The inaugural board of directors has been announced for the Fort Worth Economic Development Partnership, a privately funded non-profit focused on cultivating economic opportunities through business development and attraction.
The Fort Worth Economic Development Partnership (FWEDP) was officially introduced by the Fort Worth Chamber’s executive board in March. At that time, Robert Allen, formerly the president and CEO of the Texas Economic Development Corporation, took the helm as Chief Executive Officer.
FWEDP CEO Allen highlighted the strength of the newly formed board, saying it’s “a testament to the depth of commitment and strategic vision” in Fort Worth’s corporate community.
FWEDP CEO Robert Allen
“These executives bring decades of experience and intimate knowledge of the city’s infrastructure, growth trajectory, and workforce potential,” Allen said in a statement. “Most importantly, they have direct exposure to emerging industry trends in their respective areas of expertise, bringing invaluable insight and guidance as we work to solidify Fort Worth as a premier destination for business development and relocation.”
The 11-person board comprises a diverse group of executives from national and multinational corporations based in Fort Worth. The organization said the board signifies a “robust and resolute commitment to attracting and recruiting businesses to Fort Worth,” one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation.
The board’s inaugural members include:
- Elaine Agather, Managing Director, Head of J.P. Morgan Private Bank in the Central United States.
- Lisa Atherton, president & CEO, Bell
- Marianne Auld, managing partner, Kelly Hart
- Dan Berce, president & CEO, GM Financial
- Mike Berry, president, Hillwood
- David Endicott, CEO, Alcon Laboratories
- Katie Farmer, CEO, BNSF Railway
- John Goff, CEO, Goff Capital
- Robert Isom, CEO, American Airlines
- Rusty Reid, chairman and CEO, Higginbotham
- Greg Ulmer, executive vice president, Lockheed Martin
“The separation of economic development from traditional Chamber functions is a proven strategy in high-growth cities like Fort Worth,” Hillwood’s Mike Berry said in a statement.
Berry will serve as the inaugural Chairman of the FWEDP Board.
Mike Berry, President, Hillwood [Photo courtesy Hillwood]
“Fort Worth presents an unprecedented opportunity to attract a diverse range of businesses and high-paying jobs to Fort Worth, and this Board will be instrumental in helping us realize that potential by providing industry insight and strategic direction,” Berry said.
Allen emphasizes the synergy between the city’s inherent potential and the board’s collective expertise. “The city’s potential, augmented by the collective expertise and vision of this board, positions us to usher in a new era of innovative growth,” Allen said.
The CEO added that the board’s unified commitment, working in partnership with FWEDP, offers a “tremendous opportunity” to build a flourishing future for both businesses and the Fort Worth community at large.
Operating as a privately funded 501(c)(6) nonprofit, FWEDP is committed to fostering economic growth and opportunities in Fort Worth. According to the organization, its leadership is concentrated on uniting businesses and community leaders to responsibly expand the city.
Quincy Preston contributed to this report.
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R E A D N E X T
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The newly formed Fort Worth Economic Development Partnership was unveiled in an announcement by the Fort Worth Chamber’s executive board in March.
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The Fort Worth Local Development Corp. approved $500,000 over two years to create the Fort Worth Entrepreneurship Center. The center will be operated by The DEC Network in the city's Near Southside neighborhood, according to the Fort Worth Report.
