A Father’s Career in Frisco Set the Stage for His Daughters’ Success in Public Service
By Andrea Hampe
When Henry Hill accepted the role of Deputy City Manager in Frisco, Texas, he saw it as a career move that would benefit his family, but he had no idea it would lay the foundation for a family legacy in public service. His daughters, Lauren and Kristen, followed closely in his footsteps, each forging successful careers in city management—a profession that, as Henry often says, is “the level closest to the citizens,” where decisions impact the everyday lives of thousands.
This path wasn’t something Henry or his wife, Debbie, actively planned for their children. However, as their story has unfolded, it’s clear the values of hard work, servant leadership, and dedication, instilled in their daughters from an early age, have played a critical role in guiding them toward a life of public service.
A New Beginning in Frisco
In 2003, Henry was already established as the city manager of Melbourne, Florida, a position he had held for nearly 15 years. He was well-regarded in his field, and his family—wife Debbie and daughters Lauren, Kristen, and Lacyn—were comfortable in their lives. Yet, when a recruitment call came informing him of an opening for a deputy city manager position in Frisco, Texas, something about the opportunity intrigued him.
“I had heard of Frisco from my leisure services director, who had worked in nearby Plano,” Henry recalls. “He always mentioned how great the area was. Debbie and I thought, why not take a look? We could see this as an opportunity for growth, not just for me but for the entire family.”
So, Henry and his wife packed up the family and traveled to Frisco for the interview. They were immediately struck by the potential of the city, which was in the midst of rapid growth. “We saw a city with a vision for the future, great neighborhoods, and, most importantly, an outstanding school district,” Henry says. “It felt like a place where our daughters could thrive.”
At the time, Lauren was about to enter seventh grade, Kristen sixth, and little Lacyn was going into third. It wasn’t an easy decision to uproot their lives, but the Hills saw Frisco as a place full of opportunity, particularly for their daughters’ education. Henry was selected for the position out of a pool of over 100 applicants, and the family officially made the move in January 2003.
Growing Up in Frisco
For Debbie, the transition to Frisco was an eye-opener, particularly in the schools. Coming from modest backgrounds in Florida, she and her husband had always emphasized the importance of humility and respect for everyone, no matter their background. In their previous life, the girls had attended a “blue-collar” public school in Florida, where many of their classmates came from working-class families.
“We wanted them to grow up understanding that everyone has value,” Debbie explains. “When we arrived in Frisco and enrolled Lauren and Kristen in Wester Middle School, it was a bit of a culture shock. The designer purses and clothes at such an early age were something we weren’t used to.”
Debbie decided to homeschool Lauren and Kristen for a while, focusing on developing their reading and writing skills. “It was a great experience for all of us,” Debbie says. “It gave us time to focus on academics in a way that suited our family, and I think the girls appreciated that time at home.”
Eventually, Lauren and Kristen transitioned back into public school, enrolling at Frisco ISD’s Centennial High School. The girls quickly found their footing, making friends and excelling in extracurricular activities. Lauren, a natural leader, was elected junior and senior class president and participated in mock trial and academic decathlon. Kristen, though more reserved, made her mark as the starting varsity catcher on the softball team—a role she would hold for all four years of high school.
During high school, both Lauren and Kristen were also selected to be part of The City of Frisco’s Mayor’s Youth Council, a leadership opportunity that allowed them to learn more about local government, leadership development, and serving their community.
Lessons in Leadership
Henry and Debbie’s approach to parenting centered around cultivating servant leadership—a value that would become the cornerstone of their daughters’ lives and careers. “We never told our girls to be leaders, but we always showed them what it meant to serve others,” Henry says.
Whether at home or at work, Henry exemplified the principles of servant leadership. “Growing up, we’d often go with Dad to city events,” says Lacyn (Last name now Ward), the youngest of the three. “People would always come up to us and say how much they admired working with him. It didn’t matter who they were; Dad always treated everyone with respect and humility.”
This servant-leadership style clearly left an impression on all three daughters. “Dad never acted like his job was more important than anyone else’s,” Lauren (Last name now Rose) says. “I remember seeing him write personal thank-you notes to city employees, recognizing their work anniversaries or milestones. That small gesture made a significant impact on the people he worked with.”
Kristen (Last name now Gorham), too, recalls how her father’s work ethic influenced her. “One time, Frisco was switching trash collection providers, and some of the neighborhoods were missed,” she remembers. “Instead of waiting for the new contractor to resolve it, Dad drove around picking up the trash himself. That’s the kind of leader he is—someone who is never above doing what needs to be done.”
Following in Their Father’s Footsteps
As Lauren and Kristen grew older, their paths would lead them—albeit indirectly—into the world of city management. “It wasn’t something I planned,” Lauren admits. “I interned at both a law firm and a municipality during college, and the contrast was so stark. I realized I was far more drawn to the work of local government. It was a natural fit for me after growing up seeing the impact my dad had on the community.”
After attending Austin College and then earning a master’s degree from the prestigious Maxwell School at Syracuse University, Lauren began her career in city management. Today, she serves as Assistant City Manager for the City of Sachse, Texas, a rapidly growing community in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex.
“I love my job because I get to make a tangible difference in people’s lives,” Lauren says. “Working on projects like the $500 million mixed-use development in Sachse, or the $10 million renovation of Heritage Park, you can actually see the impact of your work in the community.”
Kristen’s journey into city management took a bit longer, but her experiences growing up with a father in the profession left a lasting impression. “I always admired how committed Dad was to improving people’s quality of life,” Kristen says. “Even though I didn’t set out to follow the exact same career path, I knew I wanted to work in public service.”
Kristen attended Florida State University and then earned her master’s degree from the University of Georgia. After an internship with the City of Las Vegas, she worked her way up through the ranks and was recently appointed city manager of Chamblee, Georgia, a suburb of Atlanta.
“What I love most about my job is the people I work with and the ability to shape the future of the community,” Kristen explains. “Chamblee is growing rapidly, and we’re balancing that growth with preserving the unique culture that makes the city special. It’s a challenge, but it’s incredibly rewarding.”
A particular career highlight for Henry came in 2022 when he, Lauren, and Kristen attended the International City Management Conference in Columbus, Ohio, at which both Lauren and Kristen were presenters in breakout sessions during the conference. Hill recalls it being a point of pride that they had grown up to become accomplished professionals in their field, and it happened to be the same he is in.
A Mother’s Perspective
For Debbie, watching her daughters flourish in their careers is a source of immense pride, though she’s quick to credit Henry for setting the example. “He’s always been a hands-on dad,” she says. “Even with all the demands of his job, he never let that interfere with being present for the girls.”
Debbie also acknowledges that the demands of city management can be tough on families. “It’s not an easy profession, especially with young children,” she says. “There are always evening meetings, community events on weekends, and so much responsibility. But Henry always managed to find a balance, and I see that in Lauren and Kristen as well. They’re both committed to their work, but they also make time for their families.”
Debbie is equally proud of her youngest daughter, Lacyn, who chose a different path. “Lacyn didn’t go into city management, but she’s just as dedicated to making a difference in her community,” Debbie says. “She’s very involved with Frisco Bible Church, where she and her husband, Robert volunteer in the college ministry. She’s also a full-time mom to their two children, Lancia and James.”
Leaving a Legacy
As Henry reflects on his career and the paths his daughters have taken, he’s filled with pride. “I’m honored that Lauren and Kristen have chosen to follow in my footsteps,” he says. “To see them thrive in city management and make their own mark on the communities they serve is more than I could have hoped for.”
For Lauren and Kristen, their father’s legacy of servant leadership is something they carry with them every day. “Dad always said to leave things better than you found them,” Lauren says. “That’s what I try to do in my work—whether it’s a project, a community, or a team, I want to make it better.”
Kristen agrees, adding, “Dad taught us the importance of integrity and kindness. In city management, you’re constantly making decisions that affect people’s lives. It’s essential to do so with empathy and respect.”
As for Henry, he’s quick to shift the focus back to his family. “I’ve been blessed with an incredible wife and three extraordinary daughters,” he says. “They’ve all made me proud in their own ways, and I’m grateful to have had the chance to share this journey with them.”
In Frisco, where Henry’s career began a new chapter over two decades ago, his legacy continues to grow—not just through his own work, but through the lives of his daughters, who are now shaping communities of their own.
Andrea Hampe is a content writer, mom of three boys, and a youth sports fanatic.
