City Manager's Office
City Manager Ben Williamson
Ben Williamson was appointed City Manager for the City of Farmers Branch, Texas, on November 15, 2022, following a distinguished career in public service and progressive leadership within the organization. He joined the City in 2017 and now serves as the City’s chief Administrative Officer, executing City Council policy, driving long-term strategic priorities, and overseeing daily operations.
Williamson brings more than 15 years of municipal experience, blending executive leadership, emergency management, and strong financial stewardship. He has played a key role in strengthening the City of Farmers Branch’s fiscal health and operational efficiency, ensuring that the City continues to deliver high-quality services while maintaining its reputation for sound financial management. His leadership is marked by a disciplined, data-driven approach to budgeting, resource allocation, and long-range planning.
Before his service in Farmers Branch, Williamson led emergency preparedness and resilience initiatives for two North Texas cities: serving as Emergency Management Coordinator/Assistant to the Director for the City of Southlake (2014–2017) and as Senior Emergency Management Specialist for the City of Garland (2009–2014). These roles built his expertise in crisis management, intergovernmental coordination, and strategic problem-solving.
Williamson is a 2010 graduate of the University of North Texas with a Bachelor of Science in Emergency Administration and Planning, and a 2016 graduate of the University of Texas at Arlington with a Master of Public Administration (MPA). His academic foundation is complemented by a deep commitment to professional growth. He has earned several highly regarded credentials, including Project Management Professional (PMP), Certified Government Finance Officer (CGFO), Certified Public Manager (CPM), Certified Emergency Manager (CEM), and Certified Six Sigma Green Belt (CSSGB), each of which reflects his expertise in financial management, operational excellence, and organizational performance. Williamson also completed his executive education with the Senior Executives in State and Local Government at Harvard University.
As City Manager, Williamson is recognized for his strategic, financially focused, and collaborative leadership style. He emphasizes organizational excellence, transparency, and accountability, ensuring that Farmers Branch remains financially strong, operationally effective, and responsive to its residents and businesses. His leadership is grounded in stewardship, innovation, and service, qualities that continue to shape Farmers Branch as a thriving, forward-looking community.
Deputy City Manager
Effective October 2023, Jawaria Tareen was appointed Deputy City Manager for the City of Farmers Branch, Texas, reflecting her significant leadership role within the organization. The Deputy City Manager serves as the Chief Operating Officer for the City. Since joining the City in 2020, she has advanced through the management ranks, consistently demonstrating success with complex and high-profile assignments. She has been entrusted with guiding Human Resources, Finance, and Information Technology through director transitions, providing leadership to the Finance Department during the absence of a Finance Director, realigning Fleet and Facilities operations, and reimagining the City’s budget outreach process.
Jawaria brings extensive public sector and international experience to her role. Prior to her service in Texas municipal government, she worked with the American University of Beirut and other international organizations in a variety of leadership and program capacities. This global perspective enriches her local government leadership with a strong commitment to organizational excellence and community well-being.
Her academic credentials include a Master of Public Administration from the University of Texas at Arlington and a Master of Science in Environmental Health from the American University of Beirut. She has further strengthened her executive capabilities through executive education at Harvard University, and she holds the Certified Public Manager (CPM) credential. She is also a graduate of the Texas Women’s Leadership Institute (TWLI).
In her role as Deputy City Manager, Jawaria provides strategic leadership across multiple departments, advancing initiatives in capital planning, public safety, organizational performance, and community engagement. She is widely recognized for her data-driven and collaborative approach, aligning City operations with Council priorities while fostering transparency, accountability, and trust with residents and businesses.
Grounded in stewardship, innovation, and service, Jawaria remains committed to strengthening Farmers Branch’s position as a thriving, forward-looking community where residents and businesses can prosper.