Two weeks ago, Pampa City Manager Shane Stokes was recognized by the Panhandle Regional Planning Commission with the Beelee Goodwin Regional Service Award.
The award has been presented each year since 1992, and is named in memory of the late Beelee K. Goodwin, Former City Manager of the City of Friona. Mr. Goodwin Provided regional leadership in the public administration arena for many years and was an excellent example of a dedicated public administrator. The previous recipients of the Goodwin Award have included a variety of area public servants.
“First thing I thought (when I received the award) was, ‘I wonder why,’” Stokes said. “This award normally goes to people who do great things in their community. I don’t feel like I’ve done anything other than answer God’s calling on my life to serve the city and community I love.”
Stokes said there are numerous city managers who have previously won the award that he considers friends and mentors, including David Landis (city manager in Perryton).
Stokes has been the City Manager since 2015 after serving the previous six years as Assistant City Manager. He started with the City of Pampa in 1993 in the recreation department.
“I had gotten my degree from West Texas A&M University and was going to go to physical therapy school,” Stokes said. “I came to work here that summer and fell in love with it. I fell in love with the work and the people and life happened. Twenty-seven years later I am still with the City of Pampa.”
While the award will have Stokes’ name on it, the City Manager said it’s his staff that helps make his job easier.
“That’s what it all comes down to,” Stokes said. “I have an amazing staff, employees and a group of elected officials who share my love and passion for the city of Pampa. It makes my life and my job easy.”
Stokes is also appreciative of his family.
“I have an amazing wife and family who understands the sacrifices that come along with being a public servant,” Stokes said. “They know I’m not always gonna be there for dinner and it’s hard to get away for a vacation. But my family has always been very supportive and understanding.”
Stokes has served in the Texas City Managers Association for 12 years and serves on their board of directors and legislative task force.
Stokes is married to his wife of 36 years, Sandee, and the pair have three children: Kindle Murray, McKinlee Martin and Brandon Stokes.
