Bill Cork Will Lead Texas Economic Development Council
The veteran executive will take the helm of the organization representing over 630 development groups on November 1.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in People
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Bill Cork will assume the role of president and CEO of the Texas Economic Development Council on November 1, 2026. He follows long-time leader Carlton Schwab, who led the organization for 28 years.
Why it matters
The transition shifts leadership at an organization that represents more than 1,000 members and 630 economic development entities across the state. The council serves as a key coordinator for community-level economic growth strategies in Texas.
The Texas Economic Development Council represents 1,000 individual members and 630 economic development organizations across the state. Incoming CEO Bill Cork arrives after nearly three years at the Mississippi Development Authority, where he oversaw $80 billion in capital investment.
The players
Bill Cork
An experienced economic development executive who previously led the Mississippi Development Authority and various Texas-based organizations.
Carlton Schwab
The outgoing leader who served as the president and CEO of the Texas Economic Development Council for 28 years.
Texas Economic Development Council
A statewide organization representing over 630 economic development agencies and 1,000 individual professionals focused on community growth.
Mississippi Development Authority
The state agency responsible for economic growth, which Bill Cork led for three years prior to his current appointment.
The details
The council board unanimously approved the selection of Cork following a national search process to replace the outgoing leadership. Cork brings experience from previous roles at the TexAmericas Center in Bowie County and the Texarkana USA Chamber of Commerce. The organization coordinates development initiatives for approximately 400 communities throughout Texas.
Timeline
1999: Carlton Schwab began his 28-year leadership tenure.
September 30, 2026: Bill Cork announced his departure from the Mississippi Development Authority.
October 13, 2026: The Texas Economic Development Council formally announced the new hiring.
November 1, 2026: Bill Cork begins his term as president and CEO.
Market Landscape
The appointment concludes the 28-year tenure of Carlton Schwab, marking a significant transition in leadership for the council. This change follows a pattern of state-level agencies seeking leaders with both regional familiarity and successful track records in capital attraction.
Operators in member communities should monitor the upcoming November 1 transition to understand potential shifts in the council’s advocacy and service priorities. Businesses interacting with the council should prepare for new leadership directives as the organization integrates its new executive strategy.
The takeaway
The transition indicates a shift in the strategic focus of the state’s primary development advocacy group. Operators should monitor the November 1 transition for updates on new policy initiatives or changes to organizational outreach programs.
Further reading
Learn more about organizational leadership changes across the state in the People section.
Live Poll
Should local economic development councils prioritize leaders with previous state government experience?
