About Fort Worth Stockyards INC.

Our Mission

Fort Worth Stockyards, Inc. (FWSI) is modeled after Downtown Fort Worth, Inc. (DFWI) and Near Southside, Inc. (NSI). FWSI is a membership funded 501(c)6 non-profit organization representing the property and business owners of the Fort Worth Stockyards for fostering, promoting, maintaining, and encouraging the civic, social, and general welfare of the Stockyards through the encouragement and promotion of a wonderful visitor experience, improved business conditions, and the promotion of economic interests in and around the Stockyards.

Meet Our Team

Paul F. Paine

President

Paul is the President of Fort Worth Stockyards, Inc. a private non-profit 501(c)6 organization that works with the business leaders, property owners, stakeholders, residents, elected officials, and community groups to attract businesses to the Fort Worth Stockyards area. 

Katherine Smith

Senior Director

Katherine Smith was born and raised in Fort Worth, Texas, with a steadfast belief that everyone has something meaningful to contribute, and a responsibility to leave every space better than they found it. She thrives on connecting people and cultivating strong relationships with those she serves.

Paul F. Paine - President

Paul is the President of Fort Worth Stockyards, Inc. a private non-profit 501(c)6 organization that works with the business leaders, property owners, stakeholders, residents, elected officials, and community groups to attract businesses to the Fort Worth Stockyards area.

 He also works with the city in the review and approval process of private and public development projects to ensure compliance with the Fort Worth Stockyards Form Based Code and Design Guidelines. 

Paul served as President of Near Southside, Inc. (NSS) from 2005 to 2018. NSS is a private non-profit 501(C)4 organization responsible for leading the strategic planning and management of policies, programs, and initiatives for the area’s economic revitalization. NSS has been instrumental in preserving the Near Southside’s authentic historic character by advocating for and facilitating adaptive reuse projects in addition to new construction. The Near Southside area is the second largest employment area in Tarrant County and includes the Fort Worth Medical District with four adjacent historic neighborhoods with long-standing community legacies.

While president of NSS, Paul administered the Near Southside/Hospital Tax Increment Finance (TIF) District for the City of Fort Worth. Revenue from the TIF is used for public improvements associated with new developments throughout Fort Worth’s Near Southside/Medical District.

Paul was born in Pittsburgh, PA. and was commissioned in the US Navy in 1978. He retired a Navy Captain with nearly 27 years of service, accumulated over 3,400 flight hours, has 294 carrier landings, and is a graduate of the Navy Fighter Weapons School, “TOPGUN”.

He commanded an F-14 Tomcat Squadron, served three years in the pentagon working on Naval Aviation budget requirements, and was the Commanding Officer of Naval Air Station Fort Worth from 2002 to 2004.

Paul holds a Master of Arts in Strategic Studies from the Naval War College and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Duquesne University.

Katherine Smith - Senior Director

Katherine Smith was born and raised in Fort Worth, Texas, with a steadfast belief that everyone has something meaningful to contribute, and a responsibility to leave every space better than they found it. She thrives on connecting people and cultivating strong relationships with those she serves.

Katherine began her career in 1998 in the photography industry, working across photojournalism, professional portraiture, and fine art. She cherished the opportunity to get to know her clients and document life’s most meaningful milestones.

In 2011, she joined the City of Fort Worth as District Director for Council District 9. Over her tenure, she worked alongside three council members, contributing daily to the city’s growth and improvement.

Today, as Senior Director at Fort Worth Stockyards, Inc., Katherine is excited to continue serving the city she loves—especially in such an iconic and historic district—while fostering meaningful connections and collaboration.

Katherine has been married to her husband, Raleigh, for 17 years. Together, they have two children and two sweet pups who keep life full of joy.