Former Mississippi Development Authority leader Bill Cork is heading to Texas to become the next president and CEO of the Texas Economic Development Council.
Cork announced Sept. 30 that he was retiring as president of MDA, the state’s economic development agency he led for nearly three years. On Tuesday, TEDC announced that it had hired Cork to lead the organization.
“Bill brings the experience, competitiveness, and strategic perspective to help the TEDC expand its value to members and prepare our profession for the opportunities ahead,” TEDC Immediate Past Board Chair Adrian Cannady said in a press release.
“Our profession is entering a period of rapid change, and the TEDC has a responsibility to prepare the next generation of leaders. Bill’s experience and vision position us to strengthen our talent pipeline, elevate our impact, and chart a bold path forward for economic development across Texas,” TEDC Board Chair Misty Mayo added.
Cork will begin his tenure Nov. 1, succeeding Carlton Schwab, who is retiring after leading the organization since 1999. According to the release, TEDC grew into the “nation’s largest state association of economic development professionals” under Schwab’s nearly 28-year tenure.
According to TEDC’s website, the organization has more than 1,000 individual members representing more than 630 public and private economic development organizations, including more than 400 communities. Its mission is to “bring new investment and jobs to Texas by developing strategies that promote a positive business climate.”
Unlike MDA, where Cork helped attract more than $80 billion in new capital investment, TEDC is a nonprofit professional association that is not directly affiliated with the Texas state government.
“Texas has always led by thinking bigger, moving faster, and preparing for what is next,” Cork said. “I am honored to join the TEDC and to serve the professionals and communities that make this state competitive. My priority will be to listen to members, build on the organization’s strong foundation, and work with the Board and staff to deliver practical value at every stage of an economic developer’s career.”
TEDC selected Cork following a national search, and its board of directors unanimously approved his hiring.
Before leading MDA, Cork served as CEO of the Hancock County Port and Harbor Commission, president and CEO of the Texarkana USA Chamber of Commerce, and CEO of TexAmericas Center in Bowie County, Texas.
