City of Fort Worth apponts Cynthia Sanchez Serrano as director of Public Events Department
Fort Worth, Texas – The City of Fort Worth has officially appointed Cynthia Sanchez Serrano, CEM, CVP, as the new director of its Public Events Department, placing her at the helm of the second phase of the Fort Worth Convention Center’s ambitious $701 million expansion and modernization project.
The leadership change follows the successful completion of Phase 1, which was delivered in December 2025 under the guidance of former director Mike Crum. After leading the department through multiple transformative projects, including delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, Crum will now step into a part-time advisory role. Effective February 7, he and Sanchez Serrano will swap positions, with Crum becoming deputy director to assist during the leadership transition.
“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 City Manager Jay Chapa. “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.”
Sanchez Serrano expressed her gratitude for the opportunity and her vision for the road ahead. “I’m honored and ready to lead both of these iconic centers into their next exciting chapters,” she said. “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.”
A Longstanding Member of Fort Worth’s Public Events Leadership
With more than two decades of experience in public events, Sanchez Serrano brings a wealth of institutional knowledge and operational expertise to her new role. She was promoted to deputy director in 2025 and previously served as assistant director and operations manager for the convention center. She will continue serving as general manager of the venue until the end of this year, ensuring continuity as the project moves forward.
Sanchez Serrano holds the Certified in Exhibition Management (CEM) designation from the International Association of Exhibitions and Events, as well as the Certified Venue Professional (CVP) credential from the International Association of Venue Managers. Her educational background includes a Master of Science in advertising and public relations from Texas Christian University and a bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies from the University of Texas at Arlington. She also completed coursework in public administration at Texas Wesleyan University.
With her extensive credentials and deep roots in Fort Worth’s public event infrastructure, Sanchez Serrano is poised to carry the city’s convention and tourism assets into a new era—one defined by growth, modernization, and world-class hospitality.
