With more than 30 years of public and private sector experience, Steve Montgomery appointed Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce CEO

Fort Worth, Texas – In a recent announcement that has drawn the attention of the North Texas business community, the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce (FWC) disclosed its decision to appoint seasoned professional, Steve Montgomery, as its new Chief Executive Officer.

The announcement followed a comprehensive national quest and meticulous selection procedure aimed at identifying an exceptional leader capable of steering the Chamber towards achieving its objective of bolstering business growth, enhancing economic development, and championing the interests of the Fort Worth business community.

Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce CEO Steve Montgomery has decades of experience behind

Montgomery carries a wealth of knowledge and skills from over three decades of public and private sector involvement. His comprehensive experience in the realm of executive leadership, strategic planning, stakeholder management, and business administration makes him uniquely equipped to navigate the Chamber on a trajectory of increased growth and success.

Prior to this appointment, Montgomery earned his spurs serving in a consulting capacity, offering services in government relations and strategic communications to a wide array of clients across North Texas, with the Chamber itself being a beneficiary of his expertise.

Rosa Navejar, the Chair of the Fort Worth Chamber Board of Directors, expressed immense enthusiasm at Montgomery’s onboarding.

“We are thrilled to have Steve Montgomery join us as the new CEO of the Fort Worth Chamber,” said Rosa Navejar, according to the press release.

“Steve’s extensive experience and deep roots in the community make him an ideal candidate to lead our organization. We believe his strategic vision and commitment to fostering business growth will greatly benefit the Fort Worth business community,” Navejar added.

“Our search committee, led by Lonnie Nicholson, past chair of the Chamber, did an incredible job of identifying a strong slate of candidates and we couldn’t be more pleased with the results.”

Steve Montgomery to focus on four key points as Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce CEO

As the newly instated CEO, Montgomery is expected to synergize with the Fort Worth Economic Development Partnership (FWEDP) and the City of Fort Worth, prioritizing key focal points such as:

• Workforce Development: Montgomery will be at the forefront of efforts aimed at assessing the workforce requisites of the Fort Worth business community. He will ensure the provisioning of adequate training and resources to groom a skilled workforce for tomorrow.
• Infrastructure and Transportation: Acknowledging the crucial role a strong infrastructure and efficient transportation network play in facilitating business growth, Montgomery will liaise with stakeholders, including the City, the Real Estate Council, and Trinity Metro, to champion investments and advancements in these sectors.
• Business Retention: A core tenet of Montgomery’s role will be to buttress existing businesses in Fort Worth through initiatives that furnish resources, assistance, and programs to help businesses flourish and remain rooted in the community.
• Government Relations Advocacy: Montgomery will also liaise with elected and appointed officials, championing policies and regulations that nurture a conducive environment for businesses. His role will ensure the concerns and interests of the Fort Worth business community are accurately represented and addressed.

Furthermore, Montgomery will take the lead in fostering the Chamber’s membership development endeavors, striving to widen and solidify its member base. By providing opportunities for networking, access to research and resources, and advocating on behalf of its members, the Chamber seeks to magnify its value for businesses of varying scales within Fort Worth.

“The Fort Worth Chamber is dedicated to being the leading voice of business in our city,” said Steve Montgomery. “I am honored to join this incredible organization and work alongside our partners to prioritize workforce development, infrastructure and transportation, business retention, government relations advocacy, and membership development. Together, we will continue to build a vibrant and prosperous community for all.”

Mike Berry, President of Hillwood, has been interim CEO of the FWC since the departure of former president Brandom Gengelbach. According to Berry, “My time at the Chamber has only reinforced my belief that it is an amazing organization and now, with Steve at the helm to lead the team, we are positioned to make an even larger impact on the Fort Worth business community.”

Montgomery will officially take over responsibilities as CEO on July 31, 2023.

Navejar added, “We look forward to Steve’s leadership and the positive impact it will bring to Fort Worth.