Katy Area EDC hires new president

By George Slaughter, News Editor
Posted 2/4/22

The Katy Area Economic Development has hired Chuck Martinez as its new president and chief executive officer. Martinez begins his new job Feb. 14.

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Katy Area EDC hires new president

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The Katy Area Economic Development has hired Chuck Martinez as its new president and chief executive officer. Martinez begins his new job Feb. 14.

Martinez comes to Katy Area after serving as executive vice president of business development at the Brazos Valley Economic Development Corporation. He was with that organization for 15 years.

Over his time with Brazos Valley EDC, he worked to improve the area’s economy through attracting and supporting businesses to the area. These businesses included startups, commercial real estate investors, and domestic/international companies considering Brazos County.

Martinez said it was a blessing and thrill to join the Katy Area EDC.

“I look forward to hitting the ground running side by side with the EDC board, amazing staff team, and community stakeholders,” Martinez said. “The organization’s commitment and focus to build regional coalitions and provide unequivocal support to companies shaping the growth of the Katy area is clear to me.”

Martinez said this is a good time to win business projects for the Katy area, as it already hosts large companies and has what he described as “world-class infrastructure.”

Paul Kurt, board chairman, said the EDC looks forward to working Martinez.

“Chuck will bring timely EDC communications and strong working partnerships with public officials, business professionals, academic institutions, and association groups,” Burt said. “He will focus on realizing the current prospects in the EDC’s pipeline, bringing immediate domestic and international deals to the table, and attracting additional sponsors to our organization – ultimately expanding the competitiveness brand profile of the Katy area.”

Martinez has previous economic development experience in San Antonio, Laredo, Beaumont and Galveston. His economic development experience also includes a stint in Alexandria, Va.

Martinez earned dual bachelor’s degrees in political science and business from Lamar University. He earned an MBA in international trade from Texas A&M International University and a master’s degree in public administration from George Mason University.

Martinez succeeds Lance LaCour, who now heads Partnership Lake Houston.

Katy Area EDC, economic development