Kristen Smith to head human resources for City of Fort Worth

Kristen Smith to head human resources for City of Fort Worth

Published on September 11, 2025

Kristen Smith will join the City of Fort Worth as director of human resources and civil service.

Smith is a strategic operational leader focused on advancing organizations through leveraging their greatest asset: people. Her 20-plus years of experience span both public and private sectors, including internal and consulting projects from local startups to multinational Fortune 500 organizations.

"Kristen Smith has built an outstanding reputation for leadership, innovation and dedication to fostering a workplace culture that values public service," City Manager Jay Chapa said. "Her experience in developing strategic HR initiatives, strengthening employee engagement and fostering organizational growth will be an incredible asset to our organization as Fort Worth continues to grow."

Smith currently serves as a managing director for the City of Garland, leading workforce services, including human resources, civil service, risk management and the city's full-service employee healthcare facility, CityCare Clinic. She also leads the Office of Fair Housing and Human Rights and serves as the executive sponsor for several citywide initiatives and key operational funds.

Smith holds a master's degree in human resources management and a bachelor's degree in business administration. She is a Senior Certified Professional in Human Resources (SPHR & SHRM-SCP), a Certified Diversity Professional (CDP) and a Certified Mediator.

In addition, she holds several training and professional certifications focused on employee health and safety, leadership and professional development.

The City of Fort Worth's Human Resources Department oversees the organization's talent acquisition, classification and compensation, HRIS/records, organizational development, employee relations, safety, benefits, and year-round wellness program. The department is also home to the City's Civil Rights Office, which provides information and services related to enforcement of the City's antidiscrimination ordinance and federal housing, employment and accommodation laws.

Fort Worth currently has 8,075 employees.

Smith is scheduled to begin work in Fort Worth on Oct. 6. She's already begun shopping for her first pair of cowboy boots.

Photo: Kristen Smith

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