Vicki Chiavetta, Deputy City Manager for the City of Coppell, has announced her retirement effective January 27, 2023. She has served the Coppell community for 14 years.
After earning a bachelor’s degree from Oklahoma State University Chiavetta spent 15 years as a landscape architect in Dallas before her 24-year career in public service. The desire for a change and the results of a career assessment led her to pursue a Master’s in Library Science from the University of North Texas while working as a library assistant for the City of Carrollton in 1995. She also worked in Flower Mound and Garland before coming to Coppell in 2009.
“I saw that and my heart just went, ‘yes!’” Chiavetta said about seeing library science on her career assessment results. “I’ve always enjoyed books and have always been a reader. It got me excited about bringing my love of books to others.”
Chiavetta started as the Assistant Director of Library Services in Coppell then became Director of Library Services in 2010. During her time as Director, Chiavetta oversaw the library’s expansion from the initial planning and conceptual phases through construction, the grand reopening in 2016, and guiding the staff and community through a busy first year in the new building with expanded programming and the latest technology. Throughout construction, the library continued to operate out of the old fire administration building on Coppell Rd. to ensure the community had access to materials, computers, and select programming.
“It was jam packed with books to the ceiling and in every corner we could find space,” she recalled about moving the library to the old fire administration building. “It was tight, but we made it work because we wanted people to still have access. When the new library opened, we had a few ‘new building’ issues, but with time and a dedicated staff, we worked those out. The community loved the new space, and we were busier than before. Our community demanded the best and newest materials, a beautiful, functional space, and quality staff, and we were so proud to be able to give that to them.”
In 2018, she was selected as Deputy City Manager and got to work spearheading both the Allies in Community® initiative as well as an internal working group developed to foster a more inclusive and welcoming organization and community.
“One of my greatest joys has been interacting with residents and staff in the implementation of these programs,” Chiavetta said. “Coppell has special people who live and work here.”
“Vicki is a skilled and enthusiastic leader who always has the best interests of the community and organization in mind,” said City Manager Mike Land. “She was an integral part of the team that helped develop and implement Coppell’s 4 C Success model — Cultivating Coppell Core Competencies — a game changer for our organization. She is a champion for our culture and our success. We will miss her calm and thoughtful leadership style and feel fortunate to have served with her.”
In retirement, Chiavetta is looking forward to spending time with family — her husband Buddy, five adult children, and seven grandchildren — traveling, rediscovering old hobbies including gardening and sewing, and just enjoying some time off. She will also continue to serve the community through volunteer work with the Coppell Family YMCA and the Coppell Rotary Club.
“I’ve enjoyed working in Coppell,” Chiavetta said. “It’s my home away from home and it’s a community of people who care about each other. I’m going to miss it.”
The public is invited to attend a retirement reception in honor of Chiavetta from 3 – 5 pm on Thursday, January 26, in the Town Center Atrium, 255 Parkway Blvd. If you plan to attend, please RSVP at https://forms.office.com/g/us5msXNcHC.