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Nick serves as the Director of Strategic Development for Hillwood, working closely with development and marketing teams to advance long-term planning and infrastructure needs for AllianceTexas. Nick’s primary focus is to advance critical development initiatives around mobility innovation, industrial infrastructure, energy, and data. Nick’s experience ranges from Class I railroad mainline to intermodal and sizeable industrial site development. He has successfully executed numerous large and small projects in different municipalities throughout the U.S. 

Prior to joining Hillwood, Nick was with the North Carolina Department of Transportation where he served as the Rail Operations and Facilities Branch Manager. Previously, he was the Senior Project Manager of Industrial Projects at Jacobs, an international architectural and engineering company, and the Director of Economic Development at BNSF Railway, managing the implementation of rail-served logistic parks and centers across BNSF’s network. 

Nick is a graduate of the University of Illinois, with a degree in Civil Engineering, he also received his MBA from UT Arlington. He is a licensed professional engineer and earned his Project Management Professional Certification from Project Management Institute. 

Lindsay Mullins is an accomplished Government Affairs Director with extensive experience in transportation and railroad policy. Currently, as the Executive Director of State Government Affairs at BNSF Railway, she advocates for policies that impact rail and transportation operations across multiple jurisdictions. In this role, Lindsay works closely with governmental entities, stakeholders, and community organizations to shape effective legislative and regulatory frameworks that support the transportation industry.

Lindsay’s career spans critical positions in government affairs, including serving as Legislative Aide at the Texas House of Representatives, Legislative Director, and General Counsel for prominent figures like Senator Joan Huffman and Senator Florence Shapiro. These roles allowed her to build a deep understanding of the legislative process, which informs her strategic advocacy for transportation policies in Texas and beyond.

She holds a Doctor of Law (JD) from Tulane University Law School, and a Bachelor of Arts in Government from The University of Texas at Austin. Her academic background, combined with her leadership and community service values instilled at The Hockaday School, has shaped her path in public service.

At BNSF Railway, Lindsay has played a pivotal role in developing government affairs strategies that positively impact the railroad industry. Her relationship-building skills with policymakers have been instrumental in advocating for legislation that promotes safe and efficient rail transport. Lindsay remains a dedicated advocate for transportation issues, continuously working to foster collaboration and build policies that benefit communities, businesses, and the transportation sector across the nation.

Becky Redman brings extensive experience in government relations and advocacy for Lockheed Martin Aeronautics, focusing on federal, state, and local issues that impact operations. She leads a grassroots advocacy team working across 44 states to support critical aeronautic programs and manages key congressional and committee engagements for Lockheed Martin’s facilities. Additionally, Becky handles state and federal legislative matters for LM Aero.

Before joining Lockheed Martin, Becky served as District Director for State Senator Kim Brimer in District 10 (Fort Worth, TX), managing the district office and directing state policies and legislation. She also worked as District Manager for State Senator Mike Moncrief in District 12 (Fort Worth). Becky holds a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Tennessee – Knoxville.

Becky is a board member of the Texas Taxpayers and Research Association (TTARA) and serves as a board officer for the Texas Association of Manufacturers (TAM). She is also involved with the Texas Defense, Aerospace, and Aviation Alliance (TDAAA) and is the immediate Past Chair for the Texas Association of Business (TAB), where she also serves on the TXBIZ Votes Board of Directors. Additionally, she is a board member of the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce, where she co-chairs the Government Relations Committee.

Becky’s dedication to excellence has earned her recognition, including the Lockheed Martin NOVA award and the Lockheed Martin Aerostar Award for her contributions to the success of the company.

Bio coming soon

Chris Strayer is the Executive Vice President of Economic Development at the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce, a position he has held since January 1, 2020. In his role, Strayer oversees all aspects of economic development, including Talent, Advocacy, and Small Business & Entrepreneurship. His leadership is central to the Chamber’s four-year strategic plan, Fortify, where he focuses on business attraction, retention, and expansion.

Before joining the Fort Worth Chamber, Strayer was the Senior Project Manager for Business Development and Project Management at Columbus 2020, the economic development organization for the Columbus region. During his tenure, he managed over 180 successful projects, generating more than $1.5 billion in investments and creating or retaining 35,000 jobs. His clients included notable companies such as Verizon, Kroger, Abbott Laboratories, and Avnet.

Strayer’s extensive background spans land use planning, civil and environmental engineering, construction, and government at both local and state levels, providing him with a comprehensive understanding of the processes involved in expanding business operations. His expertise allows him to effectively guide businesses through the complexities of economic growth.

Strayer earned a B.S. in Urban and Regional Planning from Michigan State University and holds the Economic Development Finance Professional credential from the National Development Council. His deep experience and strategic vision make him a key figure in Fort Worth’s economic development landscape.

Reverend Dr. Michael A. Evans, Sr. was elected Mayor of Mansfield, Texas, in December 2020, after more than 30 years of service as the pastor of Bethlehem Baptist Church. A committed community advocate, Mayor Evans holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Texas at Arlington, a Master of Divinity from Texas Christian University’s Brite Divinity School, and a Doctor of Ministry from Baylor University.

His public service includes three terms on the Mansfield Independent School District Board of Trustees, where he also served as board president, and as an administrator with Tarrant County College District overseeing ESL and Adult Basic Education Centers. Mayor Evans is passionate about race relations and founded organizations such as the BBC Educational Enrichment Corporation, Hope House Community Service Network, and the Historic West Mansfield Texas Community Development Corporation.

Mayor Evans also served as a U.S. Navy Reserve Chaplain from 1990 to 1998 and is involved with several boards, including the Methodist Mansfield Medical Center Advisory Board and the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Advisory Board.

In addition to his leadership roles, he serves as director of Life Touch Cottage Ministries, providing education and evangelism for children in Nigeria. Mayor Evans is a former director of African American Ministries for the Baptist General Convention of Texas, where he served as president for two terms.

He and his wife, Lisa, have two children and a granddaughter.

Commissioner Manny Ramirez is a lifelong resident of Northwest Tarrant County, a dedicated public servant, and a proud husband and father of three daughters—Sofia, Mia, and Penelope. He earned his MBA from Texas Christian University and holds degrees from Tarleton State University and W.E. Boswell High School.

With over 15 years in law enforcement, Manny has served as a Fort Worth Police Officer, Detective, and Sergeant, with assignments ranging from robbery investigations to work with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s National Gang Unit. He also served as president of the Fort Worth Police Officers Association, representing more than 1,700 officers at all levels of government.

In 2019, Manny led a landmark negotiation with the City of Fort Worth to resolve a $1.6 billion pension shortfall—protecting the benefits of over 10,000 public servants without raising taxes. Fort Worth remains the only major Texas city to solve such a crisis without state intervention.

Appointed in 2020 by Governor Greg Abbott, Manny served on the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles Board of Directors. He also contributes to regional transportation policy as a board member of the Regional Transportation Council and is involved with the Salvation Army Fort Worth and TCU’s Chancellor’s Advisory Council.

Raised in a blue-collar household, Manny brings a strong work ethic and commitment to service. As County Commissioner, he continues to fight for taxpayers, public safety, and a stronger future for Tarrant County.

Commissioner Matt Krause represents Precinct 3 in Tarrant County, continuing a lifelong commitment to public service and constitutional values. A native of Tyler, Texas, Matt grew up in a family devoted to faith and service—his father a pastor and his mother an educator. He and his wife, Jennie, live in Keller with their five children and are active members of First Baptist Church of Keller, where they teach youth and lead a 10th-grade Sunday School class.

Matt earned his law degree magna cum laude from Liberty University School of Law, where he was a national moot court competitor and law review editor. After passing the Texas Bar in 2007, he joined a national nonprofit law firm, focusing on religious liberty, pro-life advocacy, and constitutional rights. His work included high-profile cases defending free speech and religious freedom against unconstitutional policies.

In 2012, Matt was elected to the Texas House of Representatives, where he served the Fort Worth-Arlington area for nearly a decade. He held leadership roles including Chairman of the General Investigating Committee, Chairman of the Tourism Caucus, and Secretary-Treasurer of the Texas Freedom Caucus. He also championed protections for medically fragile children and efforts to reduce bureaucratic barriers to care.

As County Commissioner, Matt remains focused on strengthening families, supporting public safety, improving infrastructure, and defending the fundamental rights that define Texas and the nation.

Mr. Trevino was born and raised in San Antonio, Texas. He graduated from Texas A&M University in 1978 with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering. He is presently president and part owner of J.L. Steel, L.P., a Heavy-Highway Contractor. He was elected Mayor of North Richland Hills, Texas in June 2002 and served 11 terms. He has served on the City Council since 1999, marking 25 years of service to the city. 

Jeremy Tompkins is a Senior Consultant for Southwest Airlines. He formerly served on the Planning & Zoning Commission for the City of Euless from 2011-2014 and the Euless Parks and Leisure Services Board from 2008-2011. He is currently serving as a council member. 

He is a Past President of the Euless Citizens Fire Academy Alumni Association and frequent volunteer for the Parks Department. Tompkins serves on the Crime Control and Prevention District Board of Directors; the Euless Development Corporation; and the NCTCOG Regional Transportation Council representing several Northeast Tarrant cities.

Jeremy and his wife have lived in Euless since 2003. They have been married 30 years and have two children and three grandchildren.

Jeremy is always traveling and is delighted to have the opportunity to serve the city he loves.

Mattie Parker has served as the 45th Mayor of Fort Worth, Texas since 2021. Mayor Parker is focused on building a safer and stronger Fort Worth, nurturing thriving families, and fostering the highest quality of life in every ZIP code of the nation’s 12th largest city.  Her next-generation leadership includes key efforts and community partnerships to bolster Fort Worth’s development to compete in a global economy, improve public safety, expand access to education and workforce opportunities, and preserve the city’s rich heritage with a pioneering spirit and determination to leave things better than she found them.   

Mayor Parker is a licensed attorney, with more than 18 years of experience in national, state, and local public affairs, including her service as the chief of staff for Mayor and the Fort Worth City Council. She was the founding CEO of Fort Worth Cradle to Career and the Tarrant To & Through (T3) Partnership. She and her husband David are the proud parents of one daughter and two sons.

Mayor Jim Ross was elected Mayor of Arlington in June 2021, after decades of dedicated service to both his community and country. A proud resident of Arlington for over 40 years, Jim has witnessed the city’s growth and transformation. He served as a U.S. Marine from 1979 to 1983, and after receiving an Honorable Discharge, joined the Arlington Police Department, where he served for 13 years, including as a member of the city’s first full-time SWAT team and a narcotics investigator.

In 1996, Jim made a career change, earning his law degree in just 28 months and passing the State Bar exam on his first attempt. He founded The Jim Ross Law Group, P.C. in 2009 after working in environmental law for prominent firms.

Jim is also an entrepreneur, opening the Mercury Chophouse in 2017 and the Hearsay Arlington lounge in 2023. He is deeply involved in the Arlington community, serving on boards for organizations such as the Arlington Police Foundation, Special Olympics, and the American Heart Association.

As Mayor, Jim serves on multiple influential boards, including the Arlington Tomorrow Foundation, the National Medal of Honor Museum Foundation, and the North Central Texas Council of Governments’ Regional Transportation Council. He is also a trustee with the U.S. Conference of Mayors, chairing the Veterans Affairs Task Force.

Jim is a proud father of four and grandfather to five.

The 33rd County Judge since Tarrant County was founded in 1849, Tim O’Hare is a fifth-generation Texan and lifelong resident of the Metroplex. After graduating from The University of Texas at Austin in 1991 with a BBA in Finance, he went on to earn his law degree from SMU School of Law in 1995.

Prior to taking the Oath of Office on January 1, 2023, Judge O’Hare spent twenty-five years managing a successful law firm and real estate investment company. He served as a City Councilman in his hometown of Farmers Branch for three years, before serving as Mayor from 2008-2011. During his two terms in office, he spearheaded reductions in local government spending, reduced crime, and significantly lowered the city’s unfunded pension liability.

Judge O’Hare was elected Tarrant County Judge on November 8, 2022. During his first two years as Tarrant County’s Chief Political Executive, he led the third-largest county in Texas with bold, conservative spending reforms. A few of the many improvements made for Tarrant County citizens include instituting the maximum homestead exemption allowed by the state for the first time in Tarrant County, reducing the County’s Operating Budget by more than 58 million dollars, and increasing funding for Law Enforcement. He has led the effort to eliminate waste, fraud and abuse and championed the largest tax cuts in Tarrant County’s history.

Judge O’Hare and his wife Christen live in Southlake with their four daughters, where he coaches recreational youth sports. They are active members of First Baptist Grapevine, where they volunteer in the Children’s Ministry and Judge O’Hare serves as a Deacon. Judge O’Hare loves sports and traveling, having visited all 50 states before turning 35.

Judge O’Hare works every day to make Tarrant County, Texas the best place to live, work and raise a family in America.

The Honorable Andy Eads serves as County Judge for Denton County, bringing nearly two decades of experience in public service and regional leadership. First elected as County Commissioner for Precinct 4 in 2007, Judge Eads played a key role in rebuilding major state highways and attracting Fortune 1,000 companies to one of the nation’s fastest-growing counties. His focus on economic development, infrastructure, and conservative fiscal policy has helped improve quality of life while reducing the tax rate.

Judge Eads is recognized as a regional transportation leader and currently serves as Denton County’s representative—and Secretary—on the North Central Texas Council of Governments’ Regional Transportation Council. He is slated to chair the 40+ member body in the coming years.

A champion of community engagement, Judge Eads has held numerous civic leadership roles, including president of the Lewisville ISD Education Foundation Board, Communities In Schools of North Texas, and the Flower Mound Rotary Club. He also founded the Cross Timbers Rotary Club, the largest in Denton County, and was recognized by Rotary International for outstanding service.

Before entering public office, Judge Eads began his career in local government with the Town of Addison and authored a book on its history. He also worked in real estate, earning accolades as one of D Magazine’s “Best Realtors in DFW.”

A fifth-generation Denton County resident, Judge Eads lives in Flower Mound with his wife, Ginger, and their three children. He enjoys volunteering and camping with his sons’ Scout Troop.

Pat Deen was elected as Parker County Judge in 2018, bringing with him a strong background in executive leadership, economic development, and community service. Prior to his election, he served as Mayor of Hudson Oaks, where he was instrumental in attracting major businesses such as H-E-B, John Deere, Starbucks, Chick-fil-A, McDonald’s, and NextLink—driving significant local economic growth. 

In the private sector, Pat held key leadership roles at Procter & Gamble and Duracell, including serving as Director of Duracell’s Global Hearing Aid Business and OEM Business Manager, overseeing operations across the Midwest, Asia, and Europe. He earned numerous awards during his corporate career, including the prestigious President’s Award for expanding global markets. Under his leadership, Duracell achieved over 50% market share in key global segments. 

As County Judge, Pat has leveraged his corporate experience to implement performance-based initiatives and cost-saving measures that have improved the efficiency and effectiveness of county operations. 

He currently serves on numerous regional boards and committees, including the Parker County Chamber, Weatherford Chamber, Springtown Chamber, Parker County Economic Development Board, Regional Transportation Council, Parker County Transportation Safety Committee, 911 Board, and Juvenile Board. His prior community service includes roles with the Parker County United Way, American Red Cross, and Weatherford Little League. 

Pat holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Economics and Finance from Texas Wesleyan University and an MBA in Global Management from the University of Phoenix in Dallas. He is also a former baseball coach and remains actively involved in youth and civic initiatives throughout the community. 

Ron Jensen is a dedicated business owner and public servant who has served the Grand Prairie community for decades. With a long-standing career at Control Products Corporation since 1972, Ron currently serves as the company’s Owner/CEO. He graduated from the University of Texas at Arlington with a BA in Psychology in 1973 and was honored with the UTA Distinguished Alumni Award in 2008.

Ron’s public service career began in 2002 when he was first elected as a City Council member for District 6. He was re-elected several times and went on to serve as Mayor of Grand Prairie from 2013 to 2022. As Mayor, he demonstrated leadership and commitment to the city, focusing on development, community services, and regional partnerships.

A passionate advocate for community engagement, Ron served as President of the Sports Facilities Development Corporation and chaired the North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) Regional Transportation Council. He has been involved with numerous organizations, including the Grand Prairie Rotary Club, YMCA, and DFW Medical Hospital Board. He has also coached youth sports and worked with the YMCA on various campaigns.

A resident of Grand Prairie since 1963, Ron has been married to his wife, Rebecca, since 1971. Together, they have three children and four grandchildren. His dedication to both his family and his community has earned him recognition, including the Chamber of Commerce Public Servant Award and Man of the Year Award.

Sharron Rogers is a proud member of TRTC’s Board of Directors. She is a 6^th generation Texan, born and raised in Fort Worth; she moved to Grapevine in 1975. She retired from American Airlines after 21 years of service, and was Vice-President of Spencer Engineering, Inc.

Sharron serves on the Board of Directors of the Texas Historical Foundation and was recently elected Vice-Chair. She was appointed to the Grapevine Planning and Zoning Commission in 1979 which she chaired 4 of her 6 years of service. She was then elected to the Grapevine City Council in 1985 and has been re-elected every three years since.

She is a member of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), Capt. Molly Corbin Chapter, which presented Sharron their Community Service Award.  She was awarded DAR’s prestigious national award – their first Medal for Patriotism.

Sharron is a member of the Grapevine Chamber of Commerce, past member of Baylor Hospital Development Council, serves on Grapevine’s Crime Control and Prevention District Board of Directors, and Economic Development Corporation, and is a Charter Member of the Grapevine Heritage Foundation.

On a personal note, Sharron and husband Doug both lost spouses to cancer. They first met when Doug sat in front of Sharron in their 7^th grade history class when they were 12; they went to junior high and high school together, were friends but never dated. They became re-acquainted just prior to a high school reunion and have been married 8 years.

Mayor Chris Fletcher was sworn in as the 22nd Mayor of Burleson on November 17, 2020. He currently serves on several key City Council committees, including the Community Service Corporation Type B, Tax Increment Finance Reinvestment Zone #2, Community & Intergovernmental Relations Committee, and the Infrastructure & Development Committee.

A longtime resident and business leader, Mayor Fletcher moved to Burleson in 1986, where he established Texas Overhead Door. Under his leadership, the company grew to operate in four states before he sold the business to his nephew in 2019. He now consults on manufacturing process improvements, drawing on a career that began in 1970 at Texas Instruments in Lubbock.

Deeply committed to his community, Mayor Fletcher has served as a deacon at the Burleson Church of Christ for over 20 years and has been active with the Burleson Area Chamber of Commerce and Your Harvest House. He has also participated in several mission trips, demonstrating his passion for service and outreach.

Born in Haskell County and raised in Rochester, Texas, he grew up farming and began welding by age 12. He graduated from Rochester High School in 1970 and soon moved to Lubbock, where he met his wife, Nancy. Married since 1979, the Fletchers have two children and are proud grandparents to a granddaughter and grandson.

bio coming soon

Mayor Rick Stopfer was re-elected for a third term as Mayor of Irving in May 2023, having previously served as a City Council member from 1998 to 2012, where he held leadership roles, including Deputy Mayor Pro-Tem and Mayor Pro-Tem. During his time on the City Council, he chaired multiple committees, including Planning and Development, and served on various other key committees.

In 2013, Stopfer was appointed by the City Council as Irving’s representative to the DART Board, where he has held several leadership positions, including chair of the Revenue and Public Relations Committee and Vice-Chair of the Rail Program Committee. He is also a member of the Trinity Railway Express Advisory Committee, the Transit Oriented Development Committee, and an alternate on the Regional Transportation Council.

Stopfer has served on a variety of municipal boards and government agencies, including the DFW Airport Board, the Dallas Regional Mobility Commission/TEX-21, and the National League of Cities. He also served as president of the Valley Ranch Association and the Irving Heritage Society.

A long-time Irving resident since 1988, Mayor Stopfer and his wife, Melanie, have been married for over 40 years. Originally from South Dakota, he is a retired automotive consultant and continues to dedicate himself to enhancing the city’s growth and quality of life.