The American Dream Story of Caroline Vandergriff

Published on September 24, 2026

By Office of Communication

Caroline Vandergriff is living her American Dream returning to her hometown of Arlington as a journalist, communicator and writer. 

"I have so much Arlington Pride, Vandergriff said. "It's just so special to now be raising my family in this area and be back here and continue in that legacy that I kind of grew up in of giving back to the community."

Vandergriff has nearly 15 years of experience in television news, most recently as a reporter at CBS News Texas. Prior to returning home to North Texas in 2019, she served as reporter in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; Charlotte, North Carolina; and Lansing, Michigan. During her journalism career, Vandergriff led coverage of major regional events and issues of national importance, earning recognition for excellence in storytelling and community engagement. She also developed expertise in government reporting.

In December 2025, the North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) announced Vandergriff as the agency’s new Public Affairs and Communications Officer. Vandergriff guides all media relations, public outreach, and strategic communication efforts for NCTCOG.

“I’ve spent my career helping people understand what’s happening in their local communities, and I’m honored to continue that mission at the North Central Texas Council of Governments,” Vandergriff said. “As a fifth generation North Texan, I’m deeply committed to the continued success of this region, and I hope to amplify the incredible work NCTCOG is doing to shape a better future for the metroplex, from workforce solutions and economic development to transportation infrastructure and public safety.”

Joining the team at NCTCOG is particularly meaningful for Vandergriff because her grandfather, Tom Vandergriff, helped create the agency in 1966 and served as its first president. As mayor of Arlington for 26 years and Tarrant County Judge for 16 years, he was known as a champion for regional cooperation.

Tom Vandergriff died in 2010 at the age of 84.

“My grandfather firmly believed that everyone in North Texas would succeed if they worked together, and that spirit of regionalism was instilled in me from an early age,” Vandergriff said. “I’m both excited and humbled for the opportunity to carry on that legacy through NCTCOG.”

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