Katy Area Economic Development Council President and CEO Lance LaCour has a new right-hand man.

The KAEDC announced Wednesday, Dec. 7, it has hired Rick Ellis as vice president of economic development. Ellis, a Houston native, will take over for Frank Lombard, who has held the position for 10 years and will transition to a new role as director of membership.

"I am excited to join the Katy Area EDC team and look forward to working with the Katy community and businesses to further promote growth and quality of life in the area," Ellis said in a statement.

Ellis has nearly 20 years of experience in a variety of areas, including marketing, sales and corporate relations. He was a director on the Interstate Municipal Utility District board for the last decade.

"We are very excited to bring [Ellis] on as our new vice president," LaCour said in the statement. "He has a wealth of experience in business development and marketing, which is a great fit for our organization and growth of the Katy area."