The City of Fort Worth has appointed Sana Syed as its chief communications officer, leading the city’s Communications & Public Engagement Department (CPE) as it enters a new phase of strategic alignment and service delivery.

Syed has held the role in an interim capacity since May. Her appointment becomes official on Oct. 20.

“Clear, consistent communication with residents is key to Fort Worth’s continued success,” City Manager Jay Chapa said in a statement. “Sana grew up in Fort Worth and knows the city. She brings the leadership, creativity and experience needed to strengthen our citywide voice, elevate public engagement and ensure we are prepared for both everyday communication and moments of crisis.”

An executive with nearly 25 years of experience in public relations, public affairs, and strategic communication, Syed has worked across public, private, and nonprofit sectors. Her expertise includes organizational development, community outreach, crisis communication, media relations, and brand and reputation management, the city said.

She most recently co-founded and led The Marilla Group, a strategic marketing and communications firm. Prior to that, she served as vice president at Allyn Media and as director of the Public Information Office for the City of Dallas, where she oversaw citywide media relations, public engagement, and crisis communications.

Her background also includes work in journalism and broadcasting, which the city said gives her a unique perspective on transparency and storytelling in government.

According to the city, under Syed’s leadership, CPE will continue to implement a recently approved organizational realignment designed to improve coordination, responsiveness, and brand cohesion across city communications.

CPE includes media relations, social and digital media, public engagement, Fort Worth TV, and the city’s 311 customer service center and MyFW app.

As part of that realignment—based on recommendations developed in partnership with The Marilla Group—the department has been restructured into three core divisions:

• SHOP (Strategic Hub for Outreach and Production): creative services, community engagement, design, video, web, and brand management.
• Public Information Office (PIO): media relations, crisis communication, and strategic messaging.
• Customer Care: 311 and MyFW customer non-emergency services.

The city said the new structure is designed to strengthen its ability to inform, engage, and connect with residents, ensuring a cohesive and proactive approach to communication.

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