Seagoville City Manager Carey D. Neal Jr. has spent his first year on the job building relationships across City Hall, and he says the community has welcomed him with open arms.
A Dallas native, Neal stepped into the role on June 23, 2025, according to a profile published by the Garland Journal. While it marked his first time holding the title of City Manager, it was far from his first experience carrying municipal leadership responsibilities.
A Foundation Built in Lancaster
Before arriving in Seagoville, Neal spent six years with the City of Lancaster, working his way up from Assistant to the City Manager to Assistant City Manager beginning in 2021, and then Deputy City Manager beginning in 2023, the Garland Journal reported. Earlier in his career, according to the Texas City Management Association directory, Neal served as Human Resources Director for Walmart Stores Inc. and, before that, interned with the Texas House of Representatives.
“I am deeply grateful for the experiences and mentorship I gained during that time,” Neal told the Garland Journal of his years in Lancaster. “It was an outstanding place to grow professionally.”
His former boss, Lancaster City Manager Opal Mauldin Jones, praised his growth in comments to the Garland Journal.
“Carey began with me as Assistant to the City Manager and progressed to Deputy City Manager,” Mauldin Jones said, according to the Garland Journal. “I am proud of him and grateful for his dedicated service to Lancaster. Seagoville is fortunate to have a dedicated committed individual such as Carey.”
Learning Seagoville’s Character
Neal has been candid about the differences between the two cities he has served. Lancaster, with roughly 40,000 residents, operates with a faster paced, more urban infrastructure and policy environment, he explained to the Garland Journal. Seagoville, by comparison, is a rural suburban community of around 20,000 residents with a tighter knit, small town feel.
“Each community is unique in its needs, history, and opportunities,” Neal said, according to the Garland Journal. “Lancaster is a dynamic city that provided me with a strong foundation in municipal leadership, from budget planning to strategic initiatives and community development. Seagoville, while distinct in its character and scale, is similarly positioned for thoughtful growth.”
He added that he is approaching the new role with humility.
“The experiences are highly transferable, but I’m also entering Seagoville with humility, ready to listen, learn, and adapt to its specific priorities,” Neal told the Garland Journal.
Managing Growth With Care
Asked about the biggest challenge ahead, Neal pointed to guiding the city’s growth responsibly.
“Seagoville has significant potential, but that growth must be guided with care, strategic vision, and community input,” he said, per the Garland Journal. He noted that keeping infrastructure ahead of development, while maintaining financial responsibility and long term sustainability, will be central to that effort.
“Balancing operational priorities, regional partnerships, and resident expectations is complex, but it’s also what makes this work meaningful,” Neal said. “Seagoville has strong bones, committed public servants, a rich natural environment, proximity to Dallas, and a population that takes pride in where they live. There’s already a lot to build on here.”
Why Seagoville
Neal said the decision to take the Seagoville job came down to shared values.
“The alignment of values really stood out,” he told the Garland Journal. “Seagoville’s leadership shares a deep commitment to thoughtful planning, integrity, and fostering a community where people feel seen and heard.”
By his fourth week on the job, Neal described the experience as fast paced and fulfilling, telling the Garland Journal he had been warmly welcomed by staff, residents and the City Council alike. He said one of his biggest surprises was “how quickly people have opened their doors and hearts to me. That says a lot about this fantastic community.”
Looking Ahead
Neal said residents can expect a continued focus on transparent governance, community partnerships and infrastructure investment in the years to come.
“We’re not chasing growth for growth’s sake, we’re cultivating a future that honors the people who live here today and welcomes those who will call Seagoville home tomorrow,” he said, according to the Garland Journal.
Education and Credentials
According to the Texas City Management Association directory, Neal holds a Bachelor of Science from the University of Texas at Arlington and an Associate of Science from Tarrant County College, both earned in 2017, along with a Master of Public Administration from American Public University, completed in 2020. He is also pursuing a PhD in Public Policy from Liberty University. Neal has been a member of TCMA since January 2021 and also belongs to the International City/County Management Association.
Residents can reach the Seagoville City Manager’s office at 972-287-2050 or by email at cneal@seagoville.us. City Hall is located at 702 N Hwy 175, Seagoville, TX 75159.
