Finding success in careers in education and politics, Mayor Laurie Swink Bianco got her start upon enrolling at Appalachian State University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in elementary education and a Master of Science in elementary education and teaching in 1986. She started her teaching career as a third-grade teacher at LJ Bell Elementary, remaining until 1992, and also taught in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania for one year and in North Carolina for five years. Mayor Bianco was later chosen to be an ambassador for Rotary International in the field of education and traveled to Osaka, Japan to speak about education in the United States. Enjoying her time abroad, she accepted a position at the American International School in Genoa, Italy.

Returning to the United States, Mayor Bianco and her family moved to Dalworthington Gardens, Texas, in 2009. To become involved in her new community, she joined the inaugural class of the Citizens Public Safety Academy. Serving as president, she helped establish a non-profit organization that helps to raise funds to support the needs of the Dalworthington Gardens DPS. Around this time, the city’s former mayor was campaigning to become a judge and Mayor Bianco called to ask what she could do to help. The former mayor suggested that she run for mayor due to her activity in the community. Although she had no prior government experience, Mayor Bianco campaigned and was elected mayor in 2018.

Reflecting upon her time in office, Mayor Bianco recalls some of her most notable career achievements include receiving the Teacher of the Year Award through LJ Bell Elementary, as well as the Garden’s Cross Award. Notably, she was featured in Arlington Today Magazine, Living Magazine and the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, attributing her success to her Christian faith. Alongside her primary work, she dedicates time to volunteering for the Salvation Army Advisory Council, the Tarrant County Homeless Coalition and the Tarrant County Mayor’s Council, of which she is currently vice-chair and will serve as president next year. Looking ahead, Mayor Bianco plans to bring the right businesses into the city that best fit the culture of the community and maintain Dalworthington Gardens’ warm sense of community. She also aims to make a difference and change public perception regarding politicians.