The Woodlands Area Economic Development Partnership Announces New CEO

THE WOODLANDS, TX -- The Woodlands Area Economic Development Partnership is pleased to announce the appointment of Jevon Gibb as the organization’s new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective February 1, 2025. Originally from East Texas, Gibb has worked around the world and has a strong track record of success in driving economic growth, job creation, and regional revitalization.

In his most recent role as Senior Consultant at Trailhead Strategies, he served as team lead for economic and community development services on projects with prominent clients including the US Chamber, Results for America, and REDF. He also advised regional and local clients in multiple states on the development of major industrial sites, often working in collaboration with leading site selection firms.

Prior to this role, Gibb served as the Director of Regional Economic Development for Salt Lake County, Utah, where he successfully managed a $13 million annual budget and led a team of nine professionals. Under his leadership, Salt Lake County experienced significant economic growth, including 15 business attraction wins in sectors such as aerospace, advanced materials, bio, and IT. These efforts resulted in more than 3,500 new jobs and $1.5 billion in capital investment. He collaborated on strategic urban revitalization projects, a 16,000-acre industrial park focused on advanced manufacturing, and evaluated over $1 billion in real estate and business incentive proposals. He also built collaborative partnerships with city, state, higher education, non-profit, and private sector partners for workforce development and small business assistance.

Earlier in his career, Gibb served as Director of Research & Economic Development at MetroHartford Alliance, an economic development organization that supports the Hartford, Connecticut Region. He led a regional COVID business response, hosting webinars for over 2,500 participants and consulting for over 50 companies, which resulted in approximately $10 million in loans and grants. He also served as an officer in the Navy Judge Advocate General’s Corps, including a deployment to Afghanistan.

“Jevon brings a proven ability to drive economic development through collaboration, strategic vision, and a focus on measurable outcomes,” said Whitney Wall, Chair of The Woodlands Area EDP. “We are confident that his leadership will help further advance The Woodlands Area as a thriving hub for business, innovation, and community development.”

With a career that spans diverse sectors, including government, economic development, and law, Jevon’s broad expertise and innovative approach will play a pivotal role in achieving EDP’s mission to foster economic growth, support job creation, and enhance the quality of life for residents and businesses in The Woodlands Area.

“I am excited to join the EDP team and contribute to the continued success of The Woodlands Area,” said Jevon Gibb. “As a Texas native, I look forward to bringing my family back home and contributing to a community I love. I look forward to collaborating with local businesses, government officials, and community leaders to drive sustainable growth and create new opportunities for our residents.”