Darrek Ferrell is an Associate Professor of the Practice and currently holds the Randy Sims ’61 Endowed Chair for City and County Governance at the Bush School of Government and Public Service. A seasoned municipal executive, Ferrell’s work centers on the practice of public management, with particular emphasis on strategic planning, budgeting and fiscal administration, local government leadership, and the design and delivery of essential public services. Drawing on nearly 15 years of experience in municipal government, including roles as a city manager and senior administrator, he focuses on how institutional structures, leadership behavior, and community expectations shape the effectiveness and legitimacy of local governments.

Ferrell’s applied teaching combines real-world case analysis with practitioner-informed insights into public administration, intergovernmental relations, and local government development. His professional work spans municipal budgeting and procurement, capital planning, economic development, organizational leadership, and emergency management. He has worked closely with elected officials, regional partners, and community stakeholders to design incentive policies, oversee major capital projects, strengthen operational performance, and navigate complex governance challenges.

Before joining the faculty, Ferrell served as Assistant City Manager for the City of Victoria, Texas, where he oversaw several major city operations and strategic initiatives. His previous leadership roles include City Manager of Commerce, Texas; City Administrator and Economic Development Director of Mount Vernon, Texas; Assistant to the City Manager in McKinney, Texas; and analyst roles in the City of San Antonio. Earlier in his career, he worked for agencies across the Brazos Valley region, including the Brazos Valley Council of Governments and Workforce Solutions Brazos Valley. During his time as an MPSA student at the Bush School, he completed an internship with the City of Brenham and a capstone project for the Greater Texas Foundation. His administrative service also includes extensive collaboration with local public safety agencies, regional planning organizations, economic development partners, and community nonprofits.

Ferrell earned his Master of Public Service and Administration from the Bush School of Government and Public Service at Texas A&M University and his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Texas A&M University. He has also been recognized as a Credential Manager by the International City/County Management Association (ICMA) and continues to serve on committees with the Texas City Management Association.