Whitmire appoints a new chief development officer

Houston Mayor John Whitmire has appointed Gwendolyn Tillotson-Bell to fill the vacancy left by the city’s longtime chief economic development officer Andy Icken after his departure earlier this month.

A key role within the mayor’s office, the chief development officer is responsible for promoting local economic growth and attracting businesses to Houston. The officer also oversees Houston’s various economic development tools, including a contentious program called Tax Increment Reinvestment Zones (TIRZ).

Icken recently retired after serving as Houston’s chief development officer under both former Mayors Sylvester Turner and Annise Parker. Whitmire announced on Tuesday that Tillotson-Bell, the deputy director of the Mayor’s Office of Economic Development, has succeeded Icken.

Tillotson-Bell has focused on business management and workforce development since joining the city about 17 years ago. As the deputy director of the economic development office, she contributed to projects including the development of the Energy Corridor business district, the introduction of Meow Wolf immersive art installations and the creation of the East End Maker Hub, among others.

Facing steep fiscal challenges in the coming years, Whitmire recently suggested scrutinizing the financial implications of the TIRZs. These zones allow some property tax revenue generated within their boundaries to be used exclusively for improvements in those areas, instead of contributing to the city’s general fund. The controversial program currently claims nearly $200 million of city revenue every year.

While Whitmire did not provide specifics on the economic development office’s future direction, he said he expects Tillotson-Bell to assist the new administration in rethinking the office’s priorities and functions.

Tillotson-Bell “knows the business community and has their respect,” Whitmire said in a statement. “Her experience and knowledge will guide the City of Houston through its next phase of developing and implementing policies to strengthen our competitiveness in attracting investments across key industry sectors, thereby fueling Houston’s global economy.”