One of downtown Fort Worth's most prominent figures is stepping down: Sasha Bass will leave her role as president and CEO of Sundance Square, with former Fort Worth Police Chief Ed Kraus succeeding her this fall.

Kraus will assume the role on September 1, Sundance Square says in a release. Bass, wife of Fort Worth billionaire and Sundance Square developer Edward Bass, will transition to focus on the Sasha and Edward P. Bass Family Foundation.

"It has been a great honor to serve as the steward of Sundance Square and to advance the vision of our Chairman Edward P. Bass," Sasha Bass says in a release. "Sundance Square is one-of-a-kind. ... The work at Sundance is much bigger than any one of us."

Bass became Sundance Square's third president and CEO in 2019, a year before the pandemic significantly slowed business and tourism to the district. During her tenure, the organization says it "transitioned from a traditional outsourced real estate management company of approximately 20 employees in 2019 to a vertically integrated real estate operations company with over 200 employees."

She also expanded Sundance Square's programming and investment in live music, festivals, cultural events, and public art, with the organization saying annual visitation reached 17 million in 2025.

Her departure also marks the end of a high-profile and highly scrutinized chapter - some might say "saga" - for Sundance Square. During her tenure, the district experienced significant turnover among downtown tenants. Longtime restaurants and retailers including Reata restaurant, Four Day Weekend comedy venue, and clothing giant H&M, closed or relocated, drawing criticism from residents and former tenants over leasing practices and creating high-profile vacancies.

Entire social media accounts were created to discuss Sundance Square and gained thousands of followers.

Ed Kraus will officially take over as CEO and President of Sundance Square on September 1, 2026.Photo courtesy of Sundance Square

Kraus joined Sundance Square in 2021 after a 29-year career with the Fort Worth Police Department, including serving as chief of police. He initially led the district's security division before taking on a bigger leadership role overseeing strategic planning and safety operations.

Kraus holds a bachelor's degree in public relations from Texas Tech University and a master's degree in criminal justice from Tarleton State University. He is also a graduate of the FBI National Academy, the Caruth Police Institute Executive Leadership program, and the FBI National Executive Institute, the release notes.

"We began our downtown development nearly 50 years ago, and I'm thrilled to turn the next chapter over to such a capable leader," chairman Edward P. Bass says in the release. "Ed is a strategic thinker whose contributions to Sundance Square over the last five years have been so impactful that he is without question the right person to lead Sundance Square."

Sundance Square Catrina Fest was a new initiative under Sasha Bass' leadership Photo courtesy of Sundance Square

Transitions in the district have been happening for a few months. In May, Sundance Square hired commercial real estate firm JLL to oversee leasing for more than 105,000 square feet of restaurant, retail, arts, and entertainment space. The goal was to revitalize storefronts and strengthen the district's tenant mix, they said. Kraus, then serving as vice president, called the partnership an opportunity to "build on the current momentum."

The district also is coming off one of its most ambitious public programming efforts to date: "Summer of Soccer," a six-week FIFA World Cup celebration that turned Sundance Square Plaza into a fan destination with watch parties for all 104 tournament matches, live music, public art installations, food vendors, and family-friendly activities that drew thousands of fans downtown, including many from out of town.

To residents, Sundance Square remains one of downtown Fort Worth’s biggest draws. Photos at the Fort Worth Community Christmas Tree are a holiday tradition for many families. In Summer 2025, the Cliburn hosted a spectacular party and fireworks show there to celebrate the end of its international piano competition. A huge New Year's Eve celebration and buzzy spring Art Fair draw visitors from all over the region.

"I am humbled to step into this role," Krauss says, adding, "I will lead with the values and vision that have come to define this special place."