For the third time since December 2022, there is a search for the leader of the Bryan based economic development agency that serves five counties.
A month shy of two years as president, Susan Davenport is leaving to join an economic development organization based in Austin.
During her time, what was known as the Brazos Valley economic development corporation changed its name to the Greater Brazos Partnership.
The group changed its board structure and bylaws, and there was an expansion outside of Brazos County to include Washington, Grimes, Burleson, and Robertson counties.
Davenport will leave after the partnership returns from a trade mission in June to California’s Silicon Valley region.
News release from the Greater Brazos Partnership:
Susan Davenport has notified the Board of Directors of the Greater Brazos Partnership that she has accepted the role of Chief Economic Development Officer at Opportunity Austin and
will be stepping down as President and CEO. Her last day with the Partnership will be June 19, 2025. The Board has initiated a search to appoint the Partnership’s next leader without delay.
Since joining the Partnership in 2023, Davenport has led the organization through a period of significant progress. Key accomplishments under her leadership include a comprehensive rebranding initiative, updates to the Partnership’s bylaws and board structure, the launch of a Plug and Play Tech Center accelerator program, and the successful expansion of the Partnership’s service area to a five-county region.
“The Board of Directors extends its sincere gratitude to Susan for her exceptional leadership and expertise,” said Spencer Clements, Chair of the Partnership’s Board. “Her extensive experience with both state government and the private sector has been instrumental in promoting the opportunities within the greater Brazos region.”
Davenport expressed thanks for the support of the organization from the community and board during her tenure with the Partnership.
“I would like to say a special thank you to the Board of the Greater Brazos Partnership for the opportunity to undertake economic development on behalf of this region,” Davenport said. “The opportunities being undertaken throughout the greater Brazos region are incredible and will contribute to the growing impact this area has on the State of Texas.”
In her new role, Davenport expressed enthusiasm for future collaborations between the Austin and Brazos regions.
“I’m also interested in exploring projects that connect the greater Austin and Brazos regions—two of Texas’s leading innovation and tech hubs, each anchored by a flagship university.” Davenport said. “Together, these regions exemplify why Central Texas remains the best place in the nation to do business.”
The Partnership’s experienced staff will build on the foundation established during the past two years and continue to advance business recruitment, retention, and expansion efforts. These initiatives include a trade mission to Silicon Valley beginning June 10.
“We look forward to announcing new economic development projects in the coming months and wish Susan great success in her new role at Opportunity Austin,” Clements added. “We’re confident our paths will cross again as she continues to make a lasting impact on economic development across Texas.”
About the Greater Brazos Partnership: The Greater Brazos Partnership is a dynamic public-private initiative dedicated to driving economic growth and attracting investment to the greater Brazos region, which includes Brazos, Burleson, Grimes, Robertson, and Washington counties. Through strategic collaborations with the City of Bryan, City of College Station, Brazos County, the Texas A&M University System, and Invest Greater Brazos, the Partnership works to foster a thriving business ecosystem, attract global investment, and position the region as a hub for innovation and opportunity. For more information, visit greaterbrazos.org.