Texas Tech University

Alumnus Ted Barron and Larry Cunningham Honored

 Barron Cunningham Honored

Ted Barron just retired as City Manager for the City of Mesquite where he has served since 1995. During his tenure, Mesquite was selected as an All-American City Finalist by the National Civic League, earned the 2011 International City/County Management Association—Community Partnership Program Excellence Award, and has been a Tree City U.S.A. designee for the past two decades. Additionally, Mesquite recently completed the new "L.E.E.D. Silver Certified" City Hall. Prior to his career in Mesquite, Ted worked for the city of Lubbock in a number of positions including Budget and Research Director after earning his MPA at Texas Tech.

Ted has served as President of the North Texas City Management Association. He has been active in the community including volunteering in Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Dallas, as a Campaign Cabinet member for United Way of Metropolitan Dallas and as a Boy Scouts of American Friends of Scouting Chairman.


After a public service career that spans more than four decades, Larry Cunningham retired from his position as City Manager of North Richland Hills, which he has held since 1997. Prior to his appointment as City Manager, he served as the North Richland Hills Finance Director, as well as City Manager in Lubbock, where he was the youngest city manager in Texas of cities over 100,000 population. He was recognized as one of the Five Outstanding Young Texans by the Texas Jaycees. He is former President of TCMA, and has served on the Board of the Texas Municipal League.

Under his leadership, over 30 Parks and Recreation Facilities were constructed in the city. Larry also worked to improve public safety, upgrading Fire Department facilities, and supporting increased police patrol and crime prevention programs. He was also instrumental in the creation of the North Richland Hills' Art in Public Spaces Program.