BE Connected: The Workforce of Tomorrow
Luncheon with a panel of workforce experts in an open room discussion, set to discuss new approaches on preparing for the local workforce of tomorrow and provide resources for building businesses, supporting education, and connecting the Fort Worth Community.

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE!



Join us for a 20-minute tour of the new Tarleton State University-Fort Worth campus before or after BEC event by registering online:

• 11:00 a.m.
• 1 p.m.

Featured Panelists:

Robert Sturns, Director, Economic Development
City of Fort Worth
Robert Sturns has more than 25 years’ experience holding leadership roles in municipal government, commercial real estate and banking operations, with over 18 years' experience negotiating terms and structuring deals for economic and community development programs in Texas. As a certified Economic Development Finance Professional (EDFP), Mr. Sturns has received numerous awards and accolades for creative and successful business recruitment/retention efforts. By leveraging partnerships with public and private entities, he has been directly engaged in the announcement of over $3.0 billion in new capital investment and 25,000 jobs.  
 
In his current role, Sturns is responsible for the economic development initiatives for the City of Fort Worth, including Business Attraction & Retention, the Office of Business Diversity and the Office of Small Business Development. Mr. Sturns also serves on numerous boards and commissions across the community including Cancer Care Services, Cristo Rey Fort Worth, Fort Worth Country Day, The Multicultural Alliance and the North Central Texas Economic Development District. He is an Ex-Officio Board Member for Accelerate DFW Foundation, Fort Worth South Inc. and Fort Worth Sister Cities International. He is currently a member of the International Economic Development Council, Texas Economic Development Council, International Council of Shopping Centers, Rotary Club, and Leadership Fort Worth.  
 
Mr. Sturns received a commission as an Officer in the United States Army Reserve where he served for 10 years and reached the rank of Captain. He holds a Master of Business Administration from Texas Christian University and a Bachelor of Arts from Stephen F. Austin State University.  
 

Kim Cummings, SCP, SPHR, Assistant Vice President, Human Resources and Diversity
BNSF Railway
Kim Cummings, SCP, SPHR is responsible for BNSF Railway’s diversity and inclusion efforts, EEO and HR Compliance. She also provides leadership to the HR matrix teams supporting Law, State/Federal Govt Affairs, Corporate Communications, Claims, Compliance/Audit Services, and Technology Services. Cummings has spent over 20 years in leadership roles encouraging and promoting employee engagement in companies that include Belo Broadcasting, Burger King Corporation, Dell and Target Corporation. Kim has received numerous community service awards and business awards that include the 2012 “HR Professional of the Year” designation by Ogletree Deakins Law Firm and the Dallas Chamber of Commerce, 2015 DiversityFIRSTTM Award from the National Diversity Council and named 2016 Texas Most Powerful Business Women by Texas Diversity Magazine. 
 
Kim received her bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Texas State University graduating from the University’s Emerging Leader program and was inducted into Who’s Who in College & Universities students. Kim received her master’s degree from the University of Texas at Austin. She holds a Senior Professional designation in Human Resources and certified employee relations credentials. Kim is a professional member of the Fort Worth Human Resources Group and National Society of Human Resource Management.
 

Brandom Gengelbach, Executive Vice President of Economic Development 
Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce
Brandom Gengelbach is an Economic Development professional with 15+ years of diverse foreign and domestic experience. Brandom joined the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce as the Executive Vice President of Economic Development in 2016. He oversees business attraction and retention efforts, talent development, small business initiatives and advocacy, and the four pillars of the Chamber’s strategic plan known as Fortify. 
 
 
Steven Gonzalez, Business Services Director 
Workforce Solutions for Tarrant County
Steven Gonzalez leverages over 17 years of leadership experience towards his current role as Business Services Director of Workforce Solutions for Tarrant County where he offers workforce development of comprehensive employment solutions for employers and job seekers in Tarrant County. His focus is on establishing an ecosystem of industry consortiums and community partnerships while providing business consulting and services in the form of developing career pathways, skill training, work-based learning, apprenticeships, internships, on-the-job training, and special projects.  
 
Prior to his current role, Steven served in senior management roles in the United States Marine Corps. During his time in the Marines, Steven served as Public Relations Director, Operations/Readiness Director, and Human Resource Director. Post military service, Steven worked as a Case Manager in Fort Worth and Program Coordinator in Dallas for a non-profit organization serving veterans, homeless individuals, and job seekers. He is actively involved in the community and serves on various boards and organizations throughout DFW. Steven currently holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in News and Media Studies & Bachelor of Arts Degree in History, and currently pursuing an Executive MBA Degree all from Texas Christian University.