Wagley officially assumes leadership of one of the nation’s largest LGBTQIA+ community centers after a monthlong transition alongside Cece Cox.
Christopher Wagley officially became CEO of Resource Center on Nov. 1, beginning his tenure as leader of one of the largest LGBTQIA+ community organizations in the United States.
Wagley joined the Dallas-based nonprofit Oct. 1 and spent his first month working side by side with longtime CEO Cece Cox. Cox will remain with Resource Center to support the transition until her retirement in January 2027.
“I am deeply grateful to Cece Cox for two decades of courageous, compassionate leadership. Together with this team, she built the Resource Center North Texas depends on today,” Wagley said. “This past month, she has opened doors, shared hard-won lessons and made sure this transition puts our clients, staff and community first. I step into this role with Cece’s continued strategic guidance, a shared vision with our Board of Directors and real confidence in what comes next. Along with our staff, volunteers and supporters, we will grow our health and housing services, strengthen our advocacy and reach more people across North Texas for generations to come.”
The Resource Center board named Wagley CEO in July after a national search. He takes over as the organization builds on a period of significant growth, including the 2024 launch of Oak Lawn Place and the 2025 opening of Resource Center Health.
Wagley brings more than 20 years of nonprofit leadership experience and a 30-year career spanning education, media and community advocacy. He previously served as chief operating officer of KERA, the North Texas public media organization, where he spent 16 years in senior leadership.
At KERA, Wagley helped build the only public media outlet in the country operating PBS, NPR, classical and Triple-A stations and a local newspaper under one mission. He also oversaw membership and corporate sponsorship. As a senior leader on KERA’s $100 million capital campaign, he oversaw the design and groundbreaking of a 56,000-square-foot broadcast facility and community engagement center.
Before KERA, Wagley spent six years at MTV Networks, where he was part of the team that launched Logo, the first LGBTQ+ cable channel in the U.S. He began his career in New York City as an early childhood special needs educator and nonprofit fundraiser.
A Dallas resident for 17 years, Wagley has been a longtime member of the Turtle Creek Chorale. He previously served on Resource Center’s board of directors and executive committee.
