Michael Jarrett – “the Senator,” as he was affectionately called by those who knew him – was honored today posthumously with the Downtown Arlington Management Corporation’s (DAMC) Dream Builder Award.
Jarrett’s business legacy is firmly established in the successful revitalization of downtown Arlington. He raised millions of dollars over the years for Arlington charities and civic groups and led the campaign to fund the city’s economic development corporation, which fueled the growth of the city of Arlington
Jarrett passed away in December 2021 at the age of 72. He was a devoted husband and father and a friend to everyone he met.
Numerous community organizations benefited from Jarrett’s servant leadership, including Arlington ISD Education Foundation, Greater Arlington Chamber of Commerce, Friends of the Levitt Pavilion, Arlington Advisory Council for the Salvation Army, Arlington Downtown Rotary Club, and the DAMC.
Jarrett had a 51-year career in banking and was known to be a problem solver. He most recently held the position of president of the Worthington National Bank in Arlington, where he served for more than 10 years.
"It is an honor to present the Dream Builder Award to Michael’s family,” said Maggie Campbell, President and CEO of the Downtown Management Arlington Corporation. “Michael played a pivotal role here in Arlington. He was a phenomenal business person who loved people and the community where he lived.”
Campbell added, “Michael led by example and left a monumental legacy for us to build upon so that Arlington will continue on as the American Dream City.”
Jarrett’s wife, Teresa, and his two daughters, Melanie Jarrett and Lesley Hagan, accepted the Dream Builder award. It was presented by Jim Minge, CEO of Texas Trust Credit Union, during the Downtown Arlington Management Corporation’s annual meeting.
This marks the seventh year of the Dream Builder award, which was conceived by Texas Trust Credit Union.
Jarrett is the first to receive the Dream Builder award posthumously. Previous award winners were former Mayor Jeff Williams, Tom Cravens, Lana Wolff, Terry Bertrand, Patti Diou, and Ryan Dodson.
Teresa Jarrett (second from left), wife of Michael Jarrett, received the Dream Builder award from Judge Mary Tom Curnutt (far left), Jim Minge, CEO of Texas Trust and Maggie Campbell, President/CEO of Downtown Arlington.