DALLAS — Resource Center has announced that veteran nonprofit executive Christopher Wagley will become its next chief executive officer, succeeding longtime CEO CeCe Cox as she prepares to retire in early 2027 after two decades of leadership.
Wagley, currently the chief operating officer at KERA, will join the organization in November as part of a planned leadership transition. His appointment follows a national search led by Resource Center’s board of directors and comes at a pivotal moment for one of the nation’s largest LGBTQIA+ nonprofit organizations.
For the past 16 years, Wagley has helped oversee operations at KERA, where he played a key role in organizational growth, fundraising, and the development of its new broadcast and community engagement facility. His career also includes leadership positions at MTV Networks, where he helped launch LOGO, the country’s first LGBTQ-focused cable television network, as well as earlier work in education and nonprofit development.
A North Texas resident for nearly two decades, Wagley is already deeply connected to Resource Center’s mission. He has served on the organization’s board of directors and executive committee and was involved during the launches of Oak Lawn Place and Resource Center Health—two major milestones that expanded housing and healthcare services for the LGBTQIA+ community.
Resource Center Board Chair Chris LaGrone said Wagley’s combination of operational leadership, community relationships and advocacy experience made him the right choice to lead the organization into its next chapter.
“His career has been defined by building strong institutions, expanding impact and leading with both discipline and heart,” LaGrone said in a statement. “Christopher knows Resource Center, he knows North Texas, and he understands the vital role this organization plays in the lives of LGBTQIA+ people and all those we serve.”
Wagley said he is committed to building on the legacy established under Cox’s leadership.
“Resource Center is one of the most beloved organizations in our community, and that is not an accident,” Wagley said. “For more than 40 years, this organization has made people feel seen, supported and cared for. My commitment is to ensure we have the reach and resilience to do that for more people, in more places, for generations to come.”
Cox, who has led Resource Center since 2006, called Wagley the right person to guide the organization forward.
“The challenges of these days call for a leader who is both resolute and collaborative,” Cox said. “Christopher is that leader.”
The leadership transition comes as Resource Center continues expanding its health, housing and advocacy initiatives while navigating an increasingly complex political landscape for LGBTQ Texans. Organization leaders say Wagley and Cox will work together throughout the transition to ensure continuity for staff, volunteers and the communities the nonprofit serves.
