the-clock access to information and answers to common questions.
Reflecting on his time with the city, Gagnon emphasized that the people he worked alongside were the highlight of his career.
“The best part of this job was never the technology - it was the people,” Gagnon said. “I've had the privilege of working alongside some of the most dedicated, resourceful and service-minded teams I have ever had the opportunity to work with, and whatever we accomplished together, they made possible. I'm grateful for every one of them and Amarillo is blessed to have them.”
Gagnon's departure marks the end of nearly a decade of leadership during a period of significant technological advancement for the City of Amarillo. His work helped expand digital access, strengthen cybersecurity, modernize city services, and improve how residents interact with local government. The city has not yet announced plans for naming his successor.
