Mona Ferguson
Mona Ferguson is a creative and results-driven economic development professional, currently serving as the Executive Director of Lamesa, TX Economic Development. With a strong foundation in finance and business management, she brings over five years of progressive experience in fostering business retention, community development, and downtown revitalization initiatives in rural Texas. Mona’s leadership emphasizes full-circle quality of life improvements, encompassing housing, workforce development, and strategic business attraction, positioning Lamesa for sustainable growth.
Mona’s career journey reflects resilience and determination. Overcoming early challenges as a teen mother, she earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting and Business Management from Sul Ross State University. Her personal story of perseverance inspires those around her, highlighting the impact of hard work, dedication, and education not only on personal achievement but also on the success and aspirations of her children.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Mona is deeply committed to community engagement and mentorship. She serves on a regional board overseeing 67 counties and is an active member of the Texas Economic Development Council and the Ports to Plains Association. Passionate about empowering women in leadership and supporting youth initiatives, Mona advocates for mentorship and proactive involvement through organizations such as the Boys and Girls Club, aiming to inspire the next generation of community leaders.
• Sul Ross State University - BBA
• Texas Economic Development Council
• Ports to Plains Association
• Boys and Girls Club
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to perseverance, hard work, and the support of my community. My career journey began in education and later transitioned into economic development, where I currently serve as the director for a rural community. In this role, I manage a wide range of responsibilities, including business retention and expansion, community development, and leadership training in partnership with local organizations. My work focuses on rural development and downtown revitalization, with an emphasis on creating comprehensive quality-of-life improvements—spanning housing, workforce development, and business attraction. Personally, one of my proudest achievements is earning my degree as a teen mom, overcoming doubt and naysayers, and setting a strong example of perseverance for my children. That experience taught me the value of dedication, resilience, and leading by example. In my professional capacity, I serve as a young economic developer in Texas, serving as the Secretary and treasure on the Executive Board of Directors for The High Ground of Texas that oversees 67 counties and as a Board of Director of the Texas Economic Development Council and being a part of the Ports to Plains Alliance. I am deeply committed to women’s networks, community engagement, and youth initiatives—particularly mentoring through the Boys and Girls Club—because I believe investing in the next generation is essential for the long-term vitality of our communities.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve received has come from several key mentors and supporters who have inspired, motivated, and guided me throughout my journey. Individuals like Kevin Carter, Lee Casas, Misty, Kent Sharp, Sherman, and Pamela Merritt have each played an important role in shaping my perspective, encouraging me to take on new challenges, and reminding me of the importance of perseverance and continuous growth in my career.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is to be confident, embrace rejection as part of the journey, and prioritize education. I often reflect on my mother’s limited access to education, which reinforces for me the importance of learning and continuous growth. By staying confident, resilient, and committed to expanding your knowledge, you can navigate challenges and create meaningful opportunities for yourself and your community.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that guide me in both my work and personal life are dedication, balance, and continuous growth. I am a proud mother of three active children, and my family inspires me to lead with patience, resilience, and intention. Outside of work, I prioritize staying active through regular exercise and expanding my perspective through reading across a variety of genres, which fuels both my personal development and professional creativity.