Cynthia Sanchez Serrano, CEM, CVP, has been named Director of the City of Fort Worth Public Events Department, leading Phase 2 of the Fort Worth Convention Center’s $701 million expansion and modernization project. Sanchez Serrano succeeds Mike Crum, who successfully steered the construction of Phase 1 that was delivered in December 2025. He will remain with the City in a part-time advisory capacity for the next several months as Deputy Director, swapping roles with Sanchez Serrano effective February 7th.
“Mike committed five years to us to lead the convention center expansion and other transformative projects, and due to pandemic delays, stayed an extra year to make sure they were launched,” said Jay Chapa, Fort Worth City Manager. “Cynthia’s 26 years of experience and dedication to our City team, tourism partners and clients will provide steady leadership as we continue with Phase 2 of the center’s transformation and transition management of Will Rogers Memorial Center to the private sector.”
“I’m honored and ready to lead both of these iconic centers into their next exciting chapters,” said Sanchez Serrano. “Our team will remain focused on providing excellent customer service to our clients and guests while delivering a best-in-class venue that showcases Fort Worth’s renowned western heritage and hospitality to visitors and residents alike.”
Sanchez Serrano will continue as General Manager of the convention center until the end of this year. Promoted to Deputy Director in 2025, she previously served as Assistant Director and Operations Manager. With 20 years in Public Events, she earned a Certified in Exhibition Management (CEM) credential from the International Association of Exhibitions and Events and a Certified Venue Professional (CVP) from the International Association of Venue Managers. She holds a Master of Science in Advertising and Public Relations from Texas Christian University, a Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies from the University of Texas at Arlington and completed coursework in Public Administration from Texas Wesleyan University.
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About the Public Events Department
The City of Fort Worth Public Event Department manages the operations of the Office of Outdoor Events, the Fort Worth Convention Center and the Will Rogers Memorial Center. The two event facilities welcome more than 3 million visitors annually for conferences, conventions, sporting events, national and international equestrian shows, consumer shows, and corporate and social events. The Office of Outdoor Events reviews, regulates and administers permits for an annual average of 250 outdoor events such as parades, block parties and festivals.
