A Big Loss For The Greater Houston Partnership

 It’s a big loss for the Greater Houston Partnership, but a great opportunity for Tracye McDaniel, the GHP’s executive vice president and chief operating officer. 

“On behalf of GHP’s Board of Directors and Members, I want to thank Tracye for her service to Houston and its business community,” said Patrick Oxford, Chairman of the Greater Houston Partnership. “Much of the success we have had in recent years is due to Tracye’s hard work and leadership.”

 McDaniel is leaving Houston and the Lone Star State to lead a business organization in New Jersey, the state of Liberty and Prosperity.

According to a news release, McDaniel has been chosen by New Jersey Governor Christie to lead “Choose New Jersey” a new non-profit corporation designed to market, promote and facilitate business attraction, expansion and retention in New Jersey.

“I congratulate Governor Christie for hiring Tracye,” said Jeff Moseley, President and CEO of GHP. “As her work at GHP shows, Tracye is undoubtedly among the top national talents for growing jobs and economic development.” 

 (Here’s more about McDaniel’s experience)

McDaniel served GHP during an exciting time of growth and prosperity for the organization. Her greatest contribution may be her work on Opportunity Houston^sm, a five-year marketing program that generates leads for economic development organizations throughout the 10-county region. Working with Houston business leaders and GHP staff, McDaniel was charged with overseeing activities relating to the organization’s $40 million capital fundraising campaign and 10-year strategic plan to identify 600,000 new jobs; attract $60 billion in new capital investment; and increase foreign investment by $125 billion in the Houston region. 

During McDaniel’s tenure, GHP was also certified as an Accredited Economic Development Organization by the International Economic Development Council. GHP is the largest regional business organization to earn this prestigious accreditation. 

In addition to her fulfilling her duties to GHP, McDaniel was appointed by Governor Rick Perry to serve on the Board of Regents of Texas Southern University and Board of Directors of Texas One, a major source of economic development marketing funds for the State of Texas. 

The Greater Houston Partnership is evaluating the appropriate steps to take to fill McDaniel’s position and expects to continue its success in 2011 with the help of a highly-talented and determined team.