Sana Syed has been named named Chief Communications Officer for the City of Fort Worth [Photo: City of Fort Worth]
The city of Fort Worth has named Sana Syed as its chief communications officer. After serving in the role in an interim capacity since May, she will now lead the city’s Communications & Public Engagement Department as it enters a new phase of strategic alignment and service delivery.
“Clear, consistent communication with residents is key to Fort Worth’s continued success,” City Manager Jay Chapa said in a statement. “Sana grew up in Fort Worth and knows the city. She brings the leadership, creativity and experience needed to strengthen our citywide voice, elevate public engagement and ensure we are prepared for both everyday communication and moments of crisis.”
Her first day in her now-official role will be Oct. 20.
Syed is an executive with nearly 25 years of experience in public relations, public affairs, and strategic communication across the public, private, and nonprofit sectors. The city said her expertise spans organizational development, community outreach, crisis communication, media relations, and brand and reputation management.
Most recently, Syed led a strategic marketing and communications firm, The Marilla Group, as co-founder and consultant. She previously served as vice president for Allyn Media. Before that, she was the director for the Public Information Office for the city of Dallas, leading citywide media relations, public engagement, and crisis communications.
Her background also includes journalism and broadcasting, giving her what the city said is a unique perspective on storytelling and transparency in government.
The city said that under her leadership, CPE will advance implementation of the recently approved organizational realignment, designed to improve coordination, responsiveness and brand cohesion across all City communications.
CPE includes citywide communications, media relations, social and digital media, public engagement, Fort Worth TV, and the City’s 311 customer service center and MyFW app.
The city said that after recommendations developed in partnership with The Marilla Group, the department has been restructured to include three core divisions:
SHOP (Strategic Hub for Outreach and Production): creative services, community engagement, design, video, web, and brand management.
Public Information Office (PIO): media relations, crisis communication, and strategic messaging.
Customer Care: 311 and MyFW customer non-emergency services.
The city said the new structure strengthens its ability to inform, engage, and connect with residents, ensuring a cohesive and proactive approach to communication.
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