City Center Waco would like to announce Africa Tarver as its new Executive Director! Tarver joins the Waco community after living in Hammond, IN for her whole life. With years of experience in development and a strong belief that small businesses are the lifeblood of a stable city, Tarver is ready to implement ideas for the betterment of Waco.

“One of my greatest honors is to be a public servant,” said Tarver.

A product of the Hammond School System, Tarver attended Hammond High School. She then went on to graduate from Calumet College with a Bachelor of Science in Organizational Management and is currently pursuing an International Certification in Economic Development. Having served her hometown in five different professional capacities, her most recent role was Executive Director of Planning and Development for the City of Hammond.

Tarver is looking forward to cultivating the same kind of relationships in Waco as she did in Hammond for two decades—ones that were instrumental in making her who she is today. Waco drew her in because of its warmth, both literally and figuratively. From day one, she saw how everyone who lives in Waco seems to have a vested interest in the community.  

Tarver believes that any successful organization is rooted in integrity, is characterized by allowing everyone to play a role, and is focused on supporting from within. She has a deep-seated love for small businesses, as they are an indispensable means of connection within a community. She strives to help make Waco a community that embraces the value of its rich history, while collectively moving forward into an amazing future.  

“This role allows me to have a unique perspective that will drive equitable development and collaboration in the City Center. In this position, I can be a voice for the City, although I am not an employee of the City, a voice for the business community, although I am not a business owner, and a voice for the community, although I may not live in the specific area of the development,” said Tarver. 

City Center Waco is honored to have Tarver at the helm. If you would like to learn more about Africa Tarver or City Center Waco, please contact Tristen Coffee at [email protected].