Public affairs executive Rebecca Montgomery will join the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce staff April 9 as senior vice president of advocacy, leading one of four pillars of the chamber’s new strategic plan, Fortify, the chamber announced March 21.
Montgomery is currently vice president of external affairs at the Fort Worth Transportation Authority, which was recently rebranded as Trinity Metro. During her four-year tenure, she has been responsible for local, state and federal government relations, marketing, communications and community relations.
“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,” Brandom Gengelbach, the chamber’s executive vice president of economic development, said in a news 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.”
As head of advocacy, the news release said, Montgomery’s goals will include developing and communicating annual public policy agendas, legislative advocacy, increasing business sector diversity on chamber advocacy committees, and promoting Fort Worth as a driver of economic development policy discussions.
“This is an exciting time for Fort Worth and the North Texas region,” Montgomery said in the release, “and I am excited to have the opportunity to join such a dynamic team to fulfill the vision of the chamber.
“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.”
Previously, she was executive director of the USS Fort Worth Commissioning & Support Committee and spent 15 years working with the Texas Legislature as executive aide to Speaker of the House Tom Craddick and as chief of staff for State Rep. John Smithee.