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). Robert joined the Fort Worth EDP at the organization’s formation in 2023. In his role, he is responsible for board governance, organizational strategy, and financial and operational efforts for the Fort Worth EDP.
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.
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 of Economic Development at the Fort Worth Economic Development Partnership (Fort Worth EDP), overseeing business attraction strategy, marketing, and day-to-day operations of the organization.
Prior to joining the Fort Worth EDP, Jessica served as Senior Vice President of the Dallas Regional Chamber (DRC), where she was responsible for creating and accelerating the marketing and brand strategy for the DRC, affiliated brands, and its strategic priorities.
During her tenure at the DRC, Jessica led the creation and launch of several marketing campaigns, including the Say Yes to Dallas talent attraction campaign, Business Works Better Here corporate recruitment campaign and the Why Dallas campaign. Her organization’s efforts led to many successful corporate recruitment projects, including AT&T, Jacobs, Kubota Tractor Corporation, and Toyota Motor North America.
Jessica 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
Chelea 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.
Associate
Katie McConnell is an Associate for the Fort Worth Economic Development Partnership (Fort Worth EDP), overseeing legal compliance and supporting investor relations and project management.
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. During her last semester of law school, Katie interned with the Fort Worth EDP.
A San Antonio native, Katie and her husband met at Texas A&M University, where she graduated with a bachelor’s degree in international studies. She and her husband, Kelly, live in Fort Worth.
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 & CEO
Bell
CEO
Alcon Laboratories
President & CEO
BNSF Railway
CEO
Goff Capital
CEO
American Airlines
Executive Vice President
Lockheed Martin
City of Fort Worth
Ex-Officio
President & CEO
Fort Worth Chamber
Ex-Officio
The Fort Worth EDP brings together business and civic-minded leaders committed to making Fort Worth the most vibrant and sustainable city on the rise in the United States.
Acme Brick Company
Amon G. Carter Foundation
Atmos Energy
Baird, Hampton & Brown Inc.
Bank of America
Bank of Texas
Ben E. Keith Foods
Cantey Hanger LLP
Canyon Ranch
Capital One Bank
Cassco Development Co.
Chickasaw Nation
Crescent Hotel
Crescent Real Estate
Dallas Fort Worth International Airport
EECU
Elbit Systems of America
Fidelity Investments
Freese and Nichols, Inc.
Goldenrod Companies
Jetta Operating Company, Inc.
Justin Brands
Luther King Capital Management
Majestic Realty Co.
Mercantile Center
Meta Platforms, Inc.
North Texas Community Foundation
Paycom
Pegasus Resources
Penrose
PNC Bank
Real Estate Council of Greater Fort Worth
Simmons Bank
Southwest Airlines
Standard Meat Co.
Tarrant County College
Tarrant Regional Water District
TDIndustries, Inc.
Texas Jet, Inc.
The Miles Foundation
The University of Texas at Arlington
Trademark Property Company
Trinity Metro
TTI, Inc.
Wells Fargo
Williams Trew
