Fort Worth has appointed Kacey Bess as the permanent director of the Neighborhood Services Department, following a three-month interim term in which she was tasked with overseeing the city's housing, community development, and social services programs. Bess, a veteran with over ten years of municipal experience, steps into her new role with a track record that spans various departments, including Human Resources, Park & Recreation, and the Fire Department.
According to the City of Fort Worth, Assistant City Manager Fernando Costa praised Bess for her adept handling of departmental responsibilities, stating, "Kacey Bess has performed excellent work during the past three months as our interim Neighborhood Services director. As we had expected, she has demonstrated her ability to solve complex problems, build productive relationships, manage tight budgets, ensure regulatory compliance, and generally provide effective leadership." Her ascension to the directorship follows a substantial career within the city's various arms, where she initially started as a budget analyst.
Bess not only brings practical city-managing experience to the role but also a strong educational background with a bachelor's degree in business from UT-Austin and a master’s degree in public administration from UT-Arlington, her expertise is further solidified by a certification as a Senior Professional in Human Resources. This combination of education and hands-on municipal service frames Bess as a multifaceted leader for a department that is integral to the functioning of community infrastructure and welfare.
