Carrollton City Manager Erin Rinehart has been awarded the prestigious 2025 Linda Keithley Award for Women in Public Management by the North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG).

Established in 1986, the award is presented annually to a woman in public service who demonstrates exceptional professionalism, community leadership, and a dedication to ethical governance — long-standing qualities personified by Linda Keithley during her 17-year tenure at NCTCOG.

“Rinehart exemplifies the professionalism and commitment to public service the award represents,” Carrollton Mayor Steve Babick said. “We are grateful to have her as part of our management staff.”

Nominated by a team of her direct reports, Rinehart was recognized not only for her extensive background in public administration, but also for her community involvement. She currently serves on the board of the Children’s Advocacy Center for North Texas, mentors youth through the Carrollton-Farmers Branch Independent School District, and volunteers with Metrocrest Services, among other initiatives.

Rinehart is a 2022 graduate of the FBI Citizens Academy, a program that provides participants with a deeper understanding of the FBI’s role in community safety and public outreach and assists at-risk populations with community service projects. Admission to the program is rigorous and requires an endorsement by an FBI official.

Rinehart’s leadership includes regularly advocating for the United Way of Denton County during the City’s annual giving campaign. As a result, Carrollton staff raised more than $20,000 in donations in 2024 to the United Way and their 18 partner agencies.

In their nomination, her team noted Rinehart leads with integrity and an unwavering commitment to the public good over personal or political interest. They described her as a role model whose leadership ensures City Council’s vision for Carrollton remain a City families and businesses want to call home.

Rinehart has served as city manager since January 2017. With more than two decades of municipal experience, she continues to advocate for high-quality services and a strong sense of community.

Rinehart was formally recognized during NCTCOG’s 59th annual General Assembly on Friday, June 13, and honored with a proclamation at the Carrollton City Council meeting on Tuesday, July 22.

NCTCOG is a voluntary association of local governments established in 1966 to support regional cooperation, strategic planning, and mutual development among North Texas communities.