Staffing changes in the Mayor's office
Posted: Mon Jul 20, 2026 9:34 am
Council Members and others:
I want to let everyone know that Colleen Pate will be leaving the Mayor's Office at the end of the month. She's taken a great job in the private sector and I'm very happy for her, even as I'm really sad to see her leave. As all of you know from working with her, she's been a wonderful Chief of Staff and has been a highly effective part of the City of Austin's government. We're all going to miss her.
Max Lars will take on the duties of Chief of Staff on August 1. I'm very happy he's agreed to step into this role. He'll be great.
Also, Stella Deshotel started in the Mayor's Office this past Monday as a policy advisor. We're excited she's joined us. You all know her from her role as advisor to ACM Mike Rogers.
I guess we decided that the chaos of starting the budget discussion, facing what will be a potential goat rope of a July 23rd meeting, and just the ordinary day-to-day yaya of City Hall wasn't enough excitement. 🤣
Seriously, I'm happy for all three of these excellent public servants. I'm proud to have worked with Colleen and I look forward to working with Max and Stella in their new important positions.
Kirk
On Behalf of Mayor Watson
I want to let everyone know that Colleen Pate will be leaving the Mayor's Office at the end of the month. She's taken a great job in the private sector and I'm very happy for her, even as I'm really sad to see her leave. As all of you know from working with her, she's been a wonderful Chief of Staff and has been a highly effective part of the City of Austin's government. We're all going to miss her.
Max Lars will take on the duties of Chief of Staff on August 1. I'm very happy he's agreed to step into this role. He'll be great.
Also, Stella Deshotel started in the Mayor's Office this past Monday as a policy advisor. We're excited she's joined us. You all know her from her role as advisor to ACM Mike Rogers.
I guess we decided that the chaos of starting the budget discussion, facing what will be a potential goat rope of a July 23rd meeting, and just the ordinary day-to-day yaya of City Hall wasn't enough excitement. 🤣
Seriously, I'm happy for all three of these excellent public servants. I'm proud to have worked with Colleen and I look forward to working with Max and Stella in their new important positions.
Kirk
On Behalf of Mayor Watson