Michael McDonald

Michael McDonald was appointed Assistant City Manager for Public Safety Services in 2006 and to Deputy City Manager in January 2012. As Deputy City Manager, McDonald oversees Police, Fire and Emergency Medical Services as well as the Code Compliance Department, Community Court and the Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management.

McDonald began his career with the City in 1983 as a Police Officer. In 1995, he became the first African-American appointed Assistant Chief of Police in Austin. During his tenure as Assistant Police Chief, McDonald managed every bureau in the organization until his appointment as APD Chief of Staff in 1999. His expertise includes public safety and law enforcement management, though his experience in City government also spans Parks and Recreation, Libraries, and Health and Human Services.

From 2002 to 2006, McDonald served as Acting Assistant City Manager of Community Services.

McDonald earned a Master of Science in Organizational Leadership and Ethics and a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice from St. Edward’s University in Austin. Additionally, he has earned certificates from the Law Enforcement Management Institute, the National Forum of Black Administrators, and Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government Senior Executive Management Program for State and Local Government.