Rebecca Montgomery, the government affairs executive for the Fort Worth Transportation Authority, is joining the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce as its top executive for advocacy, one of the four pillars of the organization's recently unveiled strategic plan, the Chamber said Wednesday.
Montgomery, the vice president of external affairs for Trinity Metro, the recently branded Fort Worth T, has been responsible for the organization's local, state and federal government relations, marketing, communications, and community relations for the four years she's been there.
At the Chamber, Montgomery will be senior vice president for advocacy, responsible for developing and communicating annual public policy agendas, increasing business sector diversity on Chamber advocacy committees, legislative advocacy, and promoting Fort Worth as a driver of economic development policy discussions. Montgomery's hiring was the second announcement of the week; earlier, the Chamber announced it hired Jarred Howard, a BNSF executive, to head small business and entrepreneurship development, another of the Chamber's strategic pillars.
"As we look to take our advocacy efforts to new heights, the Chamber will play a central role in bringing the region together to help identify issues and solve problems that will create greater prosperity for all in Fort Worth," said Brandom Gengelbach, the Chamber's executive vice president of economic development, said in a release. "Rebecca brings established relationships and a wealth of experience with the Texas Legislature, Fort Worth City Council and other public partners to represent the interests of our stakeholders and help advocate for a stronger business climate."
"This is an exciting time for Fort Worth and the North Texas region and I am excited to have the opportunity to join such a dynamic team to fulfill the vision of the Chamber," Montgomery said. "My role at Trinity Metro has prepared me for this new position because I have spent the last several years learning about essential issues that shape our community. I believe my experience in policy and advocacy will allow me to impact our community positively, and I cannot wait to get started in helping further the Chamber's mission of economic prosperity in Fort Worth."
Prior to Trinity Metro, Montgomery was executive director of the USS Fort Worth Commissioning & Support Committee. She has also been active in the Tarrant Literacy Coalition. Montgomery also formerly was executive aide to Texas House Speaker Tom Craddick and chief of staff for State Rep. John Smithee.