Meet Nicolette Ricciuti | Local Government Executive

We had the good fortune of connecting with Nicolette Ricciuti and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Nicolette, how do you think about risk?
Risk is an unavoidable part of life, especially when you have big dreams and goals. The only way to avoid risk is to stay exactly where you are, doing the same thing every day, and that’s just never been for me. I’m someone who’s always pushing forward, figuring out how to reach the next milestone.

Accomplishing those goals often means making strategic decisions and weighing risk versus reward. Early in my career, I had a growing path in the service industry, but I knew my true passion was helping people through public service. When I had the chance to take an entry-level position in local government, I jumped at it. It was a risky ‘step backward’ at the time, but it became one of the most rewarding choices I’ve ever made. Today, I serve in executive leadership where I’m able to push for innovation and lead meaningful initiatives.

Looking back, the biggest risks I’ve taken haven’t been financial, but instead personal and professional leaps of faith. I’ve stepped into roles that didn’t exist yet, spoken up when it was uncomfortable, and challenged outdated ideas. Every time, growth followed. You have to lead with a little bravery, even when it’s scary!

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My career has always been about one thing: building better communities. I’ve dedicated my work to strengthening local government systems that touch people’s everyday lives. It’s the work that often goes unnoticed but makes all the difference. The programs I’ve helped lead protect so many of the things we rely on to live, work, and thrive: keeping neighborhoods safe and well-maintained, safeguarding public health through inspections, and protecting both people and pets through compassionate animal welfare programs.

What sets me apart is that I don’t see this as just a job, it’s a mission. I truly believe government can and should be more human: more transparent, more efficient, and more compassionate. That belief drives everything I do, and it’s the standard I hold myself and my teams to every day. A huge part of what I love about my work is mentoring others; helping people grow, discover their potential, and succeed in their own careers. Watching someone develop confidence and take on leadership themselves is as rewarding as any program I’ve launched.

Getting here wasn’t easy. After earning my master’s in public administration, I started in an entry-level role for a local city and worked my way up through persistence, curiosity, and a willingness to take on the hard things. My career has been built on integrity and compassion, and people know I’ll follow through and do the right thing, even when it’s not the easy thing.

There were definitely moments when the work was tough or the path forward wasn’t clear, but I’ve learned to lean into those moments instead of running from them. Every challenge became a lesson in leadership, resilience, and character. What I’ve learned is that success doesn’t have to be loud. It’s built through quiet consistency… doing good work, mentoring others, and showing up when it matters most.

My story isn’t one of overnight success; it’s one of steady growth rooted in service. I’ve built my career on the belief that meaningful impact comes from the courage to care deeply about the work you do and the people you lead.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend was visiting for a week, we’d kick things off with a stroll through Oliver Nature Park. It’s the perfect spot to unwind, catch up, and enjoy some Texas sunshine. Later on we’d head to Historic Downtown Mansfield, check out the boutiques, and grab a coffee at Flying Squirrel. Midweek, we’d hop over to Fort Worth for one of the art festivals by Magnolia Avenue and check out the local artists and enjoy the vibe. That night we’d hit the Stockyards for live music, good food, and a little dancing. And of course, no trip would be complete without heading over to Texas Live! in Arlington. We’d grab some dinner and then catch something exciting at the stadium, maybe Monster Jam, a concert, or rodeo depending on the week. Between the parks, the music, the art, and the stadium, it’s a perfect mix of activities to show off what makes DFW so fun!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I wouldn’t be where I am today without the people who believed in me early on. I’ve had some incredible peer mentors throughout my career who took the time to teach, challenge, and encourage me. The lessons I’ve learned from those relationships have shaped the kind of leader I strive to be today, as someone who creates opportunities for others the same way they did for me. I would like to shoutout that network of strong professionals who showed me that leadership isn’t about being in charge, but instead about creating space for others to succeed too. Thank you all!

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolettericciuti/