Robert Allen is President & CEO of the Fort Worth Economic Development Partnership (Fort Worth EDP), a premier economic development organization committed to positioning Fort Worth as the most vibrant and sustainable city in the United States.  In this role, he leads organizational strategy, drives financial and operational performance, and provides strategic board engagement in support of business attraction and job growth for the Fort Worth region.  

Fort Worth EDP was recently honored with the Mac Conway Award for Excellence in Economic Development by Site Selection magazine, recognizing its success in attracting investment and driving growth. 

Robert joined the Fort Worth EDP at the organization’s formation in 2023, and has since been directly involved in several transformative economic development projects in Fort Worth including,  the Embraer’s $70 million investment in new facilities at AllianceTexas, the launch of a new, 51-acre UTA-West Campus in Fort Worth, Bell’s more than $600 million Future Long Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA) project, and Wistron’s $761 million AI manufacturing facilities at AllianceTexas. 

Prior to being named President & CEO, Robert served as Deputy Chief of Staff to Texas Governor Greg Abbott, and most recently served as President and CEO of the Texas Economic Development Corporation (TxEDC).  

During his six years leading TxEDC, Robert spearheaded initiatives that advanced the organization’s mission to market Texas as the best state for business, including major international business missions to Japan, India, and Europe. His organization’s efforts have helped catapult Texas to a record-breaking number of Governor’s Cups as awarded by Site Selection Magazine. 

Robert is involved civically in the community and currently serves on the boards of Visit Fort Worth and The Real Estate Council of Greater Fort Worth. 

A fifth-generation Texan, Robert earned a bachelor’s degree from The University of Texas at Austin.  He and his wife, Rachel, have two children.