Rachel Balthrop Mendoza

Rachel Balthrop Mendoza is a public sector executive serving as Assistant City (COO) for the City of Kaufman. In this role, she oversees daily municipal operations across departments including finance, public works, public safety, human resources, and development services. She is responsible for implementing City Council priorities, guiding capital projects, strengthening organizational performance, and supporting long-term community growth through strategic leadership and cross-departmental coordination. Her career in local government is built on more than a decade of progressive experience across both public finance and municipal administration. She began her professional journey in legal work within the private sector, working for Norton Rose Fulbright LLP, where she supported complex public finance transactions for government entities. She later transitioned into local government roles, including positions with the City of Grand Prairie and the City of Denton, where she gained experience in budgeting, public safety, policy analysis, legislative coordination, and operational management. Prior to her current role, she also served as Development Manager for the Town of Little Elm, overseeing development processes and acted as a liaison between developers and staff. Rachel holds a Master's in Public Administration from The University of Texas at Arlington and has built her career with a consistent focus on preparing for executive leadership in city management. Her professional approach emphasizes servant leadership, collaboration, and operational efficiency, with a strong commitment to strengthening organizational culture and community engagement. She is actively involved in professional and civic organizations and continues to focus on advancing effective, transparent, and responsive local government operations while progressing toward her long-term goal of becoming a City Manager.