Gary Carley’s Lifelong Journey of Service, Resilience, and Leadership
By Amanda Baze Hall
Some people leave a mark on a community that lasts long after they’re gone. Gary Carley builds legacies so deep they become part of the foundation itself. For nearly two decades, Gary has been a pillar of Frisco – serving on city boards, championing economic development, mentoring future leaders, and standing as a beacon of resilience in the face of adversity. Few can match his unwavering commitment to serving our community.
His dedication to this city has been evident in every role he has taken on, whether through his work in banking, his leadership on city boards, or his deep, steadfast involvement in local nonprofits. Beyond his professional and civic contributions, he is a man of heart, faith, and perseverance.
A Journey to Frisco and a Calling to Serve
Gary grew up in Kingsville, Texas, just south of Corpus Christi. Football runs deep in the Carley family – Gary’s father was a dedicated college coach for 20 years, Gary himself played at the collegiate level, and now his grandsons have carried on the tradition, making their mark on the field and competing at the state championship level in their high school careers. Perseverance is also shown through his mother’s journey to obtaining her certificate in counseling after her sons graduated high school.
In 2006, Gary Carley made a life-changing decision. At the time, he was a seasoned banker, running a bank in Carrollton when an opportunity arose that would alter his path.
“I got a phone call from a banker I had met back in…probably the 1980s,” he recalls. “He said, ‘We want to talk to you about coming to work for us. We have a couple location options, but what about Frisco?’ I told him two things: first, if you offer me Frisco, I’m going to take it. Second, I’m putting a ‘For Sale’ sign in front of my house tomorrow. They did and I did. I sold my house in about three days.”
Gary had followed Frisco’s rise for years, admiring its ability to attract world-class developments like the Velodrome, soccer stadium, and baseball stadium. When he arrived, his curiosity about “how they did it” quickly turned into an opportunity to become part of it.
A Leader in the Heart of the City
Gary’s contributions to Frisco are woven into nearly every aspect of the city’s growth. His leadership on the Community Development Corporation (CDC) and Economic Development Corporation (EDC) has played a pivotal role in shaping Frisco’s landscape.
“I served on the CDC from 2008 to 2015,” he explains. “Then, in 2015, some members of the city council, including the mayor, approached me and asked me to apply for the EDC. I’ve been there ever since.” Gary didn’t just serve on the CDC; he served in a leadership capacity as president of the board from 2014-2015.
Frisco’s CDC, also known as Visit Frisco, has helped cultivate the thriving culture that defines Frisco, channeling tourism dollars into parks, trails, and recreational facilities that rank among the best in Texas. Gary has been an integral part of shaping the Frisco-of-today, helping to make it one of the safest and best places to live, work and play in America.
A longtime advocate for Frisco’s business community, Gary has also played a vital role in the Frisco Chamber of Commerce. His service includes time on the Government Affairs and Budget Committees, leadership as Chairman of the Board in 2015 and recognition as Citizen of the Year in 2013. In early 2025, his contributions were once again celebrated with the President’s Award, presented by Christal Howard, President and CEO of the Frisco Chamber of Commerce, at the annual Chamber Gala Awards.
Gary’s dedication to Frisco extends beyond city involvement and across numerous organizations, each benefiting from his leadership and expertise. He has been actively involved with the Frisco Education Foundation, serving on its board from 2011 to 2014 and again from 2016 to 2021, and he now continues to support its mission as an Advisory Board member. His financial acumen has also been instrumental for Frisco Family Services, where he has served on the board and contributed to the Budget and Audit Committee.
In addition, he sits on the Board of Directors for Medical City Hospital (Plano, Frisco and Sachse), helping guide the region’s expanding healthcare services. Gary’s commitment to education is evident through his role with Collin College, where he serves on the Advisory Committee and as Vice Chair of Banking and Financial Services, mentoring students interested in financial careers.
His passion for history and preservation is reflected in his work as a Board Member for the Museum of the American Railroad, and since 2006, he has been a dedicated member of the Frisco Rotary Club, where he serves on the Budget Committee and has been honored with the Paul Harris Fellow Award for his service. Through these roles, Gary has left a lasting impact on Frisco, demonstrating that true leadership is measured not only by achievements but by a lifelong commitment to uplifting the community.
“The community has just been phenomenal,” he says. “They welcomed me with open arms and gave me an opportunity to serve. That’s what I love most about Frisco – the people, the support and the chance to give back.”
His influence also extends to individuals in the community hoping to get involved in civic service. For years he has served as a mentor to those wanting to be contributing servant leaders in Frisco. “I have people come to me and ask, ‘How did you do it? How do I get involved?’” he shares. “I always tell them: if you have a heart for service, there is a place for you in this community. If they’re coming to me, it means they already have the heart for service. They just need direction.”
Strength Through Adversity
In 2017, Gary faced a battle unlike any before – he was diagnosed with leukemia. A year after his first bone marrow transplant, the cancer returned – not as a relapse, but as a completely different form. Then, in 2021, he was diagnosed with a third blood cancer, sarcoma. Gary has spent over 130 nights in Medical City Dallas, battled sepsis, undergone a hip replacement and faced numerous other health challenges – yet his resilience has never wavered.
“I never had a bad day,” he says. “I never got discouraged. I never had any bouts of depression.”
Much of that strength he attributes to his incredible medical team at Medical City Dallas, which includes oncologist Dr. Vikas Bhushan and his partner John Matthews with Texas Oncology and his Physician's Assistant Katie Sellers. “One of the greatest things my oncologist, Dr. Bhushan, ever did early on was walk into my hospital room and say, ‘I want to tell you something – you’re going to be just fine. I can take care of this. You’re going to be okay.’ That had a phenomenal impact on my health journey. I never had a ‘woe-is-me’ moment, I ate, I walked as much as I could and I stayed positive. I’m so grateful for my team.”
Even with his compromised immune system and multiple hospital stays, Gary refused to slow down. “COVID was particularly trying for me,” he admits. “But I never let it stop me. I just had to be careful, adjust and keep moving forward.” Gary has mastered the art of adaptability and positivity, turning challenges into opportunities with unwavering grace. His resilience is an inspiration to all who have had the privilege of witnessing his tenacity and heart in action.
The Evolution of Frisco and Its Future
As Frisco continues to grow – now nearing 85% build-out – Gary envisions the city evolving into a more vertical, thoughtfully developed community. “We’re going to reach full build-out soon, and then it will be about improving what we’ve already created,” he explains. “We’ll see more high-rise developments, and we’ll need to retrofit some of what’s already here. But the heart of Frisco? That won’t change.”
His work in banking has allowed him to witness firsthand how the city’s financial and economic foundations have shaped its future. He’s particularly proud of Frisco’s strong business environment and its reputation as a sports and medical hub.
“I’ve been fortunate to be on the CDC when we developed The Star, the Ford Center, and when we approved updates to our sports stadiums,” he says. “But I’m also proud of how Frisco has evolved into a medical powerhouse, with Medical City, Baylor Scott & White, Scottish Rite and Texas Health and UT Southwestern leading the way.”
A Family Man First
Despite his many accolades, Gary’s proudest achievement isn’t in a boardroom or a city council meeting—it’s his family. “I’ve been married to my wife, Wanda, for 54 years,” he says with a smile. “I could not have done any of this without her support. She’s been by my side through every board meeting, every gala, every late-night commitment to this city. She is the reason I am able to do all that I do.”
Gary and Wanda have built a life centered on love, resilience and commitment. Their children and grandchildren have watched their legacy of service firsthand, ensuring that his influence extends far beyond his professional accomplishments.
The Legacy of Gary Carley, in Their Words
Gary Carley’s impact on Frisco is not just measured by the titles he has held or the committees he has served on – it is woven into the very fabric of the city and the people who call it home. His leadership, generosity, and unwavering spirit have left an imprint that will continue to shape Frisco for generations to come. Those who have had the privilege of working alongside Gary describe him not only as a dedicated servant leader but also as a friend, mentor and champion for others.
David Baty, President and CEO of Texas Republic Bank, recalls his first encounters with Gary and the immediate warmth and openness that set him apart. Despite being an established figure in Frisco’s banking industry, Gary never saw competition – only opportunity to uplift others.
“At the time, Gary was working for North Dallas Bank, and as the ‘new kid on the block,’ I expected some resistance. But that’s not how Gary operates,” Baty shares. “Instead of protecting his turf, he welcomed me. He introduced me to key people, supported our bank, and genuinely wanted to help me succeed. That humility and generosity are rare, especially in business, and it’s exactly what makes Gary so special.”
Christal Howard, President and CEO of the Frisco Chamber of Commerce, echoes this sentiment, describing Gary as someone who makes you feel like you belong from the moment you meet him. “Gary has a natural, genuine warmth that makes you feel like you've known him forever," she says. "When I was new to Frisco, he welcomed me with open arms, helped me make connections, and played a huge role in helping me fall in love with this community.”
The Selfless Spirit of Service
Gary’s service extends far beyond professional relationships – his selflessness is the very foundation of his leadership. He has dedicated his time, resources and energy to shaping Frisco’s growth, not for recognition, but because he believes in the people and potential of this city.
Howard shares a story that perfectly illustrates Gary’s generosity: “When I first met Gary, I was selling ad space for a new publication that didn’t yet exist. He didn’t just connect me to people – he agreed to take out an ad himself. But when I received the artwork, I was shocked. Instead of promoting his bank, he used the space to congratulate us on our launch and welcome us to Frisco. That kind of selfless encouragement moved me to tears, and it still does.”
Gary’s positivity and encouragement are what make him a true difference-maker. Instead of focusing on what’s wrong or what’s lacking, he celebrates what’s good – in people, in his community and in life. “People often bond over shared complaints, but that’s not Gary,” Howard says. “He leads with encouragement, and it’s contagious.”
A Legacy Still Being Written
As someone who has shaped Frisco in countless ways, it would be easy to measure Gary’s contributions in terms of development projects, board appointments and economic growth. But those who know him best say his true influence is far greater than any one project or initiative.
“When we try to articulate Gary’s impact, we naturally start listing all the things he’s helped build, all the organizations he’s shaped,” Howard reflects. “But the truth is, his legacy isn’t just in what he’s done – it’s in the people he’s empowered. His legacy is still being written by those of us who have had the privilege of learning from him and who will carry forward his example of service over self.”
Baty agrees, noting that Gary’s commitment to Frisco has been unwavering through decades of growth and change. “Many leaders have come and gone, but Gary has been a steady rock of commitment and service,” he says. “Even after battling cancer multiple times, he continues to serve, lead and uplift others. That kind of resilience, that kind of heart – it’s rare. And Frisco is better because of it.”
Honoring a Life of Dedication
Frisco is what it is today because of people like Gary Carley – men and women who see service not as an obligation but as a privilege. His leadership, kindness and unwavering dedication have left an imprint on the city, shaping its growth, strengthening its foundations and inspiring others to follow his example. Few individuals have dedicated themselves so fully to both the present and future of their community, and Gary’s impact will continue to be felt for generations to come.
His story is one of perseverance, humility and an unshakable belief in the power of community. Through decades of service, he has demonstrated that leadership is not about titles or recognition – it is about showing up, giving back and making a difference in the lives of others. His legacy is not only written in the projects he helped bring to life but in the people he mentored, the friendships he built, and the countless ways he made Frisco a stronger, more connected place.
To know Gary Carley is to know a man who has devoted his life to lifting others, to building bridges, and to ensuring that the spirit of service remains at the heart of Frisco’s identity. His dedication has helped define the city’s culture, its values, and its future. And as new leaders rise to shape the next chapters of Frisco’s story, they will do so walking in the footsteps of a man who made service his life’s work.
Gary’s unwavering commitment to community, leadership and service has left an indelible mark, ensuring that the principles he championed will continue to inspire and guide future generations. His influence is not just something to admire – it is something to carry forward. And for those who have been fortunate enough to serve alongside him, the best way to honor his contributions is to continue the work, to give as selflessly as he has, and to ensure that Frisco remains a place where service is not just valued, but lived.
Amanda Hall is a storyteller, creative, and coffee enthusiast who loves Jesus, good conversation, and the occasional witty comeback. She firmly believes caffeine and faith can move mountains – just not before 9 a.m.
