FEATURE PIECE: WHO IS CONNIE STANDRIDGE?

By Emilie Parten,
Reporter for
The NavCo Chronicle

Connie Standridge was born in Corsicana, Texas to a father who worked hard for the city of Corsicana as the Director of Public Works for more than 28 years. She was raised around the inner workings of the city government and knew its ins and out well before she joined in the workings herself. She went to high school in Fairfield, then to college at Texas A&M in College Station where she got her degree in Civil Engineering. In the mid 90’s, Connie married John Standridge and had their son.
She was hired as a city engineer in 1996, functioned as interim City Manager from 2003 to 2005 until she was finally hired full time, and she has served Corsicana with unwavering dedication for more than 20 years.
In that long span of time, Connie aided in many city projects, finishing the downtown pocket parks in her first few years on the job, helping design the IOOF park and the Beaton Market in Downtown Corsicana. Her proudest accomplishments include the financial condition of our own having brought its general funds from $57,000 in the early 2000’s to its now $7 million and rising, improving the cities bond rating from BBB- to AA+, as well as the fact Corsicana has some of the lowest tax rates and water rates compared to its surrounding towns.
She was instrumental in the rejuvenation of our downtown areas stating “in 1998, there was Johnson grass in the sidewalks and most of the buildings were vacant. That is not the case now.” She and her team renovated the buildings on East 5th Avenue which became Timbers and the Brick Streets Brewery, both of which promise to bring tourism and commercial growth to Corsicana. Mrs. Standridge and Terry Franks spearheaded the design and construction of the Stuart J. Beebe Athletic Complex which opened in 2015. She has had an overwhelming hand in the growth of Corsicana and understood the importance of having a great team. “So many people have helped me along the way,” Mrs. Standridge stated.
Connie is set to retire in mid-September 2024 and is leaving behind a few projects she hopes the next City Manager will see through, including a 24/7 kiosk where citizens can pay their city utility bills and the renovation of the downtown Farmers Market, generated pictures of which can be found in the Corsicana Government Center’s main lobby. The images show the expansion of the market, adding a stage and two rows of awnings bordering a square of astroturf, a perfect place for so many public events. Despite her deep attachment to her profession, Mrs. Standridge is looking forward to the next chapter of her life.
Connie has ridden horses all her life. A skilled equestrian, she has participated in competitive trail riding for the last 3 years. Her stables hold eleven horses, including two mini ponies intended to ease children into equestrian life. She is most looking forward to traveling after retirement, gushing about finally being able to sightsee in California and going to “Bucket list Rodeos.” Come Friday, September 13th, Connie’s next adventure begins. “We have lots to do! I am excited about it!”

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