The Fort Worth Economic Development Partnership (Fort Worth EDP) is a privately-funded economic development nonprofit dedicated to positioning Fort Worth as the most vibrant and sustainable city in the U.S. We collaborate with companies, site selectors, and real estate professionals to attract new companies and expand businesses in Fort Worth and the surrounding areas. We unite businesses and civic leaders with local and state partners to achieve this vision.
President & CEO
Robert Allen is President & CEO of the Fort Worth Economic Development Partnership (Fort Worth EDP), a premier economic development organization committed to positioning Fort Worth as the most vibrant and sustainable city in the United States. In this role, he leads organizational strategy, drives financial and operational performance, and provides strategic board engagement in support of business attraction and job growth for the Fort Worth region.
Fort Worth EDP was recently honored with the Mac Conway Award for Excellence in Economic Development by Site Selection magazine, recognizing its success in attracting investment and driving growth.
Robert joined the Fort Worth EDP at the organization’s formation in 2023, and he has already been directly involved in several game-changing economic development projects in Fort Worth including: the $70 million investment from Embraer in new facilities at AllianceTexas, the creation of a new, 51-acre UTA-West Campus in Fort Worth, and the more than $600 million Bell project that will help build the Future Long Range Assault Aircraft in Fort Worth.
Prior to being named President & CEO, Robert served as Deputy Chief of Staff to Texas Governor Greg Abbott, and most recently served as President and CEO of the Texas Economic Development Corporation (TxEDC).
During his six years leading TxEDC, Robert spearheaded initiatives that advanced the organization’s mission to market Texas as the best state for business, including major international business missions to Japan, India, and Europe. His organization’s efforts have helped catapult Texas to a record-breaking number of Governor’s Cups as awarded by Site Selection Magazine.
Robert is involved civically in the community and currently serves on the boards of Visit Fort Worth and The Real Estate Council of Greater Fort Worth.
A fifth-generation Texan, Robert earned a bachelor’s degree from The University of Texas at Austin. He and his wife, Rachel, have two children.
Executive Vice President
Jessica Heer is the Executive Vice President at the Fort Worth Economic Development Partnership (Fort Worth EDP), a premier economic development organization committed to positioning Fort Worth as the most vibrant and sustainable city in the United States. In her role, she leads the organization’s business recruitment strategy and marketing efforts.
Fort Worth EDP was recently honored with the Mac Conway Award for Excellence in Economic Development by Site Selection magazine, recognizing its success in attracting investment and driving growth.
Jessica joined Fort Worth EDP in 2023 and has supported many successful economic development projects in Fort Worth, including Embraer’s new $70 million facilities at AllianceTexas and the $630 million Bell project, which will support production of the Future Long Range Assault Aircraft.
Prior to joining Fort Worth EDP, Jessica Heer served as Senior Vice President at the Dallas Regional Chamber, where she led economic development marketing and brand strategy. She was instrumental in launching high-impact campaigns such as Why Dallas for corporate recruitment and Say Yes to Dallas for talent attraction. These efforts supported major relocations and expansions, including Jacobs, Kubota Tractor Corporation, and Toyota Motor North America.
Jessica currently serves on the board of Workforce Solutions for Tarrant County. She earned a bachelor’s degree from Midwestern State University and her master’s degree from the University of North Texas. She and her husband, Michael, have two children.
VP of Investor Relations
Chelsea Griffith serves as Vice President of Investor Relations for the Fort Worth Economic Development Partnership (Fort Worth EDP), managing all investor relationships and business development.
Chelsea’s background includes leadership roles in local government and the Fort Worth community. Prior to joining the Fort Worth EDP, Chelsea served as Vice President of Investor Relations at the Fort Worth Chamber. Before entering the economic development business, she served as Chief of Staff for Tarrant County Judge Glen Whitley and Chief of Staff for Fort Worth Mayor Betsy Price. And she began her career as a staffer for U.S. Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison.
Chelsea received her Bachelor of Arts in Government from the University of Texas at Austin and her Master of Public Affairs from LBJ School of Public Affairs. She and her husband, Patrick, live in Fort Worth with their two daughters, Grace and Harper.
VP of Economic Development
Spencer Mitchell is the Vice President of Economic Development at the Fort Worth Economic Development Partnership (Fort Worth EDP), overseeing business attraction and recruitment.
Prior to joining the Fort Worth EDP, Spencer served as the Director of Incentives for the Tulsa Authority for Economic Opportunity, where he was responsible for the implementation of the City of Tulsa’s incentive programs, including but not limited to Tax Increment Financing, Tax Abatements, Revolving Loan Funds, and infrastructure funds for business recruitment.
During his tenure at TAEO, Spencer led the strategic deployment of tax incentives to revitalize downtown and recruit companies in the aerospace and energy sectors. He has served on the board of directors of Tulsa CARES and South Tulsa Community House, where he also served as Vice President and President.
Spencer earned a bachelor’s and master’s from Oklahoma State University and is a certified economic developer. He is an avid cyclist and runner, has two dogs, and enjoys bonsai.
Director of Legal & Research
Katie McConnell is the Director of Legal & Research for the Fort Worth Economic Development Partnership (Fort Worth EDP), leading legal and policy initiatives and supporting investor relations and economic development efforts.
Prior to joining the Fort Worth EDP, Katie earned her J.D. from The University of Texas School of Law, where she studied legal matters relating to government and international law.
A San Antonio native, Katie and her husband, Kelly, met at Texas A&M University, where she graduated with a bachelor’s degree in international studies with a focus on the Middle East & North Africa.
Office & Accounting Manager
Abi Shelton serves as Office & Accounting Manager for the Fort Worth Economic Development Partnership (Fort Worth EDP), supporting daily office operations, financial administration, and human resources processes that help drive the organization’s continued growth.
Prior to joining the Fort Worth EDP, Abigail worked in the coworking space, where she oversaw multiple coworking locations across DFW. In that role, she managed teams, developed multi-million-dollar budgets, and supported operational and member success.
Abi earned her Bachelor of Science in Hotel and Restaurant Management from Northern Arizona University. Originally from Scottsdale, Arizona, she now lives in Fort Worth with her husband, Scott. They enjoy exploring local trails and trying the newest restaurants around the city.
President
Hillwood
Chair
Managing Partner
Kelly Hart & Hallman, LLP
Vice Chair
President & CEO
GM Financial
Treasurer
Chairman & CEO
Higginbotham
Secretary
President & CEO
Fort Worth Economic
Development Partnership
Managing Director, CEO
J.P. Morgan Private Bank
in the Central U.S.
President and CEO
Textron, Inc.
CEO
Alcon Laboratories
President & CEO
BNSF Railway
CEO
Goff Capital
CEO
American Airlines
President
Lockheed Martin Aeronautics
City of Fort Worth
Ex-Officio
