Jana Schmader has been a credit to Wichita Falls in her previous jobs and is now starting on a new career path as the new executive director of Downtown Wichita Falls Development, in which she will “increase opportunities that service the strong entrepreneurial core” in downtown Wichita Falls.
Jana was the Director at The Forum for 5 years. She was instrumental in raising $2.5M for the capital campaign to fund the Renaissance of The 
Forum renovation. She was later promoted to the Director of the Arts Council umbrella which encompasses the Kemp Center for the Arts and The Forum. Before that she was also a marketing director for the Dillard College of Business at Midwestern State University, and also has experience in advertising.
“I am extremely excited to come on board as Executive Director of Downtown Wichita Falls Development. It is a responsibility that I take with great pride as we continue the momentum of downtown revitalization,” Jana said. “Downtown is the perfect intersection of history and potential. Downtown affects everyone in our city. We will create a district that all citizens find value in. From housing to offices, to restaurants and nightlife, to arts and culture, downtown is a common place for us all to celebrate our community,” she added.
Jana has deep roots in Wichita Falls. She was born and raised here and obtained her Bachelor of Business Administration-Major of Marketing at MSU. Her family has owned businesses in our city including John’s Sizzlin’ Sirloin in the 70s and 80s, as well as English Pharmacy at present. She is married and has two children.
Jana has been volunteering for Downtown Development for 3 years, serving on the Art & Soul Committee and she recently joined the marketing subcommittee for the Downtown Development Steering Committee.
Dusty Potter, president of the Board of Directors for Downtown Proud, said, “We’ve been watching the great work Jana has been doing at The Forum over the last few years and were blown away by her passion and vision for downtown Wichita Falls in the interview process. Mixing the amount of momentum with her skill set will no doubt make downtown Wichita Falls the destination we would all like to see.”
Jana said that the DWFD board and staff are deeply committed to the continued progress, and she invites the citizens of Wichita Falls to join the movement too.
– Cindy Kahler Thomas
