Staff

Beverly Abell, Downtown Development Manager

Beverly Abell has worked in the downtown development and revitalization field for more than 30 years. Prior to coming to Mesquite in 2018, she managed four award-winning downtown revitalization programs in Texas, Oklahoma and Colorado. Along with serving as a member of the National Main Street Center staff in Washington D.C., Abell has spoken at numerous state, national and international development conferences. She has served on numerous boards, including that of the Texas Downtown Association (TDA), which she served as president in 2009, and currently serves as a board member. Among Abell's honors is being named the first recipient of the TDA's Susan Campbell Award for Professional Excellence. In 2022, Abell received the prestigious Anice B. Read Award for Community Heritage Development from the Texas Historical Commission.

Email: Click on name above.
Telephone: (972) 216-6450

James Johnson, Downtown Development Coordinator

James has a love for all things creative and welcomes a good challenge. With a Bachelor Degree in Creative Writing and Graphic Design from the University of Central Arkansas and years of experience as an Equity Ambassador for the Arkansas Fair Housing Commission, James capitalizes on his education and experience to help Mesquite grow using a variety of techniques and platforms he has mastered over the years. Every day he strives to learn something new so he can further grow Mesquite into the best city in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
“Knowledge is power” and “With great power comes great responsibility” are his two favorite quotes.

Email: Click on name above.
Telephone: (972) 204-4938

Carlos Devora, Heritage Plaza Specialist

Carlos is a dynamic social media marketer and avid seeker of knowledge. Hailing from Mesquite, Texas, he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism from The University of Texas at Austin. With a multicultural perspective, Carlos brings a creative edge to his work, drawing from experience in the private sector where he collaborated with major brands in influencer management and social media marketing. As a co-founder of Texas Fuego—a Hispanic-centered, student-led organization at UT Austin—Carlos helped create opportunities for personal growth through community service and social engagement.

Carlos supports the Downtown Development Program by enhancing the visibility of the Downtown brand and mission through strategic online social media efforts. Additionally, he provides administrative support at Heritage Plaza, ensuring visitors discover the best places to shop, dine, and play in Mesquite.

Email: click on the name above
Phone number: (972) 204-4925