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Tribute to Mayor Kathy Seei

Updated: 6 days ago



Mayor Kathy Seei made history as Frisco's first female councilwoman and mayor, earning the nickname “Mayor Treei” for her passion for parks and open spaces. As a council member from 1989-1993 and mayor from 1996-2002, Kathy led Frisco through a 300% population boom, crafting the city’s first Comprehensive Plan and the Millennium Plan. She strategically managed this rapid growth, valuing citizen input by creating the first Town Hall meetings. Under her leadership, Frisco expanded its tax base, opening Stonebriar Mall and the ballpark, setting up our city for future success.



I first met Kathy in 2014 while serving on the Citizen Bond Committee. I was preparing a presentation to advocate for the arts, and during that process, I was introduced to many wonderful people in Frisco, including Kathy Seei. She reached out to have lunch, and I was so honored that she made time to meet with me.


I admit, I was very nervous and wasn’t sure what to expect, but Kathy was warm, engaging, and immediately, we connected. We discovered we had a lot in common: both of us were from Illinois, grew up as the only girl with brothers, served in student government, and shared a deep love for the arts.


At the end of our two-hour meeting, she asked, "When are we meeting again?" That was the beginning of regular conversations where I came prepared, notebook and pen in hand, eager to soak up her wisdom. Kathy helped me find confidence in my voice, passion for our city, and my place at the table. She shared stories about navigating political minefields while building bridges to get things done. We talked about family, balancing service with raising young children, and she offered invaluable support in all my efforts. Whether it was helping me advocate for the bond proposition, joining a flash mob in support, inspiring me to create the Frisco Arts Walk and Run at Hall Park, attending my 40th birthday celebration, or encouraging me to run for City Council, Kathy has been there every step of the way—even by my side when I filed for office.


Of all the wisdom Kathy imparted to me during the last 10 years, three lessons have stuck with me the most:


  1. Progress moves at the speed of relationships; without strong relationships, nothing gets done.

  2. When working on tough issues, smile but stand your ground; grace and strength can go hand in hand.

  3. Pay it forward – as you rise in leadership, always find ways to uplift others, especially other women.


On Saturday, September 14th, 2024, Frisco officially renamed Central Park to "Kathy Seei Park" in her honor. It’s a fitting tribute, not just for the beautiful grounds filled with public art and trees, but for its proximity to Stonebriar Centre, which opened during Kathy's term as mayor. I had the honor of performing on my violin at Kathy’s request, alongside my friends Tracie and Keith Shipman. We played “Wind Beneath My Wings” as a tribute to her husband, Bob, who has always stood by her side. Family members shared heartfelt stories of Kathy’s deep love for Frisco and her years of dedicated service. We ended the ceremony by releasing monarch butterflies into the park, a beautiful symbol of transformation and hope.


Thank you, Mayor Seei, for your friendship and mentorship. You've made Frisco a better place, and you've made me a better person. Proud to have been on the City Council that named Kathy Seei Park in your honor!




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