On May 8, the Greater San Marcos Partnership announced its selection of Adriana Cruz as the organization's new president.

Cruz had been the vice president of global corporate recruitment for the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce. She is scheduled to begin June 3, replacing Amy Madison, who resigned in February.

Partnership Chairman Will Conley said Cruz's deep understanding of Texas and the Austin region set her apart from other candidates during a two-month, nationwide search.

"Most of business is about relationships, and Adriana brings a lot of relationships inherent to our organization," Conley said. "Whether you're working with companies that are already vested here and looking to expand or new companies looking to invest, those relationships are going to be very valuable for the community."

As vice president for global corporate recruitment, a position she held for seven years, Cruz was responsible for relocation and expansion projects in the corporate headquarters and technology sectors. She led high-profile efforts to bring Apple, Samsung, Facebook, eBay and other businesses to Austin, creating more than 6,7000 jobs and $4 billion in capital investment, according to the Greater San Marcos Partnership.

"Adriana Cruz is, without question, one of the top 10 economic development professionals in the country," Pike Powers, the partnership's senior adviser, said in a prepared statement. "Her credentials are impeccable, and she benefits from her experience as a leader within one of the finest economic development organizations in the country—Opportunity Austin. Adriana's decision to join GSMP is truly significant for the future of Central Texas, a collaborative region in spirit and deed. Our future, with her involvement, is very bright and exciting, indeed."

The Greater San Marcos Partnership is a regional economic development corporation serving Hays and Caldwell counties. Its mission is to promote future growth and job creation.