The Texas Economic Development Council (TEDC) today announced the upcoming retirement of President and CEO Carlton Schwab, who has led the organization since February 1999. Schwab will conclude his tenure after nearly 28 years of service, leaving a lasting legacy as one of the most influential leaders in Texas economic development. The TEDC honored his contributions during its Annual Conference, taking place in Houston October 7–9, 2026.

“Carlton’s leadership has shaped the trajectory of economic development in Texas for nearly three decades. His steady hand, strategic vision, and deep commitment to the profession have strengthened communities across our state and elevated the work of countless practitioners. His impact will be felt for generations, and the Board is profoundly grateful for his service,” said Adrian Cannady, TEDC Board Chair.

Throughout Schwab’s tenure, TEDC has grown into the nation’s largest state association of economic development professionals and a recognized leader in professional development and economic development policy nationwide. Under his leadership, the organization played a key role in securing the most valuable economic development incentive in Texas history (HB 1200 of the 78th Legislature), protecting the local option Economic Development Sales Tax, and ensuring continued funding for the Texas Enterprise Fund.

“It has been the honor of my professional life to serve the Texas Economic Development Council and work alongside so many dedicated leaders who care deeply about the future of Texas,” Schwab said. “Our success has always come from the strength of our members and their commitment to building vibrant communities. I am grateful for the opportunity to support this work, and I look forward to watching the TEDC continue to thrive in the years ahead.”

As President and CEO, Schwab has represented the TEDC before state regulatory agencies, local governments, economic development organizations, and the Texas Legislature. He has served on numerous boards and commissions, including being appointed by Governor Rick Perry in 2012 to the Select Committee on Economic Development—created by the 83rd Texas Legislature to review statewide economic development policy. In 2015 and 2016, he chaired the Advisory Committee of the Texas Legislative Conference.

Schwab’s contributions have been recognized nationally. In 2017, he was named an Honorary Life Member of the International Economic Development Council (IEDC), and in November 2022, he received the Council of Development Finance Agencies (CDFA) Lifetime Achievement Award.

Before joining TEDC, Schwab built a distinguished career across higher education, consulting, and local economic development. From 1996 to 1999, he served as Director of Development at the LBJ School of Public Affairs at the University of Texas at Austin, raising more than $2.5 million to establish two endowed chairs—the Barbara Jordan Chair in Ethics and Political Values and the Max Sherman Chair in State and Local Government—boosting the school’s faculty endowment by more than 15 percent in two years. He also led strategic development efforts for three major centers with a combined fundraising goal of $20 million.

From 1989 to 1996, Schwab was a Director with Deloitte Consulting, specializing in corporate site location analysis and economic development strategic planning. Prior to that, he served as Vice President of the Lubbock Board of City Development from 1986 to 1989, gaining hands‑on experience in local economic development.

A New Braunfels native, Schwab holds a Master of Public Affairs from the LBJ School of Public Affairs at the University of Texas at Austin. He received his Bachelor of Arts and is a 1981 graduate of Austin College in Sherman, Texas. Outside of his professional work, he raises registered Texas Longhorn cattle and is a Texas Certified Master Naturalist affiliated with the Balcones Canyonlands Chapter in Austin.

“TEDC’s future is built on the foundation Carlton created — one defined by collaboration, professionalism, and a relentless focus on strengthening Texas’ competitiveness. As we prepare for the next era of growth, we do so with immense appreciation for the legacy he leaves behind,” Cannady added.

About the TEDC:

The Texas Economic Development Council (TEDC) brings together more than 1,250 economic development professionals, volunteers, and elected officials from communities across Texas, united by a shared commitment to strengthening the state’s economic vitality. Through practical training, peer connection, and a strong voice on policy, the TEDC supports economic developers at every stage of their careers and helps ensure Texas remains a leader in economic opportunity. The TEDC’s programs include professional education, leadership and mentorship opportunities, conferences, member resources, and advocacy on issues affecting economic development across Texas.

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