Stephanie Smith is the inaugural Executive Director of the Walker County Economic Development Corporation (WCEDC), leading efforts to strengthen the local economy, attract investment, and support business growth across Huntsville and Walker County. With a strong background in economic development, she has a proven track record of building public-private partnerships that drive sustainable growth.
At WCEDC, Stephanie promotes Walker County’s strategic location and assets to prospective employers while advancing workforce development with Sam Houston State University and local industries. She works to enhance infrastructure, foster business-friendly policies that attract investment, and strengthen quality of life to create long-term opportunities for residents. Passionate about community building, Stephanie is committed to ensuring Walker County thrives as a place where businesses succeed and families flourish.
Prior to joining WCEDC, Stephanie served as Chief Economic Development Officer for the Lake Houston area and spent 31 years with CenterPoint Energy, earning her SR/WA and CEcD certifications. A University of Houston graduate with a BA in Communications, she maintains her CEcD credential and is an active member of the Texas and International Economic Development Councils. She also serves as Chair of the Houston Regional Economic Development Alliance’s (HREDA) steering committee.
Throughout her career, Erica has led strategic marketing initiatives, managed daily operations, and developed programs centered on brand growth, customer engagement, and community partnerships. Her professional experience has provided her with a strong foundation in communications, relationship management, and organizational development, all of which support her work in advancing WCEDC’s mission and community impact.
Erica recently earned her degree in Business with a concentration in Marketing. She is passionate about fostering strong community relationships, supporting local business growth, and creating opportunities that contribute to the long-term success and prosperity of Walker County.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATE
Erica Arellano
Erica Arellano serves as the Economic Development Associate for the Walker County Economic Development Corporation (WCEDC), where she supports initiatives focused on business engagement, marketing, community outreach, and economic development throughout Huntsville and Walker County. In her role, Erica collaborates closely with local businesses, community partners, and regional stakeholders to promote investment opportunities, strengthen member engagement, and enhance the visibility of Walker County as a premier destination for business growth and development.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
STEPHANIE SMITH
Stephanie Smith serves as the inaugural Executive Director of the Walker County Economic Development Corporation (WCEDC), where she leads efforts to strengthen the local economy, attract new investment, and support the growth of existing businesses across Huntsville and Walker County. With a strong background in economic development, she has a proven track record of building partnerships between public and private stakeholders to drive sustainable growth.
At WCEDC, Stephanie works to promote Walker County’s strategic location and assets to prospective employers, while also advancing workforce development in collaboration with Sam Houston State University and local industries. She is deeply engaged in enhancing infrastructure and fostering business-friendly policies that encourage new investment, as well as strengthening the overall quality of life to ensure long-term opportunities for residents. Passionate about community building, Stephanie is dedicated to ensuring Walker County thrives as a place where businesses succeed and families flourish.
Prior to joining WCEDC, Stephanie served as Chief Economic Development Officer for the Lake Houston area and spent 31 years at CenterPoint Energy, where she earned both her SR/WA and CEcD certifications. She is a graduate of the University of Houston, where she received her BA in Communications, and she continues to maintain her Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) credential. Stephanie is an active member of both the Texas Economic Development Council and the International Economic Development Council and currently serves as Chair of the Houston Regional Economic Development Alliance’s (HREDA) steering committee.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATE
Erica Arellano
Erica Arellano serves as the Economic Development Associate for the Walker County Economic Development Corporation (WCEDC), where she supports initiatives focused on business engagement, marketing, community outreach, and economic development throughout Huntsville and Walker County. In her role, Erica collaborates closely with local businesses, community partners, and regional stakeholders to promote investment opportunities, strengthen member engagement, and enhance the visibility of Walker County as a premier destination for business growth and development.
Throughout her career, Erica has led strategic marketing initiatives, managed daily operations, and developed programs centered on brand growth, customer engagement, and community partnerships. Her professional experience has provided her with a strong foundation in communications, relationship management, and organizational development, all of which support her work in advancing WCEDC’s mission and community impact.
Erica recently earned her degree in Business with a concentration in Marketing. She is passionate about fostering strong community relationships, supporting local business growth, and creating opportunities that contribute to the long-term success and prosperity of Walker County.
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The Walker County Economic Development Corporation (WCEDC) partners with our community to drive sustainable economic growth, support local businesses, and build a vibrant, inclusive economy for Huntsville and Walker County.
Contact Us
1414 11th St. Huntsville, TX 77340
Email: info@walkercountyedc.com
Phone: 936-730-2023
Hours: Mon-Fri 9:00AM – 5:00PM
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