Former Amarillo Mayor Trent Sisemore has been tapped by Fermi America to serve as the company’s Community Lead for its ambitious AI hyper-grid project, a multibillion-dollar effort aiming to reshape the future of artificial intelligence infrastructure and energy production in the United States.
The announcement, released this week, places Sisemore in a role designed to connect the company’s large-scale development plans with the communities most directly impacted by its work. The position is described as “the company’s boots-on-the-ground liaison, ensuring the community’s voice is heard at the highest levels of the company while engaging strategic partnerships that show Fermi’s commitment to stewarding the area as good neighbors.”
For Sisemore, the opportunity to return to a leadership role is both personal and regional. “I believe in this team and this project, as well as the significant opportunity and impact it will have for our region, the state of Texas, and the country as a whole,” he said in the press release.
A Career Rooted in Amarillo
Sisemore is well known to Amarillo residents. A local entrepreneur, he co-owned Jack Sisemore Traveland with his father and served on the board of directors for Happy State Bank for 17 years. His political career began with service as an Amarillo City Commissioner from 1995 to 2001, before being elected mayor, a position he held until 2005.
During his tenure, Amarillo saw significant growth in infrastructure and business development. Most notably, Bell Helicopter established its V-22 Osprey final assembly facility in the city, and the purchase of regional water rights was secured, a move intended to provide Amarillo with reliable water resources for centuries.
Sisemore’s experience at the intersection of business and public service appears to be a key factor in Fermi America’s decision. He brings both local credibility and a track record of navigating complex projects with long-term regional implications.
Rick Perry’s Call
The path to the new role began with a call from former Texas Governor and U.S. Energy Secretary Rick Perry, who co-founded Fermi America. Perry reached out directly to Sisemore to explain the project and encourage him to join.
“Trent is a good man, with a world of respect, mine included,” Perry said in the announcement. “I’ve known him well for years, and the fact he’s willing to come and work with us here at Fermi is a well-earned stamp of approval for what we are building here.”
The collaboration marks a reunion of sorts between two figures who have long been active in Texas’ political and economic development. Perry’s involvement lends national political weight to the project, while Sisemore provides local credibility and connection.
A Project of Massive Scale
Fermi America’s hyper-grid project represents one of the most ambitious private infrastructure developments in the country. Plans call for up to 11 gigawatts of highly redundant power capacity and 15 million square feet of artificial intelligence infrastructure.
The first phase will rely on natural gas power generation, with one gigawatt scheduled to be online by the end of 2026. The company intends to add an additional gigawatt of generation every year for a decade. Beginning in 2027, nuclear construction is planned to supplement the natural gas facilities, with the first reactor projected to come online in 2032.
The campus itself spans 5,236 acres on sovereign land owned by the Texas Tech University System. That scale of land use and infrastructure investment underlines the transformative ambitions of the project, positioning Texas as a potential global leader in AI energy infrastructure.
A Workforce Ready to Build
Sisemore emphasized that the Texas Panhandle is uniquely equipped to handle a project of this scale. “This region has a skilled workforce that is ready to make this project a reality, and I look forward to doing my part by joining an exceptionally-talented and proven team working so hard to ensure the U.S. wins this global AI race,” he said.
His comment reflects a broader narrative that has defined Amarillo and the surrounding region for decades: leveraging local talent and resources to attract national and global industry. From aerospace to agriculture, the Panhandle’s workforce has demonstrated adaptability and skill, qualities that Fermi is betting on as it launches its long-term plan.
A Local Voice on a Global Stage
Toby Neugebauer, co-founder and CEO of Fermi America, underscored why Sisemore was chosen. “Growing up in the region forged shared values that Trent exemplifies including the meaning of a handshake and being a good neighbor,” Neugebauer said. “Fermi America is going big places, but Trent will always remind us where we started, and for that and countless other reasons, I’m so thankful he’s on the team.”
The sentiment highlights the importance of community engagement for projects of this magnitude. While Fermi America’s goals are global, its footprint is local. Securing trust, cooperation, and enthusiasm from Amarillo and the Texas Panhandle is essential, not only for logistics and workforce development but also for building long-term relationships.
Regional and National Impact
The scale of the hyper-grid project suggests economic impacts that could ripple far beyond Amarillo. Construction alone is expected to require thousands of workers across multiple specialties, from energy to information technology. Once operational, the facilities will anchor the U.S. in the ongoing race to build reliable infrastructure for artificial intelligence.
For Amarillo, the opportunity recalls past moments when large-scale industries redefined the city’s trajectory, such as Bell Helicopter’s arrival. But the scope of Fermi America’s plans far surpasses traditional industrial projects. By combining energy production with cutting-edge AI infrastructure, the company is positioning Amarillo as a hub in a rapidly emerging global sector.
Looking Ahead
Fermi America’s timeline stretches decades into the future, from the initial gigawatt in 2026 to the first nuclear reactor in 2032 and beyond. Sisemore’s appointment as Community Lead signals that the company is prioritizing community connection as it embarks on this long-term project.
For Amarillo residents, the news may feel both familiar and unprecedented. The city has long played host to transformative industries, but the hyper-grid project represents a leap into an uncharted future—one that blends the Panhandle’s historic strengths with emerging global technology.
As the project moves from announcement to reality, Sisemore’s role will be closely watched. His job, as both a former mayor and now a corporate liaison, will be to ensure that Amarillo’s voice is heard as the region takes center stage in one of the most ambitious infrastructure projects in the country.
