What are the main duties of your job as director of economic development?

I think it’s really about getting to know people. I was the city secretary for three years before, and while on that job I knew a lot of the board and commissions. I didn’t really get out into the community.

So it has been about learning the different businesses and meeting the owners, talking to them and really getting involved in what they need and what they’re looking for as well as going out and trying to meet with new developers who will come to the area.

How did you get involved with local government?

Originally, I worked in a nonprofit called First Colony Community Association in Sugar Land. However—because of its size—it is run like a small city, so my position there was similar to that of a city secretary. I did agendas and worked with a committee, and it was really parallel to what I did here.

When I saw the city secretary position open here, it seemed like a natural fit. I’ve always wanted to be in community development or economic development, so that was always a goal.

What is the best part of being the director of economic development for the city?

Like I said before, I’ve been around everything and have been talking with the business owners. I know the businesses that were here, but have never had direct involvement with them. So it has been nice to get out there and actually talk to people, whereas the city secretary was more behind the scenes. It’s nice to get out and interact with the community.

What future plans do you have for the city?

The [tax increment reinvestment zone] is something really new for the city, [and] it’s going to provide a lot of new opportunities. It’s something that’s going to provide a lot for the city, such as developing the [extraterritorial jurisdiction] to where we can put in more businesses and generate sales tax and have a nicer aesthetic throughout the city.

I’m just excited that Susan started a great program here before she left since she was the first person to come in here as an economic development person. She was here when the TIRZ was created and she left so now it’s a new opportunity to take TIRZ and make it successful.