Greater Houston Partnership President and CEO Bob Harvey Announces Retirement Plans

HOUSTON (January 9, 2023) – The Greater Houston Partnership announced today that the organization’s president and CEO, Bob Harvey, plans to retire at the end of 2023.

Harvey, 67, joined the region’s leading business organization in 2012 and oversaw a strong expansion of the Partnership’s reach and influence during a period of rapid growth and change for the region.

“This past decade has been a dynamic time for Houston and the Partnership. As a lifelong Houstonian, it is a true honor to wake up every day focused on supporting Houston’s growth and working with the business community to create opportunities for all Houstonians,” Harvey said. “The commitment of business leaders to the success of this region is inspiring and I look forward to continuing to lead the Partnership over the next year as we move Houston forward.”

The partnership serves as the designated regional economic development organization for the Houston region and works collaboratively with more than 35 local economic development groups throughout the organization’s 12-county service territory.

Additionally, the Partnership leads the Houston business community’s policy advocacy efforts at the local, state and federal levels. The organization advocates for policies that support a business-friendly environment and an environment that supports the region’s success and the overall quality of life for all Houstonians.

During Harvey’s tenure, the Partnership launched a number of highly successful programs and initiatives, including the UpSkill Houston workforce development initiative, the Houston Energy Transition Initiative (HETI) and One Houston Together, the diversity, equity and the involvement of the Partnership.

“I want to thank Bob for his outstanding leadership over the past decade as we have made great strides as an organization and as a region,” said Thad Hill, chairman of the Partnership’s board and president and CEO of Calpine Corporation. “I am grateful that Bob will continue to advance the organization over the coming months as we begin the process to find his successor. Under Bob’s leadership, the Partnership plays an essential role in the inclusive growth and prosperity of our great community, and I am confident that his successor will extend that legacy.”

Hill announced that it has formed an executive search committee comprised of Partnership board members to be chaired by Marc Watts, former Partnership board chairman (2018) and Friedkin Group President. Hill indicated that the organization will undertake an extensive national search that will also consider candidates already on staff. He expects the next leader to have a working familiarity with Houston and its business community.

“The Partnership is an outstanding organization with strong board and staff leadership, impeccable finances and a mission-driven bias for action to make Houston a better place to live, work and build a business,” continued Thad. Hill. “The Partnership’s next leader is set up to succeed, and I look forward to the process of identifying this person who will continue the organization’s momentum forward.”

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Greater Houston Partnership
The Greater Houston Partnership works to make Houston one of the best places to live, work and build a business. As the economic development organization for the region, the Partnership supports growth in 12 counties by bringing together business leaders and citizens who are committed to the long-term success of the area. Representing over 950 member organizations and approximately one fifth of the region’s workforce, the Partnership is where companies come together to make an impact. Learn more at Houston.org.

AJ Mistretta
Vice President, Communications
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(c) 504-450-3516

Brina Morales
Senior Manager, Media Relations
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(c) 832-287-5089