Bee Cave names Julie Oakley as its new city manager

The city of Bee Cave on Tuesday announced the selection of Julie Oakley, a manager advisor with KPMG, as its new city manager.

Oakley worked for 12 years with the city of Lakeway and served as its city manager from 2019–2022. Before that, she served in other leadership capacities for Lakeway, including as assistant city manager and director of finance. 

“We are thrilled Julie is joining the city of Bee Cave,” said Mayor Kara King. “She has all the experience and relationships we could ask for; she knows and loves this region and is a trusted and very well-respected city leader. The city will benefit so much from her leadership and perspective.”

Oakley is replacing Clint Garza, who served as Bee Cave city manager for 5½ years. He left on Feb. 29 for a position in the private sector.

Bee Cave officials said Garza and Oakley worked closely together during their common time as city managers for neighboring cities. 

“If I wrote a screenplay, this is exactly as I would have written it,” said Garza. “Julie is incredibly capable, and I feel so happy knowing all that we have worked on in Bee Cave will continue moving forward under her leadership.” 

When she resigned as Lakeway's city manager in September 2022, Mayor Tom Kilgore praised Oakley for guiding the city through the pandemic and the winter storms in 2021 that left many without power or water for days.

Since then, Oakley has worked for KPMG, one of the biggest accounting organizations globally, in manager advisory, state and local government solutions. While she has enjoyed her work with KPMG, Oakley said she missed having direct contact with the community every day. 

“I have always loved Bee Cave and I’m excited to continue making it a wonderful place to live and visit,” she said. “I’m ready to dive in and keep the city moving forward with all of its goals.” 

Oakley’s first day as Bee Cave city manager will be April 1.