FORT WORTH, Texas — A range of educational programs in business and finance, workforce development, leadership and economic growth will dominate Tarrant County College Northeast’s 2026 Fall Business Lecture Series.
Industry experts, financial professionals and public-sector executives will explore homeownership, personal finance, human resources, investing, career development and the future of the regional economy. All events are open to the public.
A regional economic directors panel launches the series Tuesday, Nov. 3, 11 a.m.-12:20 p.m. in NSTU 1615, Center Corner.
Moderated by Sam Govea, program coordinator for the TCC Northeast Health Science, Business and Industry Division, the forum will bring together four of the region’s leading economic development professionals:
- Jessica Rogers, director of economic development, city of Fort Worth
- Craig Hulse, director of economic development, city of North Richland Hills
- Chris Connolly, executive director of economic development and tourism, city of Hurst
- Christian Smith, director of economic development, city of Bedford
The panelists will discuss major economic development projects, business recruitment initiatives, infrastructure investments, workforce trends and other opportunities shaping the future of Northeast Tarrant County. A question-and-answer session will focus on workforce preparation and the skills local employers are expected to seek in the coming years.
“In an increasingly dynamic economy, it is important for students and residents to understand the trends shaping our region,” Govea said. “This forum offers an opportunity to hear directly from the economic leaders driving investment, job creation and business development across Northeast Tarrant County.”
The information exchange should be particularly valuable for students considering careers in business, finance, public administration, economic development, technology, healthcare, manufacturing and entrepreneurship.
Fall Business Lecture Series
Home Buying 101: Lessons for Buying a Home in Today’s Economy
Tuesday, Sept. 29 | 6-7 p.m.
NSTU 1506, Galley
Presenter: Cindy Salinas, Texas Connect Realty
Financial Freedom Workshops
Thursdays in October | 12:30-1:30 p.m.
NSTU 1204-C
Presenter: Jesse Perez, financial coach, Pathfinders.org
- Oct. 1: Budgeting
- Oct. 8: Banking
- Oct. 15: Borrowing
- Oct. 22: Building Credit
Human Resources Best Practices Workshop
Wednesday, Oct. 28 | 6:30-8:30 p.m.
NSTU 1615, Center Corner
Presenters:
- Jared Gaspard, senior director of learning strategies, Vizient
- Desiree Aprekuma, vice president of human resources, Risepoint
- Tamika White, compensation manager, Ericsson
Regional Economic Directors Panel Discussion
Tuesday, Nov. 3 | 11 a.m.-12:20 p.m.
NSTU 1615, Center Corner
Building Your First Investment Portfolio
Wednesday, Nov. 4 | 6-7:30 p.m.
NSTU 1615, Center Corner
Presenter: Randall Saleh, professor of business, TCC Northeast
A Day in the Life Career Panel: What Can I Do with a Major in Business or Finance?
Wednesday, Nov. 11 | 11 a.m.-12:20 p.m.
NSTU 1506, Galley
Contact: Sam Govea, 214-505-9410, samuel.govea@tccd.edu
Tarrant County College serves nearly 100,000 students each year, offering accessible, affordable pathways to in-demand careers and university transfer. Across multiple campuses and TCC Connect — a fully online learning option — the College partners with more than 1,200 employers to help build the workforce that drives North Texas forward. Bold Steps. Better Futures.