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Chris Strayer, formerly of the Fort Worth Chamber, has been appointed executive director of the Parker County Economic Development Council.
Strayer recently stepped down as executive vice president of the Fort Worth Chamber, following the departure of President and CEO Brandom Gengelbach.
Strayer has also worked as the senior project manager for Columbus 2020 and the Ohio Department of Development. He has served in both the public and private sector as a planner, consultant, and director of development.
As executive director for the Parker County Economic Development Council, Strayer will lead the organization's efforts to promote business growth and job creation in the community.
Parker County EDC
Chris Strayer
“I am thrilled to join the Parker County Economic Development Council and look forward to working with the community to promote economic growth and development,” he said in a statement. “I am grateful for the opportunity to lead this great organization and help bring high-value projects to Parker County.”
Economic development opportunity in Parker County is trending upward, supported by recent data showing that the county was one of the fastest growing in Texas.
A press release credited Strayer and his team at the Fort Worth Chamber with securing more than $4 billion of investment and over 10,000 jobs in headquarter relocations, manufacturing, logistics, air freight, and military defense projects.
The Parker County Economic Development Council Executive Board has asked the former director, Patrick Lawler, to stay on with the organization and rejoin the board of directors.
“We truly appreciate the value Patrick has brought to the organization these past three years,” said Board Chair Stacy Lynch. “The board and the community looks forward to leveraging Chris’ vast experience to raise the economic profile of Parker County.”
The Fort Worth Chamber is undergoing a reorganization that includes a new economic development entity.
Robert Allen, a former longtime aide to Texas Gov. Greg Abbott and president and CEO of the Texas Economic Development Corporation, will lead the Fort Worth Economic Development Partnership, the chamber announced last month.
He will begin his new duties this week.