| Carl O. Sherman, Sr., has been identified as a transformational leader in faith, government and business. A man of strong religious faith, Sherman presently serves in the role of Senior Pastor in the Church of Christ. He was recently elected to serve as a Member of the Texas House of Representatives. He proudly represents District 109, which includes the citizens of Cedar Hill, Dallas, DeSoto, Ferris, Glenn Heights, Hutchins, Lancaster, Ovilla, Seagoville, Wilmer, and other surrounding areas of southern Dallas County.
Sherman is a trailblazer in both local politics and public administration. He was elected as the first African-American Mayor of DeSoto, Texas in 2010, and was re-elected in 2013. Under his leadership, the city launched an aggressive new focus on generating economic development centered on attracting quality jobs to DeSoto. Sherman's smart growth philosophy included securing funds to ensure that access to quality, affordable housing and safe neighborhoods for every citizen remains at the forefront of economic development decisions. Under his watch, DeSoto became one of the first cities in Texas to provide body cameras for all police officers. The city experienced a 40% increase in sales tax revenue and unemployment went from 9.7% to 5%. Sherman's career experience also included serving as City Manager in both the cities of Ferris and Hutchins, Texas.
Sherman's dedication and commitment to public service reach beyond the citizens of the Best Southwest area and include the North Texas region. In 2016, Sherman was appointment to the North Texas Tollway Authority (NTTA) Board of Directors by Dallas County Commissioners Court to develop and maintain high-quality roadways in North Texas. In addition, he has been an executive member of the Dallas Regional Mobility Coalition Board and the River of Trade Corridor Coalition.
A successful entrepreneur and businessman, Sherman previously served as Chair and Chief Executive Officer of eTelcharge.com, an electronic payment processing company, and earned the AT&T Alex Award for a patent application. He strategically navigated the company onto Wall Street, where it traded on both the U.S. NASDAQ and the Frankfurt exchange in Europe. His studies of Business Management at Northwood University has made a significant impact to his successful career. Sherman was recognized by the Dallas Urban League as one of the Most Promising Leaders of the 21st Century.
Sherman has served in the community as the first African-American in many capacities, including being the President of the DeSoto Rotary Club, Board Chairman of the DeSoto Chamber of Commerce, Chairman of the business and government affairs committee, and Board Chairman of the Best Southwest Chamber of Commerce. The Best Southwest Chamber is comprised of the mayors for the four partner cities - DeSoto, Cedar Hill, Duncanville and Lancaster - and the associate cities of Ferris, Glenn Heights, Hutchins, Midlothian, Ovilla, Red Oak and Wilmer.
Carl lives in DeSoto, TX, where he and his wife of 31 years, Michelle, raised their three sons and two daughters. His greatest joy comes from spending quality time with his family, and five adorable grandchildren. |