Jesus “Jay” Chapa, most recently director of economic development for the city of Fort Worth, and Valerie R. Washington, deputy director and chief financial officer for the Indianapolis Department of Public Safety, have been appointed new assistant city managers of Fort Worth. Chapa’s appointment becomes effective July 18. Washington is expected to take her new role in September.
“Both of these people are great fits for Fort Worth as we run a $1.5 billion business that supports the nation’s fastest growing big city,” said City Manager David Cooke. “Each of these innovative leaders has built a career working in cities and industries dealing with growth and providing outstanding public service and citizen engagement.” During his nearly 19 years with the city, Chapa has served in leadership positions in the housing and economic development, water department and budget office. He previously worked at BNSF Railway as director of public policy in the public-private partnership group of the railroad.
Washington is responsible for the operational and financial management for eight divisions in Indianapolis, including police, fire, EMS, Homeland Security, and animal care and control. Previously, she was deputy director for the office of audit and performance. Prior to that, she was chief financial officer for the Department of Public Safety and was assistant director of finance for the Marion County Supreme Court.