Gretchen Larson, Economic Development Director
Responsible for working with municipal management districts, directing key initiatives in the areas of business retention and expansion. Ms. Larson has had many accomplishments in securing new business developments, as well as successful workforce retention initiatives, small business development, and job training. Her background includes prior employment at the City of La Porte, Texas specializing in economic development, as well as positions in city administration and management in both Aransas Pass and Leon Valley, Texas. She holds memberships in both the Texas Economic
Development Council and the International Economic Development Council. Ms. Larson holds both her M.A. degree in Public Administration and B.A. degree from the University of Texas at San Antonio.

Richard Cantu, Director of Community Services and Public Safety, East Aldine Management District
Administers the community services programs and public safety initiatives for the East Aldine Management District. Mr. Cantu has extensive experience in community relations and revitalization, including positions as the Manager of Youth Development for Neighborhood Centers, Inc. and the Director of the Mayor�s Citizens� Assistance Office in Houston. He also was employed for many years in the Houston Parks & Recreation Department, where he managed several community centers and developed community mobilization programs. He holds a B.A. degree from the University of Houston and is the recipient of numerous awards for his achievements and contributions to the community

Josh Hawes, Director of Community Services and Public Safety, Harris County Improvement District No. 6 (�East Montrose Management District�)
Administers the community service programs and public improvement projects as well as manages and directs the public safety and crime prevention programs for the East Montrose Management District located in Houston, Texas. This includes staffing the district�s various committees, coordinating meetings and functions, and ensuring that members are kept well-informed on issues. Mr. Hawes serves on the board of directors of the Montrose Boulevard Conservancy and is a member of the Museum District Business Alliance. Mr. Hawes holds an associate�s degree in Computer Science from Wharton County Junior College with a specialty in programming and network administration.

Richard Rodriguez, Director of Community Services and Public Safety, Greater Sharpstown Management District Oversees community services and public safety programs for the Greater Sharpstown Management
District. Mr. Rodriguez has had a lengthy and impressive career with the U.S. Air Force where he
supervised large numbers of highly-trained personnel on complex projects. He holds a Top Secret SCI Security Clearance. His expertise also includes leadership training and employee motivation, productivity improvement programs, and budget administration. Mr. Rodriguez holds a M.B.A. degree from TUI University in California and a B.S. from Excelsior College in Albany, New York.

Alice Lee, Director of Business Development and Marketing,
Greater Sharpstown Management District
Responsible for business development and marketing programs for the Greater Sharpstown Management District, using her extensive knowledge and expertise in these areas. Ms. Lee�s 20-plus years of work experience includes positions as chief of staff for two former Houston City Council members and as coordinator/director for the Office of the City�s Mayor Pro Tem. She also has served as community development liaison with the Asia Society Texas Center and as fund development
consultant for the Chinese Community Center. Ms. Lee holds a B.S. degree from Houston Baptist University with combined majors in Accounting, Management and Psychology.

Brian Burks, Director of Community Services and Public Safety, International Management District
Responsible for administration of the community services and public safety initiatives for the
International Management District. His previous experience includes 29 years at the Harris County Sheriff �s Office, including positions on the Burglary Apprehension Response Squad, Homeland Security, and Juvenile Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.). Mr. Burks has considerable experience as a public speaker and is an adjunct instructor for Lone Star College�s Law Enforcement Academy. He is a highly-experienced manager and team leader and holds a B.S. degree in Law Enforcement from Sam Houston State University.