Fort Worth has appointed Jessica Rogers as its new director of economic development, effective September 15. Rogers, who previously served as assistant city manager in Tomball since 2021, brings over a decade of experience in municipal economic strategy and business growth initiatives. She held the role of economic development director in Denton from 2019 to 2021, where she led the creation of strategic incentive programs and strengthened collaboration between public agencies and private enterprises.
Rogers replaces Robert Sturns, who stepped down in March to lead Workforce Solutions for Tarrant County after serving as Fort Worth’s economic development director since 2016. The city highlighted her leadership background and success in driving regional investment as key factors in her selection.
City Manager Jay Chapa praised Rogers’ qualifications, stating her experience and accomplishments position her well to advance Fort Worth’s economic ambitions. “Her leadership will be instrumental in expanding our local economy and strengthening community resilience,” Chapa said.
In her new position, Rogers will oversee the city’s economic development agenda, with priorities including business recruitment and retention, workforce development, support for small enterprises, and fostering a dynamic, inclusive economic environment. She will collaborate closely with the Fort Worth Economic Development Partnership, a nonprofit established in 2023 to focus exclusively on attracting new businesses, separate from the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce.
Rogers expressed enthusiasm about joining the city’s leadership team, emphasizing her commitment to building on Fort Worth’s existing momentum in sustainable growth and investment attraction. “The city has already demonstrated strong performance in economic planning, and I’m eager to contribute to its continued progress,” she said.
Earlier in her career, Rogers held economic development roles in Dickinson, Texas, and with the Bloomington Economic Development Corp. in Indiana. She holds a Master of Public Affairs from Indiana University’s Paul H. O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs and a bachelor’s degree from Texas A&M University. She is also affiliated with the International City/County Management Association and the Texas City Management Association.
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Fort Worth names new director for economic development
The former assistant city manager for Tomball will be Fort Worth’s new director of its economic development department, officials announced Monday. She begins her new role Sept. 15. n nJessica Rogers, who has been assistant city manager for Tomball since 2021, also was director of economic development for the city of Denton from 2019 to 2021. n nRogers succeeds Robert Sturns, who left the city to become the executive director of Workforce Solutions for Tarrant County in March. Sturns had been director of economic development since 2016. n nRogers brings extensive experience in fostering business growth, attracting new investment and enhancing community vitality, according to a news release from the city. n n“Jessica’s proven leadership and track record in economic development make her the ideal choice to help Fort Worth achieve its ambitious goals,” Jay Chapa, city manager, said. “We look forward to seeing the impact she will have in growing our economy and supporting our community.” n nIn her new role, Rogers will lead Fort Worth’s economic development strategy, focusing on business recruitment and retention, workforce development, small-business development and creating a vibrant and diverse economy. She will work closely with the Fort Worth Economic Development Partnership, the privately funded, nonprofit organization focused on attracting new businesses to the city. The economic development partnership was formed in 2023 as a separate entity from the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce to lead business recruitment efforts. n n“I’m looking forward to joining the outstanding team at the city of Fort Worth and I’m excited to begin collaborating with the Economic Development Partnership and others to bolster business growth, attract new investment to Fort Worth and build economic vitality,” Rogers said. “Fort Worth already has an excellent track record in creating economic development and smart growth, and I am ready to get started to further that vital work.” n nAt the city of Denton, Rogers developed innovative incentive programs, established an economic development strategic plan and strengthened public-private partnerships as economic development director there, according to the news release. n nRogers has also held roles with the city of Dickinson, Texas, and the Bloomington Economic Development Corp. in Indiana. n nShe holds a Master of Public Affairs degree from Indiana University’s Paul H. O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs and a bachelor’s degree from Texas A&M University. She is an active member of the International City/County Management Association and the Texas City Management Association. n nBob Francis is business editor for the Fort Worth Report. Contact him at bob.francis@fortworthreport.org. n nAt the Fort Worth Report, news decisions are made independently of our board members and financial supporters. Read more about our editorial independence policy here. n nRelated n nFort Worth Report is certified by the Journalism Trust Initiative for adhering to standards for ethical journalism.