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.
Jessica 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.
Rogers 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.
Rogers brings extensive experience in fostering business growth, attracting new investment and enhancing community vitality, according to a news release from the city.
“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.”
In 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.
“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.”
At 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.
Rogers has also held roles with the city of Dickinson, Texas, and the Bloomington Economic Development Corp. in Indiana.
She 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.
Bob Francis is business editor for the Fort Worth Report. Contact him at bob.francis@fortworthreport.org.
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