Partnership Lake Houston

This past week, our Chief Economic Development Officer, Stephanie Wiggins, CEcD SR/WA Smith, attended TEDC’s Winter Conference, where Partnership Lake Houston received the Certificate of Achievement for Economic Excellence! One of the key highlights? The unveiling of the State’s Economic Development Plan. While there’s still some uncertainty surrounding the new leadership in the White House, 2025 is projected to be a strong year for economic growth. A big takeaway from every session: It’s a great time to live and do business in Texas!

Partnership Lake Houston is proud to announce the appointment of Ray Hernandez, IOM as its new President/CEO. With a proven track record of strategic leadership, economic development, and community engagement, Hernandez brings a wealth of experience and a dynamic vision to the organization. Ray Hernandez joins Partnership Lake Houston following his successful tenure as President/CEO of the Huntsville Walker County Chamber of Commerce. Under his leadership, the Chamber achieved significant financial growth, including a 40% increase in gross revenue over the course of five years. Hernandez also played a crucial role in passing the largest Huntsville ISD bond election in 23 years, amounting to $127 million. His strategic initiatives and adept management have consistently resulted in tangible benefits for the communities he has served. Hernandez’s professional journey is marked by his roles as President/CEO of the San Marcos Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Kyle Area Chamber of Commerce and the Lewisville Area Chamber of Commerce. His leadership in Kyle transformed the Chamber's financial standing from a deficit to a substantial reserve, while also spearheading efforts to pass a $209 million transportation bond election, in Lewisville he led efforts to a nationally recognized Four-Star Accreditation from the United States Chamber of Commerce, placing the Chamber in the top 3% nationwide. In addition to his professional accomplishments, Hernandez is actively involved in numerous community and professional organizations. He serves as Chair of the Huntsville Memorial Hospital Board of Directors, board member of the Center for Community Engagement at Sam Houston State University, and as a member of Huntsville Rotary. His commitment to community service and his ability to foster strong relationships with local, state, and national entities have been instrumental in his career. Hernandez’s extensive experience in membership sales and recruitment, public relations, social media, fundraising, event planning, legislative advocacy, and leadership development makes him an ideal fit for Partnership Lake Houston. His background as a US Army veteran and his educational credentials, including a Bachelor of Science in Applied Sociology from Texas State University, Institute for Organizational Management certification from the US Chamber of Commerce, Economic Development certification at Texas A & M College Station and leadership development training from the University of Texas-Austin LBJ School of Public Affairs, further underscore his qualifications. Ray will begin his role at PLH on August 1st. For more information, please contact: Ray Hernandez Email: [email protected] or Phone: 281-446-2128