Partnership Lake Houston CEO Jenna Armstrong named Lance LaCour as the chamber of commerce's new president of economic development in a Sept. 8 news release.

According to the release, LaCour will take over the role effective Nov. 1 after more than 16 years as president and CEO of the Katy Area Economic Development Council, during which LaCour helped attract thousands of jobs to the Katy area through robust expansion and business attraction projects.

"Lance is very well-known and respected throughout the state and the country for his success with growing jobs and attracting capital investments to his community," Armstrong said. "Over the years, we've watched him grow the council in Katy from the early phases to a powerhouse economic development organization."

LaCour will be replacing former economic development president Mark Mitchell who stepped down from the position in June after four years, as previously reported by Community Impact Newspaper. In the interim, Mitchell will continue working on economic development initiatives with Partnership Lake Houston on a contract basis until LaCour takes over Nov. 1, the release states.