Executive Director - Houston-Galveston Area Council (H-GAC)

H-GAC•Houston, TX

32d

About The Position

Mackenzie Eason & Associates has been retained by the Houston-Galveston Area Council (H-GAC) to recruit its next Executive Director. H-GAC is a mature, multi-program regional enterprise operating at the intersection of regional governance, public service delivery, and complex funding administration across one of the country’s fastest-growing and most operationally demanding regions. The next Executive Director will inherit a strong foundation, an aligned and cohesive board and region, a well-respected agency, and a strong and knowledgeable staff. CANDIDATE VISION STATEMENT The ideal candidate will possess the vision, executive leadership, and strategic acumen to shape and advance the future of H-GAC and the 13-county region. This individual will steward and strategically deploy more than $500 million in public funding annually, while aligning the organization’s subsidiary boards, executive leadership team, and professional staff to deliver transformative solutions across one of the fastest-growing and most economically dynamic regions in the nation. The Executive Director serves as the organization’s chief administrator while also acting as a regional thought leader, coalition builder, and trusted partner to elected officials, state and federal agencies, and community stakeholders. This role demands long-range vision, political acuity, and the ability to turn regional priorities into measurable, results-driven outcomes. The Executive Director will address the following critical needs: · Articulate and advance a bold regional vision that reflects the distinct geographic, economic, and demographic needs of the region, building consensus among elected officials, partner agencies, and community stakeholders. · Strengthen regional collaboration by leveraging partnerships with urban, suburban, and rural leaders to advance cohesive policy implementation that benefits the entire region. · Lead collaborative solutions to complex regional challenges, including transportation, workforce development, and early childhood education, by working in close partnership with the governing boards of H-GAC’s subsidiary entities, alongside state and federal agencies and local governments, to develop and implement forward-looking, regionally aligned strategies. · Empower and align the executive leadership team to effectively implement board-adopted policies, cultivate innovation, and deliver high-performing programs. · Drive organizational excellence and operational efficiency, ensuring resources are strategically aligned to maximize impact in workforce development and early childhood education initiatives across the 13-county region. · Serve as chief steward of public trust, ensuring transparency, accountability, and strong fiduciary oversight in collaboration with subsidiary boards. · Champion best-in-the-nation programming, positioning H-GAC as a national model in regional planning, workforce development, and intergovernmental coordination.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Regional Planning, Business Administration, Political Science, or a closely related field.
At least 10 years of progressively responsible executive management experience in a public-sector, intergovernmental, private, or nonprofit organization of comparable complexity.
Proven record of managing large, multidisciplinary teams and budgets.
Significant experience working with boards comprised of elected officials and facilitating decision-making in a public context.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree or other advanced degree in a related discipline.
Executive experience in a Council of Governments, MPO, or similar regional agency.
Experience in the Houston-Galveston region or similarly large, fast-evolving metropolitan regions.
Experience leading multidisciplinary regional initiatives, strategic planning, and grant administration.
Demonstrated experience leading digital transformation or major technology initiatives in complex organizations.

Responsibilities

Provide strategic leadership and long-term direction for the H-GAC Board, translating regional complexity into clear priorities and measurable outcomes.
Lead the development and execution of agency strategy and the next generation of vision and goals, leveraging data, technology, and innovation to improve effectiveness and regional impact.
Oversee all aspects of agency operations, including budgeting, finance, human resources, program development, and service delivery.
Strengthen organizational performance by reducing friction, improving cycle time, and ensuring consistent execution across programs.
Maintain a strong compliance and stewardship posture across restricted funds, contracts, and pass-through programs while working to continuously improve speed and customer responsiveness.
Build leadership depth across the organization through coaching, performance management, and succession development.
Engage with and provide guidance to boards and advisory committees comprised of elected officials and senior leaders.
Support and guide governing boards and advisory committees by preparing decision-ready materials and facilitating effective deliberation.
Prepare and present reports and recommendations that support timely, well-informed decision-making.
Cultivate and maintain relationships with local, state, and federal partners, member governments, business leaders, community organizations, and residents.
Advocate for the organization and serve as the primary spokesperson and relationship leader for H-GAC, building trust with member governments and partners.
Promote consensus-building on complex regional issues.
Oversee major regional plans, studies, and grant-funded programs.
Identify and pursue collaborative opportunities, innovative funding sources, and strategic partnerships.