North Texas Community Welcomes James D. Spaniolo

Earlier this week, we announced James D. Spaniolo will join the North Texas Commission as the organization’s new President and CEO. Jim served as president of the University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) for almost a decade. His appointment will begin October 3, 2016, but he will be introduced at the 45th Annual Members’ Luncheon on September 15. 

“We are excited to have Jim lead the team at the North Texas Commission,” said Robert Hastings, North Texas Commission chairman and executive vice president, Bell Helicopter. “At UTA, he had a strong record of collaboration and partnership building, and his extensive background in communications, public affairs, law, philanthropy and higher education will serve our region well.”

The local media has welcomed Jim back to the North Texas community. The Fort Worth Star-Telegram editorial board was especially pleased with the announcement, calling it a “a coup” for the organization.

While President of UTA, Jim was a Board Member of the North Texas Commission, and also served on the Boards of the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce, the Arlington Chamber and the Dallas Regional Chamber.

A Michigan native, Spaniolo retired from UTA in 2014 but remained connected to North Texas through a number of volunteer and consulting activities. During that time, he also served as a special advisor for higher education for the Michigan Governor’s Office. He currently serves as the chairman of the Board of Trustees for the American College of Education, an online graduate school of education.

Please join us at the 45th Annual Members’ Luncheon to welcome Jim to the North Texas Commission.