Description

And make sure to stick around after the lunch and join us outside in Kaleidoscope Park for some post-event fun! Ice cream, inflatables, and soccer goals to test your skills will be open for all thanks to FC Dallas and Hall Park.

 

Jason Ford serves as President of the Frisco Economic Development Corporation (Frisco EDC), where he leads the organization’s strategic direction, board governance, and co-leads daily operations with the Senior Vice President. Since joining Frisco EDC in 2019 as Vice President and being promoted to President in 2021, Jason has played a pivotal role in advancing Frisco’s position as a premier destination for corporate investment, venture capital, real estate and innovation. Jason is known for his collaborative leadership, long-term strategic planning and commitment to building a resilient, innovation-driven economy in Frisco. 

With a career spanning nearly three decades in economic development, Jason has held leadership roles at the Greater Houston Partnership, Louisiana Economic Development, the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce, and the economic development corporation in Taylor, Texas. His combined efforts throughout his career have contributed to hundreds of successful site location projects, representing more than sixty thousand jobs and billions in capital investment. 

Jason holds a B.A. in Economics from the University of Mississippi and has completed advanced coursework in GIS and public affairs at The University of Texas at Dallas. He is a graduate of the Economic Development Institute and holds the CEcD designation from the International Economic Development Council. 

His work has been recognized by International Economic Development Council, Texas Economic Development Council. Twice Jason was awarded as a Top 50 economic developer in North America, and he is also two-time recipient of the Dallas 500 honor. 

Jimmy Smith is the Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer for Hunt Sports, which operates FC Dallas, Toyota Stadium, and Toyota Soccer Center, North Texas SC, FCD Youth, Mansfield Stadium, and the National Soccer Hall of Fame Experience.  has over 25 years of experience in the sports and entertainment industry. Smith also sits on the FC Dallas Foundation Board and serves as the Treasurer. The Foundation supports programs that promote education, health, and wellness to empower youth and communities in North Texas.

In his role as COO/CFO, Smith oversees the operations and finance for the professional team, events at Toyota Stadium (such as concerts, NCAA football games, and international soccer matches), management of 36 soccer fields, 200+ FCD Youth teams, 10 Academy teams and affiliate clubs located throughout the United States, Costa Rica, and Mexico.

Smith serves as Chair of the Advisory Board for the Dallas Sports Commission and as Board Chair of Visit Dallas. Smith is a Board of Director of the North Texas FWC Organizing Committee and serves as the Treasurer. The Committee serves as the Dallas LOC for the FIFA World Cup 2026™. Smith also sits on the Texas A&M University Sport Management Industry Board.

Smith began his career in public accounting, focusing on real estate, financial services, and sports & entertainment, with clients such as the Texas Rangers, Dallas Stars, Dallas Mavericks, and the American Airlines Center. Smith served as the American Airlines Center’s Director of Finance for six years before joining Hunt Sports in 2010.

Smith attended Texas A&M University, receiving a Master of Science in Accounting, and played for the Aggie basketball team. Smith was named the High School Basketball Player of the Year and Texas Mr. Basketball by the Texas Association of Basketball Coaches in 1993. In 2018, Smith received the Lifetime Achievement Award from Texas A&M University's Mays Business School. He was inducted into the Texas High School Basketball Hall of Fame in 2024 as a member of the 2023 class, an honor he shared with his father, Mike, who was also enshrined in 2015.

Smith lives in Plano with his wife, Laura, and their three sons.

Don’t miss this chance to learn, network, and share ideas in a welcoming atmosphere at beautiful Hall Park! Enjoy the many amenities and experiences that Hall Park has to offer like Kaleidescope Park, the Amphitheater, Outdoor Meeting Space, and more!

This event was organized by the Executive Committee.