Women of Influence – Claire Powell

Claire Powell – City Manager of Lewisville

Leading Lewisville with Vision & Authenticity

Claire Powell, the City Manager of Lewisville, has a career path rooted in a deep sense of service and a commitment to bettering her community.

Inspired by her mother, Dr. Martha Pierson, Claire learned early on that everyone has unique skills meant to be developed and used for the greater good. 

Her journey began with a Juris Doctorate from the University of Texas School of Law, leading to her first job as a municipal attorney for the City of Dallas. There, she worked on transformative projects that reshaped the city’s landscape and economy, igniting her passion for local government service.

However, Claire soon realized that her true calling wasn’t in lawyering. Attending a national urban planning conference shifted her focus toward government policy and strategies. 

This new passion brought her to Lewisville, where she transitioned from city attorney to Assistant City Manager and, eventually, to City Manager. 

In her current role, Claire oversees over 1,000 employees, manages an annual operating and capital budget exceeding $423 million, and serves a community of over 137,000 residents. Her love for her job and the impact she makes is evident.

Claire’s professional inspiration comes from her mother, a pioneering scientist in curing childhood epilepsy. Dr. Martha Pierson’s fearless exterior and vulnerability taught Claire the importance of hard work, excellence, and authenticity. Unlike her mother, who kept her true self hidden, Claire believes in being authentic in her profession—what you see should be what you get.

For young women aspiring to leadership, Claire echoes Abby Wambach’s advice from Wolfpack —embrace your inner wolf. Women should take up the space they deserve, stop second-guessing their readiness, and seize opportunities. Claire emphasizes that young women often limit themselves by not taking chances.

The most important qualities of a successful leader, according to Claire, include humility, honesty, authenticity, and a willingness to work alongside the team. These attributes build trust and create a strong, cohesive working environment.

Maintaining a healthy work-life balance is crucial for Claire. Although always reachable by phone or email, she disconnects on weekends to spend quality time with her husband, two daughters, and friends. Puzzle nights are a favorite activity that helps her unwind and recharge.

Claire Powell’s leadership in Lewisville is marked by her vision, authenticity, and dedication to service. Her journey from municipal attorney to City Manager showcases her commitment to creating a positive impact and her belief in the power of genuine, fearless leadership.