As Assistant Executive Director of Economic Development for the City of Arlington, Texas, Kay Brown-Patrick is a powerhouse in fostering business growth, job creation, and community partnerships. With a career spanning nearly two decades in community and economic development, Kay has worked to enhance the quality of life of residents through business attraction, create jobs through business retention and expansion, and support small businesses, entrepreneurs, and underrepresented communities, ensuring they have access to the resources they need to thrive. 

As a Certified Economic Developer (CEcD)—a designation held by fewer than 5% of minority women globally—Kay has developed award-winning small business programs that have provided funding, certifications, and contracting opportunities to hundreds of entrepreneurs. Her efforts earned her recognition in the Dallas Business Journal's 40 Under 40 and a seat on the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) Redefining Equitable Development Committee, where she continues to advocate for policies that bridge economic disparities. In her previous role as an elected official, Kay was a driving force and advocate behind several policies that improve the lives of residents, including the Responsible Banking Ordinance, which holds financial institutions accountable for community reinvestment, and was a strong ally in creating a Paid Family Leave Policy, which ensures city employees—both men and women—have access to paid leave.

Here’s what Kay’s nominator had to say about her:

“Kay is a transformational leader whose work in policy development, economic development, and equitable community advocacy has left an indelible mark on local government at many levels. Her ability to drive change and ensure economic policies reflect the needs of the entire community make her a truly inspirational woman in local government.”

This is the third profile in our 2025 Inspirational Women in Local Government series. Stay tuned each Thursday this month as we continue to highlight extraordinary leaders.

Q. What are you reading right now?

I’m reading The Bible in 52 Weeks by Dr. Kimberly D. Moore. It’s been incredibly immersive. I’m at the end of Exodus right now, and let me tell you, the Bible is kind of a soap opera! It’s fascinating.

On the professional side, I’m reading Do the Work by Steven Pressfield. He also wrote The War of Art. It’s designed to coach you through a project from conception to finished product, seeing it from the point of view of hitting every “resistance point” along the way. I initially gave it to the project managers on our team, then eventually to the whole team. It’s a quick, impactful read. 

Q. Tell us about Arlington—your community and your role there.

Arlington is the seventh largest city in Texas, positioned perfectly between Dallas and Fort Worth. This location places us at the heart of everything happening in the region, making it an exciting place for economic development.

As Assistant Executive Director, my role encompasses business development, recruitment, and business attraction. But at its core, my work is about job creation and enhancing the community. I work with small businesses and entrepreneurs at every stage—from startups to high-growth companies. We collaborate closely with the local university and heavily leverage community partnerships. I strongly believe in supporting organizations that are already doing great work rather than duplicating efforts.

I’ve spent my entire career in economic development, starting as an intern for the City of Bedford. My early work focused on business attraction in the medical sector, helping to bring in suppliers and complementary businesses for a new cancer center. That experience sparked my passion for economic development, and I’ve been dedicated to it ever since.

Community and economic development is one of the top spaces in local government where you can really see your impact on the community. I'm able to go back now, and I can drive through a city, and I can see that I had an impact. I was a part of that project, where everyone is shopping, and growing, and where children are playing. That was part of my vision. Seeing that direct impact on residents' quality of life is what keeps me passionate about this work.

Q. Your nomination mentioned your focus on equity. How does economic development align with that?

Economic development positions me at the tables where representation is lacking. I work tirelessly to ensure underserved communities have access to resources.  I’m currently working on a business certification program for all businesses in Arlington. This program is designed to help businesses, including small businesses, veteran-owned, women-owned, minority-owned, and others, earn their business certifications. The goal is to ensure that all businesses have the support they need to grow, build capacity, and remain competitive. When they succeed, we succeed.

In a previous role, I built a franchise and entrepreneurship program that introduced franchising to minority business owners. Less than 10% of franchises are minority-owned, and I wanted to change that. Seeing entrepreneurs succeed, secure funding, and formalize their businesses is incredibly rewarding.

Q. What advice do you have for women in local government looking to advance their careers?

Do the work. Just do the work. The one thing about being a woman in economic development, is that when you walk into a room, you're going to stand out because you're probably one of only a very few women there. So since you’re going to stand out anyway. . . STAND OUT!

But you don’t need to spend energy proving yourself, your results will speak for you. If you just do the work, then it's going to show.

I also encourage women to be intentional about networking and mentorship. I'm a part of the National Forum for Black Public Administrators. They have a mentor program, and I signed up for that. It can be hard to find people who are interested in economic development, so networks are helpful. I recently created a Women in Economic Development group for Dallas-Fort Worth, and over 40 women joined. We’re meeting for the first time this month! I’m elated about that. I’m excited to create a space for learning and collaboration.

Q. Who has been an inspirational leader in your life?

My first economic development director, Bill Syblon, was incredible. He trusted me early in my career and gave me opportunities to lead. Another huge influence was Doug Barnes, my director in Waxahachie, who later became the mayor. He believed in me, put me in rooms where I could learn, and always redirected questions to me in meetings to ensure I had a voice.

He passed away a couple months ago. He taught me about economic development, but also about life in general.  I also have a winner with my current Director, Marty Wieder. I think we should also applaud the men in local government who support women the way they should be supported. 

On the other hand, I’ve also had encounters with unsupportive leadership—where there was no understanding, no backing, and a complete lack of empathy. That experience taught me valuable lessons on what kind of leader I never want to be. 

Q. How do you maintain work-life balance?

Boundaries! I don’t check my email after hours unless it’s urgent. I tell my team the same—if I send a message on a weekend, do not respond. I want them to protect their time as much as I protect mine.

I also make sure to be present for my daughter. She’s five, and I’m her playmate, her makeup model, her coloring partner. My director supports me taking time for her school events, and I do the same for my team.

Q. Are there any amazing women in public service you’d like to shout out?

No, because I have such a long list, I don't want to miss anybody! They're all doing amazing work.

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