A former president of the University of Texas at Arlington has been named president and CEO of the North Texas Commission.
The commission announced Wednesday that James D. Spaniolo will take the job, with his first day set for Oct. 3. An introduction for Spaniolo is planned for Sept. 15 at the North Texas Commission Annual Members’ Luncheon.
Spaniolo succeeds former president and CEO Mabrie Jackson, who stepped down in February to become the public affairs director of H-E-B/Central Market. Marcellette (Marcy) Sherman has served as interim president and CEO since.
Spaniolo has a background in education, serving as president of the University of Texas at Arlington from 2004-2013. He also served as dean of Michigan State University’s College of Communication Arts and Sciences and is currently a chairman of the board of trustees for the American College of Education.
He has previously served with the North Texas Commission as a board member. Other organizations on his resume include the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce, Arlington Chamber and Dallas Regional Chamber.
“We are excited to have Jim lead the team at the North Texas Commission,” said Robert Hastings, North Texas Commission chairman and executive vice president, Bell Helicopter. “At UTA, he had a strong record of collaboration and partnership building, and his extensive background in communications, public affairs, law, philanthropy and higher education will serve our region well.”