Today we’d like to introduce you to Keri Schmidt.
Hi Keri, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My story is one of growing alongside the community I have had the privilege to serve. For more than 26 years, I have dedicated my career to strengthening Fort Bend County’s business community—bringing people together, building meaningful partnerships, and helping our region prepare for the future. Along the way, I have learned that leadership is not about having all the answers; it is about listening, earning trust, surrounding yourself with talented people, and creating opportunities for others to succeed. I am especially proud to now lead the Fort Bend Regional Partnership as it evolves to meet the needs of one of the nation’s most dynamic and diverse counties. At the heart of my journey is a genuine love for this community and a belief that the best work happens when business, government, education, and community leaders share a vision and move forward together.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Along the way, I’ve faced the challenge of leading an organization through constant change while ensuring it remained relevant, financially strong, and responsive to a rapidly growing community. There were times when I had to make difficult decisions, navigate competing interests, and move forward even when the path—or the support—was not always clear. I also had to earn credibility, build relationships across very different groups, and learn not to take every criticism personally. Balancing the demands of leadership with family and personal responsibilities has not always been easy, and there have certainly been moments of doubt and uncertainty. But each challenge strengthened my resilience, sharpened my judgment, and reinforced my belief that meaningful progress requires patience, courage, and a willingness to keep showing up.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
The Fort Bend Regional Partnership is the largest business organization in Fort Bend County, representing approximately 1,000 member organizations, more than 6,000 business and community leaders, and over 250,000 jobs. Our work extends far beyond traditional networking. We bring together business, government, education, and community leaders to strengthen our regional economy, advocate for sound public policy, develop our workforce, improve infrastructure, and address the issues that will shape Fort Bend’s future.
What sets us apart is our ability to convene the right people around important and sometimes complex challenges—and then move those conversations toward meaningful action. We are known as a trusted voice for business and a place where leaders from across the county can collaborate, even when they represent different industries, communities, or perspectives. Our three consecutive Five-Star Accreditations from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce—an achievement earned by fewer than one percent of chambers nationwide—reflect the strength, professionalism, and impact of our organization.
Brand-wise, I am especially proud of our evolution from the Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce into the Fort Bend Regional Partnership. The new name better represents who we have become: a regional organization focused on the long-term success of one of the fastest-growing and most diverse counties in the nation. Initiatives such as Fort Bend 2050 demonstrate that commitment by bringing leaders together to prepare for future needs involving mobility, water, energy, workforce, housing, health, and economic competitiveness.
Ultimately, I want readers to know that the Partnership is working every day—often behind the scenes—to create, enhance, and promote the thriving economic environment in which we work and live. Our greatest strength is the collective expertise, relationships, and commitment of our members. We are not simply responding to Fort Bend’s growth; we are helping the region prepare for it and shape what comes next.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
Something that may surprise people is that, despite having such a public-facing role, I’m happiest working quietly behind the scenes—connecting people, solving problems and helping others succeed. And then, after a full day of bringing people together, I’m perfectly happy to go home, shut the door and not talk to anyone.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://fortbendregionalpartnership.com./
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fortbendregionalpartnership/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FortBendRegionalPartnership/
- Youtube: @fortbendregionalpartnership
