President & Chief Executive Officer
| Req Number: | ISW23H |
| Location: | United States |
| Posted: | 4/7/2026 |
| Category: | Government/Not-For-Profit : Not-For-Profit |
| Job Type: | Permanent |
About the Organization
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The Texas Economic Development Council (TEDC) is a 501(c)(6) nonprofit professional association founded in 1961 and headquartered in Austin, Texas. TEDC is the largest state association of economic development professionals in Texas, with more than 1,000 members representing over 630 public and private economic development organizations and more than 400 communities across the state. Its membership is open to anyone with an interest in economic development and includes leaders of local and regional economic development organizations, elected officials, community volunteers, workforce development representatives, and private sector partners from fields such as utilities, real estate, banking, education, engineering, and consulting. Members share a common goal of bringing new investment and jobs to Texas by developing strategies that promote a positive business climate.
TEDC supports its members through a combination of professional development, networking, education, and advocacy. Core offerings include:
- Conferences and Networking: TEDC hosts three major conferences annually: the Winter/Legislative Conference (February), the Mid-Year Conference (June), and the Annual Conference (October). Events rotate across regions of the state to serve members throughout Texas. Conferences feature industry speakers, timely content on trends and issues, and multiple networking opportunities.
- Education and Certification: Offerings include the Certified Texas Economic Developer (CTED) program, basic economic development courses, Economic Development Sales Tax workshops, webinars, and other workshops designed to support professional growth at all career stages.
- Leadership and Mentorship: The Future Leaders Training Program, a formal mentorship program, and committee participation provide pathways for leadership development within the profession.
- Advocacy: TEDC supports its members on legislative and policy matters through bill tracking, coordination with a legislative consultant, and a Political Action Committee (PAC).
- Membership Services and Resources: Members have access to a member directory, a member community platform, surveys, a resource library, TEDC publications, past conference presentations, and a career center with job postings.
The organization is governed by a 30-member Board of Directors and a 9-member Executive Committee, generating approximately $3M in annual revenue. Day-to-day operations are led by the President & CEO, supported by a professional staff team of 8 based in Austin.
Role Overview
The President & CEO provides overall leadership and management of the association, working in close partnership with the Board of Directors and Executive Committee to advance strategic priorities and deliver programs, services, and member value. The CEO oversees the day-to-day operations of the organization, including staff leadership, program execution, financial management, and external representation. Externally, the CEO represents TEDC to its membership, partner organizations, and stakeholders across the state, including economic development professionals, public officials, and industry groups. The CEO also supports the organization's advocacy efforts in coordination with legislative advisors.
Key Responsibilities
- Strategic Direction. Provide leadership in the development and execution of TEDC's strategic priorities in partnership with the Board of Directors. Ensure the organization remains responsive to the needs of its membership and aligned with trends and issues impacting economic development professionals across Texas.
- Board Relations. Build and maintain a collaborative and transparent relationship with the Board of Directors and Executive Committee. Provide regular updates on organizational performance, finances, and key initiatives. Support effective governance and ensure alignment between Board direction and organizational execution.
- Programs and Member Services. Oversee the delivery and continuous improvement of TEDC's core programs and services, including conferences, certification and education programs, leadership and mentorship initiatives, and member resources. Ensure programs remain relevant, well-executed, and valuable to a geographically and professionally diverse membership.
- Partnerships and Industry Engagement. Build and maintain relationships with related organizations, including other state and national economic development associations, chambers of commerce, workforce boards, and industry partners. Support information sharing and collaboration across the broader economic development community.
- Conferences and Events. Lead the planning and execution of TEDC's three annual conferences, as well as workshops, webinars, and other events. Ensure these programs offer meaningful professional development, timely content, and effective networking for members across Texas.
- Membership Engagement. Support membership recruitment, retention, and engagement. Maintain strong working relationships with members, including economic development organization leaders, elected officials, and private sector partners.
- External Affairs and Advocacy. Serve as the primary spokesperson and external representative of TEDC. Build and maintain relationships with economic development organizations, state and local stakeholders, partner associations, and industry groups. Operate with political awareness and effectiveness while remaining nonpartisan. Support advocacy efforts, including coordination with legislative consultants, tracking legislation, and engaging on issues impacting the profession.
- Staff Leadership. Lead and manage TEDC’s staff of 8, ensuring the organization is appropriately structured and staffed to carry out its programs and mission. Foster a collaborative, service-oriented culture with a focus on accountability and member responsiveness.
- Financial and Operational Oversight. Oversee budgeting, financial management, and organizational operations. Ensure responsible use of resources, transparency in financial reporting, and alignment of expenditures with the organization's priorities and obligations.
Candidate Profile
TEDC seeks an experienced, credible leader who can effectively manage the organization and work collaboratively with a broad group of stakeholders across Texas. A successful candidate will bring demonstrated experience in association or organizational leadership, stakeholder engagement, and program oversight, along with a genuine interest in economic development and the professionals it serves.
Experience and Qualifications:
- 10+ years of progressively responsible leadership experience, including managing teams and overseeing organizational operations. Experience working in or with a nonprofit, trade association, membership organization, or similarly structured entity is preferred; direct experience with a professional association is a strong plus.
- Familiarity with economic development, public policy, workforce development, or a closely related field. Candidates without direct economic development experience should be able to demonstrate the ability to develop fluency in the subject matter.
- Demonstrated stakeholder relationship-building skills, essential for forging and sustaining critical relationships with the Governor’s Office, state legislature, business leaders, community partners, and educational institutions. Demonstrated sophistication and political savvy in working with a diverse set of interests while remaining nonpolitical. Proven ability to build and sustain collaborative relationships across a geographically dispersed constituency.
- Experience working with a Board of Directors, including governance support, strategic communication, and a clear understanding of the distinction between governance and management.
- Proven ability to plan and execute multiple programs and events, ensuring quality, timeliness, and value to members.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to engage effectively with a wide range of stakeholders, from local elected officials to private sector partners to professional economic developers.
- Successful financial management skills, including experience with budgeting, expenditure oversight, and responsible stewardship of organizational resources.
- Experience leading and developing staff, with an emphasis on accountability, service orientation, and team cohesion.
- Comfort serving as a public-facing representative of an organization, including public speaking, media engagement, and external communications.
- Ability to operate effectively in a dynamic environment, managing multiple priorities and competing demands with good judgment and composure.
- Experience with advocacy, legislative processes, or working alongside policy advisors is helpful.
- Familiarity with Texas, its regional diversity, and its economic development landscape is a meaningful advantage.
Education
Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred. CEcD a plus.
Location and Travel
The President and CEO will be based in Austin, TX. Travel will be intermittent and dependent on organizational needs.
Compensation
This position offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package commensurate with the scope of the role and candidate experience.
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Korn Ferry shall provide equal employment opportunity to all qualified candidates, and will refer candidates without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status or any other legally protected basis. Artificial Intelligence tools may be used in connection with the recruitment process for this position.
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