Savvy CEO

Young CEO has what it takes to drive business growth in San Antonio

Jenna Saucedo-Herrera of San Antonio Economic Development Foundation

Jenna Saucedo-Herrera, president and CEO of San Antonio Economic Development Foundation (SAEDF).

Photo courtesy of San Antonio Economic Development Foundation

Editor’s note: This is the inaugural year for CultureMap’s Top Texans Under 30, a program that celebrates the twentysomething power players making a difference in their industries and communities across the Lone Star State — and, in some cases, the world. The full list is here. For now, read all about Jenna Saucedo-Herrera.

Diversity and development drive Jenna Saucedo-Herrera to help the city of San Antonio grow through domestic and international business relationships. Her experience in various leadership roles in CPS Energy, the largest municipally owned electric and gas energy provider in the nation, means this 29-year-old knows what it takes to innovate.

As the president and CEO of San Antonio Economic Development Foundation (SAEDF), Saucedo-Herrera uses her personal experience with the local San Antonio heritage and unique needs to attract new businesses to the Alamo City. SAEDF is a private, nonprofit organization with the mission of bringing new businesses and industries to the city, facilitating growth and expansion into San Antonio. The organization is leading SA2020’s Economic Competitiveness initiative to build a better San Antonio by 2020.

Saucedo-Herrera chatted with us about the keys to success.

CultureMap: What inspires you to do what you do?

Jenna Saucedo-Herrera: I’m motivated by the ability to make a meaningful difference. In all that I do personally and professionally, I hope to provide real and productive value. My family, colleagues, and team members inspire me to be better every day.

CM: What’s one piece of advice you’d give to other Texans trying to make a difference by innovating?

JSH: Success leaves clues. Be open-minded, observe leaders around you, and never stop learning.

CM: Sum up Texas in three words.

JSH: Proud, mighty, diverse.

CM: What’s one thing that people might not know about you?

JSH: I have a black belt in taekwondo.

CM: Finish this sentence: “It’s a good day when … ”

JSH: I’ve produced, learned, inspired, engaged, and made a difference.

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leading the way

CultureMap founder David Gow named CEO of Houston policy nonprofit

Photo by Daniel Ortiz

David Gow will begin his new role in September.

A nonprofit organization dedicated to leading Houston into the future has named its next leader.

The Center for Houston’s Future named David Gow as president and CEO, succeeding Brett Perlman, who was announced in April to be remaining at the Center with a focus on the Center’s hydrogen initiative. Gow is the founder and chairman of Gow Media, CultureMap's parent company. His role is effective September 3.

“I am excited to step into this opportunity with the Center and work with the team, the board and many other stakeholders to help shape Houston’s future,” Gow said in a statement. “The Center presents an exciting opportunity to cast a vision for our region and identify initiatives that will make an impact.”

Gow — whose portfolio includes CultureMap, its sister sites, and ESPN Radio's Houston affiliate — is a board member of Goose Capital and chair of MSAI, an entity he formed through a SPAC acquisition. Before he founded Gow Media, he served as CFO and CEO of online watch retailer Ashford.com. Prior to Ashford, Gow was director of corporate strategy at Compaq Computers and a consultant at McKinsey & Co. He received his master’s in public policy from Harvard and his bachelor's in economics from Williams College.

“David’s portfolio of experiences and skills, record of innovation and success, and deep commitment to the Houston community make him the perfect fit to lead the Center as we chart and execute on our next set of initiatives focused on ensuring a bright future for all residents in the Houston region,” adds Center for Houston’s Future Board Chair Cindy Yeilding.

In his new role, Gow will lead the Center’s next effort, Vision 2050, which plans to identify the city's key issues, gaps, and opportunities.

“Today’s announcement also reflects the success of the Center’s clean hydrogen program,” Yeilding continues. “On behalf of the Center’s board, I’d also like to recognize Brett for launching and building such a successful and important effort as well as his overall leadership and record of achievement at the Center these past seven years.”

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This article first appeared on our sister site InnovationMap.

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