Rockwall, Texas – The Rockwall Economic Development Corporation is starting a new chapter now that there has been a change in leadership at the end of 2025. Phil Wagner, who had been president for many years, stepped aside, making room for a well-known person to take over as president. Beginning in January 2026, Matt Wavering has assumed the position of President, returning to an organization where he previously played a key role in shaping Rockwall’s economic growth.
Wavering’s appointment is a continuation of the company’s recent strategy, not a break from it. He has been with the REDC since April 2017, when he first joined as Director of Project Development.
Over time, he rose to the position of Vice President, where he became known for being directly involved in difficult issues related to land use, infrastructure, and hiring new employees. That background gives him the ability to take on leadership with a comprehensive awareness of ongoing projects and long-term goals.
Wavering was the Director of Economic Development for the City of Fate, Texas, for a short time before moving back to Rockwall. That job gave him more expertise in planning and coordinating at the city level, which built on the practical skills he learned while working for the REDC. He decided to go back since he was familiar with the area and was committed to it. He has lived there since moving to North Texas in 2014.
Wavering was heavily involved in significant land purchases and the management of large infrastructure projects during his previous time with the company. These efforts helped bring in and grow primary employers, which led to more jobs and a bigger business presence in Rockwall. His work also fit with efforts to increase the city’s long-term revenue base by promoting balanced growth instead of quick profits.
Wavering has more than ten years of expertise in commercial real estate brokerage and management, in addition to his work in the area. He has also been on the Board of Directors for the Champaign County Economic Development Corporation, which gives him an understanding from outside of Texas.
He has a bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and a Texas real estate license, which show that he has both analytical and market-driven skills.
Wavering is involved in the community in more ways than just his job. He has been a volunteer on the Community Steering Committee for the Rockwall County Strategic Plan and an ex-officio Director for the Rockwall Area Chamber of Commerce. These contacts have kept him in touch with local issues and priorities, which has helped him understand the requirements of both the public and private sectors.
During this change, the REDC’s leaders have stressed how important it is to keep things going.
In a press release, Kayne Pierce, the chair of the board, said that Wavering’s return was a great thing for the organization and the people who live there. He said that Wavering’s knowledge and experience in the organization were very important.
Mary Smith, the city’s manager, agreed with that point of view. She talked about how he had helped plan and build the Rockwall Technology Park in the past and said she was confident they would work together to bring in new companies.
Wavering’s presidency will focus on long-term stability for Rockwall through sustained economic growth, a wider tax base, and new opportunities. His return means that there will be consistent leadership during a time of change, based on experience and involvement in the community.
