The City of Mustang provides a " Spotlight Employee" each month so that citizens can learn more about the public servants that contribute to our City running smoothly. The Spotlight Employee will feature answers to a series of questions about the selected employee, the department and position they serve in, and unique likes and interests of the employee.
The November 2025 Employee Spotlight is Finance Director Janet Watts.
How long have you worked for the City of Mustang? 19 years (1988-1994, 2012 to present)
Where were you born? (Hospital is not a permitted answer) Wichita, Kansas, I was raised in Goddard, Kansas.
Where do you live and how long have you lived there? South of Mustang (near the river). I have lived there 7 years.
Are you married? Do you have any children? Yes. I have 4 children.
What do you enjoy the most about working for the City of Mustang? There is a strong sense of purpose knowing that my efforts support public services, infrastructure, and community programs that people rely on every day. I appreciate the collaborative environment working alongside colleagues who share a commitment to public service.
What project have you most enjoyed being a part of while working for the City of Mustang? One of my favorite projects it the upcoming Mustang Market Place, a truly community-driven initiative made possible by the extension of the local sales tax, which was approved by our citizens in 2016, This project represents not only progress but also a meaningful return to our city's roots. Mustang has a rich history grounded in agriculture and local produce, With that legacy in mind, we've formed a committee that is working closely with architects to design a space that honors our past while serving the needs of our growing community and surrounding areas. The vision is to create a space where local farmers, growers, and makers can come together, reviving the spirit of community markets that once thrived here. The Mustang Market Place isn't just about development, it is about connection to our land, our history, and each other.
Favorite Food? BBQ.
Favorite Recording Artist? Bob Dylan.
Do you have a secret skill or talent? I play the piano.
You retire on December 19, 2025. How has Mustang changed during your tenure and what are your retirement plans? Mustang was a one-horse town when my family first came here. A quiet place with a two-lane highway running through it. After the oil bust in the 90's, it nearly became a ghost town. There were months when making payroll felt like a miracle and we wondered what the future would hold. Since then, this city and its people have weathered more than their fair share of storms, literally and figuratively. I've worked through a small tornado, two major ice storms, a blizzard, a mortgage crisis, a global pandemic, and more "unprecedented times" than I care to count. But one thing has remained constant: Mustang always finds a way to come through. This community is strong, proud, and resilient. It's been my privilege to be part of for so many years.
As I head into retirement, my plans are simple and joyful. I'm looking forward to spending more time with my grandchildren, my children (from coast to coast) and family, traveling abroad, getting back into the gym regularly, picking up crochet again, and enjoying the little things.
Thank you Mustang for being home. I am grateful to have shared it with you.
Pictured is Finance Director Janet Watts.