Cork named President and CEO of Texas Economic Development Council

Cork named President and CEO of Texas. Cork named President and CEO of Texas Economic Development Council.

Key points

• Among the deals negotiated under Cork's leadership are Amazon Data Services ($10 billion), Compass Data Centers ($10 billion), and Aluminum Dynamics ($2.5 billion).
• The Texas Economic Development Council (TEDC) confirmed Tuesday that its Board of Directors has appointed Cork as the organization's next President and CEO, effective November 1, 2026.
• Cork was appointed by Governor Tate Reeves in December 2023 to lead the Mississippi economic development agency after his time as deputy director.
• This person will retire after serving as TEDC's President and CEO since February 1, 1999.
• Bill Cork retired from state service as executive director of the Mississippi Development Authority at the end of September.

Notably, the former head of the Mississippi Development Authority retired from state service at the end of September.

Bill Cork retired from state service as executive director of the Mississippi Development Authority at the end of September. Now, he is back on the job, this time in Texas.

Notably, the Texas Economic Development Council (TEDC) confirmed Tuesday that its Board of Directors has appointed Cork as the organization's next President and CEO, effective November 1, 2026.

Cork is succeeding Carlton Schwab. This person will retire after serving as TEDC's President and CEO since February 1, 1999.

Adrian Cannady, immediate past board chair of the TEDC, remarked Cork "brings the experience, competitiveness, and strategic perspective to help the TEDC expand its value to members and prepare our profession for the opportunities ahead."

Cork was selected to lead the nation's largest state association of economic development professionals after a national search.

"Our profession is entering a period of rapid change, and the TEDC has a responsibility to prepare the next generation of leaders, " remarked Misty Mayo, Board Chair of the TEDC. "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."

Cork remarked Texas has always led by thinking bigger, moving faster, and preparing for what is next.

"I am honored to join the TEDC and to serve the professionals and communities that make this state competitive, " Cork remarked. "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."

Cork was appointed by Governor Tate Reeves in December 2023 to lead the Mississippi economic development agency after his time as deputy director. During his tenure, MDA recruited over $34 billion in investments to the Magnolia State along with the creation of almost 23, 000 jobs. He led more than 170 team members and a $400 million annual budget throughout the state's principal economic development, trade, tourism, business‑services, incentives, disaster‑recovery, and energy functions.

Among the deals negotiated under Cork's leadership are Amazon Data Services ($10 billion), Compass Data Centers ($10 billion), and Aluminum Dynamics ($2.5 billion). Regarding the Author(s).

Frank Corder is a native of Pascagoula. For almost two decades, he has noted and offered analysis on administration, public policy, business and matters of faith. Frank's interviews, articles, and columns have been shared throughout Mississippi as well as in national publications. He is a frequent guest on radio and television, providing insight and commentary on the inner workings of the Magnolia State. Frank has served his community in both elected and appointed public office, hosted his own local radio and television programs, and managed private businesses all while being an engaged husband and father. Email Frank: [email protected].

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For now, cork named President and CEO of Texas Economic Development Council remains the part of the story worth watching, and further updates are likely as more details are confirmed.