Cynthia Sanchez Serrano Named Public Events Director to Lead Fort Worth Convention Center Expansion

Sanchez Serrano to oversee $701 million project after predecessor Mike Crum's five-year tenure.

Feb. 4, 2026 at 5:47pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Cynthia Sanchez Serrano, CEM, CVP, has been named Director of the City of Fort Worth Public Events Department, taking over leadership of Phase 2 of the Fort Worth Convention Center's $701 million expansion and modernization project. She succeeds Mike Crum, who successfully steered the construction of Phase 1 that was delivered in December 2025 and will remain in a part-time advisory capacity for the next several months.

Why it matters

The Fort Worth Convention Center is a critical economic driver for the city, hosting over 3 million visitors annually for conferences, conventions, and other major events. Sanchez Serrano's experience and leadership will be crucial in overseeing the next phase of the center's expansion and transformation.

The details

Sanchez Serrano, who previously served as Assistant Director and Operations Manager, will continue as General Manager of the convention center until the end of this year. She has 20 years of experience in the Public Events department and holds a Certified in Exhibition Management (CEM) credential and a Certified Venue Professional (CVP) certification.

  • Sanchez Serrano will assume the Director role on February 7, 2026.
  • Phase 1 of the convention center expansion was delivered in December 2025.

The players

Cynthia Sanchez Serrano

The new Director of the City of Fort Worth Public Events Department, who will lead Phase 2 of the $701 million convention center expansion project.

Mike Crum

The outgoing Director of the City of Fort Worth Public Events Department, who successfully steered the construction of Phase 1 of the convention center expansion and will remain in a part-time advisory capacity.

Jay Chapa

The Fort Worth City Manager, who praised Sanchez Serrano's experience and dedication to the city's tourism partners and clients.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“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. 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.”

— Jay Chapa, Fort Worth City Manager

“I'm honored and ready to lead both of these iconic centers into their next exciting chapters. 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.”

— Cynthia Sanchez Serrano

What’s next

Sanchez Serrano will continue as General Manager of the convention center until the end of this year, at which point she will fully transition into the Director role.

The takeaway

Sanchez Serrano's extensive experience in the public events industry and her dedication to Fort Worth's tourism and hospitality sectors make her well-equipped to lead the next phase of the convention center's expansion, ensuring the facility remains a premier destination for conferences, conventions, and other major events.