MISSOURI CITY, TEXAS (May 11, 2023) — Allena Portis, Assistant City Manager and Chief Administrative Officer of Missouri City, has been recognized as one of the nation's top public administrators by the Greater Houston Chapter of the American Society for Public Administration (GHC-ASPA).
At the organization’s 7th annual celebratory event, to be held tonight at the University of Houston Main Campus, Portis will be recognized alongside officials from three other regional municipalities.
"These officials," said Chapter President Lynette Howe, "exhibit qualities consistent with those of the GHC-ASPA: trust, accountability, performance, ethical decision-making, and transparency. We are honored to have them recognized as distinguished public officials."
For Portis, who joined Missouri City in 2019, this award represents a validation of her efforts and those of her team.
"I am honored to receive this recognition. It serves as a reminder of why I wake up every day and why my team and I put all our might into performing the work that impacts thousands of lives," she said. “Thank you to the Houston Chapter of the American Society for Public Administration for recognizing our commitment to the residents of Missouri City."
Every May – during Public Service Recognition Week – the GHC-ASPA recognizes public officials in the Houston metropolitan area. A selection committee of Chapter members reviews and selects the honorees based on leadership and public interface.
The other honorees included Christopher Caldwell, from the City of Stafford School Board; Charmaine Constantine, Director, SER-Ninos Charter School System; and Grace Itiowe, Program Chair of Brazosport College.
Portis, who considers Missouri City her home, is a Certified Public Accountant with two Master's degrees – one in Public Administration and the other in Urban Planning.
— 30 —