After 38 years of service to the Coppell community, Vivyon “Bo” Bowman, Director of Human Resources and Administration for the City of Coppell, announced his retirement effective November 2, 2021.
Bowman’s interest in public service began as a concerned citizen of 16 in his hometown of Wills Point, Texas when he spoke to the city council about the lack of a park in his neighborhood. The mayor responded by appointing him to the parks board. While the park he wanted never came to fruition, the experience stuck with him, and he went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in political science and a Master of Public Administration degree from the University of North Texas.
He started as an intern with City of Coppell through a North Texas Council of Governments fellowship while attending graduate school in September 1983. At the time, the population was around 3,000, city hall was a small metal building on Coppell Rd., and Denton Tap consisted of two lanes and a blinking traffic light by the Dairy Queen, Bowman said.
“Working with Bo has been an honor and a privilege,” said City Manager Mike Land. “Bo’s years of service to the citizens of Coppell should be applauded and revered. Bo’s commitment to Coppell never wavered, no matter the circumstances. We are all proud of Bo and will miss his wisdom and contemplative approach to the challenges faced by our organization and our community.”
Throughout his tenure he saw the organization through many changes and growing pains including six city managers, moving into the current city hall in 1986, the formation and evolution of Coppell’s servant leadership culture, and managing everything from procurement to municipal court in several positions including Assistant City Manager and Personnel Director. He also led the charge on many firsts for the City of Coppell, including the creation of the first employee handbook and health insurance program along with forming, building, and overseeing the organization’s Human Resources Department.
“Bo built our HR department and is a mentor to our organization serving with respect, integrity and fairness,” Martha Thomas Senior Human Resources Advisor said. “He is one of the most genuine and humble leaders I have had the pleasure of working with for the last 19 years. Although we will miss Bo, we wish him and Taryon many years of wonderful, well-deserved retirement experiences.”
Besides his family — wife Taryon of 35 years, son Paul and daughter Ebony — Bowman said he has two passions: Fishing and classic cars. He plans to spend some of his newfound free time at auto shows with his recently restored 1972 GMC truck that once belonged to his father, and of course, relaxing. He said he will also continue to serve through his fraternity alumni chapter.
“I’ll always want to do something that has purpose,” Bowman said. “I’ve been a public servant for so long and that’s always going to be a part of who I am.”
The public is invited to attend a retirement reception in honor of Bowman from 4 – 6 pm Friday October 22, 2021, in the Town Center Atrium, 255 Parkway Blvd.