Meet the Team

Previously, Thurber served as a Retail Strategist and Broker for The Retail Strategy, an Austin-based commercial real estate firm, where she focused on new business development and national client account management. Prior to The Retail Strategy, she was Director of CRE Marketing and Business Development with United Bankshares, Inc. in Washington, D.C.

In addition to her background in Real Estate, Sara has extensive experience in marketing and business development during her time with United Bankshares, Inc. in Washington, D.C.

Thurber holds a Bachelor’s of Arts in Communications/Human Relations with a minor in Advertising and Public Relations from Texas Christian University and is a licensed Real Estate Sales Agent.

Sara is an active member of the Real Estate Council of Greater Fort Worth, CREW Fort Worth and PEO International

In his current role, he is responsible for the economic development program for the City of Fort Worth, including business attraction & retention, business diversity initiatives and small business/entrepreneurship development. 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.

Fernandez is experienced in overseeing marketing and promotions, helping recruit American Airlines jet service to the City of Del Rio, managing the accredited Del Rio Main Street Program, and helping implement a Downtown Historic District Ordinance. Her passions are business retention and expansion and workforce development, and she believes building personal relationships with business owners is critical to successful recruitment and retention efforts.

Fernandez was born and raised in Eagle Pass, Texas, and is a former high school English teacher and coach. She graduated with a BA in English and Sport Management from Rice University in December 2005, and earned her MBA in 2009 and M.Ed in 2017 from Sul Ross State University.  She also graduated from the OU-EDI program in 2021.

He has successfully negotiated public-private partnerships relating to a wide variety project types, including corporate relocation, industrial, hotels, adaptive re-use, and tech-related R&D. Hennig has also played a key role in the development of new tools, policies, and strategies that support job creation, economic growth, and social advancement throughout the region. Prior to his time at the City of Fort Worth, he served in multiple senior roles in the field of strategy consulting and policy analysis.

Hennig is a Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) and has progressed toward a PhD (ABD) in Public Policy and Administration. He holds an MPA in Economic Development from the University of Texas at Arlington’s School of Urban & Public Affairs, a BBA in Entrepreneurship from TCU’s Neeley School of Business, and is a graduate of the University of Oklahoma Economic Development Institute.