A Coppell city official has been recognized for helping develop and support other local government professionals.

Mario Canizares, Coppell's deputy city manager, received the 2012 Joy Sansom Mentor Award from the Urban Management Assistants of North Texas, which is a professional development organization that grooms leaders who work in public service.

The Joy Sansom Mentor Award honors people in north Texas for their dedication to mentorship and the organization. 

"I was quite humbled and honored to be recognized in this fashion by the members of UMANT," Canizares said. "I have been blessed to have worked for some great organizations and have learned a lot from many people throughout my career."

Having become the deputy city manager for Coppell in 2009, Canizares previously worked as an assistant city manager in Addison and began a career in government in 1996.