BAHEP Annual Report 2022

Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership

Annual Report 2022

Legacy of Leadership

Known for its ability to facilitate engagement across the region’s multiple industry sectors, Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership has become the gathering place of leaders. BAHEP’s Council of Mayors met with our regional state representative delegation to identify and discuss issues of regional importance and to foster strong, trusted working relationships among elected officials. Shown left to right are: Mayor Thom Kolupski, Seabrook; Mayor Jon Keeney, Taylor Lake Village; Mayor Phil Johnson, Nassau Bay; BAHEP President-elect Brian Freedman; State Rep. Briscoe Cain; State Rep. Greg Bonnen, MD; Mayor Bill Pittman, Santa Fe; State Sen.-elect Mayes Middleton; State Rep. Dennis Paul; Mayor Jerry Mouton, Deer Park; Mayor Paul Horn, Alvin; BAHEP President Bob Mitchell; Dr. Glenn Freedman, president, EduSafe Systems, Inc., Council of Mayors facilitator; and Mayor Kurt Otten, Clear Lake Shores (standing behind Mayor Horn). Not pictured are Mayor Carl Joiner, Kemah; Mayor Michel Bechtel, Morgan’s Point; and Mayor Kevin Cole, Pearland, who had to leave the meeting early due to prior commitments. (Photo

Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership gratefully acknowledges the Houston Airport System for underwriting a portion of the production costs for its 2022 Annual Report.

by Harriet Pilgrim)

Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership

2023 Board of Directors

BOARD OF DIRECTORS OFFICERS

Chair: Tim C. Kropp, Executive Vice President, MRI Technologies

Vice Chair: Gwen Griffin, CEO, Griffin Communications Group

Secretary: John Mulholland, Vice President / Program Manager, International Space Station (ISS), The Boeing Company

Treasurer: Jennifer Bowers, Partner, Bowers and Sadler, LLP

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Todd Caliva, CEO, HCA Houston Healthcare Clear Lake

Mark Gittleman, P.E., Chief Strategy Officer, Aegis Aerospace, Inc.

Gwen Griffin, CEO, Griffin Communications Group

Brenda Hellyer, Ed.D., Chancellor, San Jacinto College District

Jorge Hernandez, President, Bastion Technologies, Inc.

Tim C. Kropp, Executive Vice President, MRI Technologies

John Mulholland, Vice President / Program Manager, International Space Station (ISS), The Boeing Company

Denise S. Navarro, Founder / President / CEO, Logical Innovations, Inc.

Kelly Page, President, Barrios Technologies

Victor Pierson, Chairman / President / CEO, Moody Bank

Kirk Shireman, Vice President, Lunar Exploration Campaigns, Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company

Charlie Stegemoeller, Senior Director, Business Development, Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC)

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE HONORARY CHAIRMAN

Frans Gillebaard (1939 - 2013)

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE EX OFFICIO MEMBERS

Jennifer Bowers, Partner, Bowers & Sadler, LLP

Gale E. Burkett, President / CEO, GB Tech, Inc.

Dick H. Gregg, Jr., Attorney-at-Law / President, Gregg & Gregg, P.C.

Fred B. Griffin, Founder / Chairman, Griffin Partners, Inc.

Marc Havican, President, Space City Films, Inc.

Joy H. Kelly, Ph.D., Vice President / General Manager, Jacobs

Kenny Koncaba, Houston Market President, Home Bank

Bernard A. Milstein, M.D., President, The Eye Clinic of Texas

John Wilkins, CEO, CLC Properties

Vanessa E. Wyche, Director, NASA Johnson Space Center

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Jamie Ballard, Senior Vice President, Veritex Community Bank

R.J. Boatman, Chairman of the Board, POM Group, LLC

LaCrista Bishop, DNP, RN, NE-BC, Regional Director of Operations, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center

Jennifer Bowers, Partner, Bowers and Sadler, LLP

Gale E. Burkett, President / CEO, GB Tech, Inc.

Todd Caliva, CEO, HCA Houston Healthcare Clear Lake

Noel J. Cárdenas, FACHE, Senior Vice President / CEO, Memorial Hermann Southeast and Pearland Hospitals

Nellie Chappell-White, President / CEO, JES Tech

David Dean, Senior Program Manager, S&K Global Solutions

Jerry E. Fliger, Ph.D., Vice President for Instruction, College of the Mainland

Col. Michael E. Fossum, USAFR (Ret.), COO, Texas A&M University at Galveston

Jeff Gionnette, Senior General Manager, Retail, Brookfield Properties

Mark Gittleman, P.E., Chief Strategy Officer, Aegis Aerospace, Inc.

Fred B. Griffin, Founder / Chairman, Griffin Partners, Inc.

Gwen Griffin, CEO, Griffin Communications Group

Darrin Hall, Director, Corporate and Community Affairs, United Airlines

Trey Hall, III, Vice President / Chief Strategist, Rothe Development, Inc.

Brenda Hellyer, Ed.D., Chancellor, San Jacinto College District

Jorge Hernandez, President / CEO, Bastion Technologies, Inc.

Walter Jackson, Ed.D., Superintendent of Schools, La Porte ISD

Stephen K. Jones, MHA, FACHE, Vice President, Health System Strategy, CEO Clear Lake Campus, The University of Texas Medical Branch

Joy H. Kelly, Ph.D., Vice President / General Manager, Jacobs

Kenny Koncaba, Houston Market President, Home Bank

Jeannie Kranz, Senior Director, NASA Business Development Strategy, ASRC Federal

Tim C. Kropp, Executive Vice President, MRI Technologies

Laurie Labra, Vice President, Human Exploration Division, KBR, Inc.

Jamieson Mackay, CCUFC, Senior Vice President, Gulf Coast Educators Federal Credit Union

John Martinec, President, AeroSys, LLC

Erin McDonald, Senior Vice President, Frost Bank

Bernard A. Milstein, M.D., President, The Eye Clinic of Texas

John Mulholland, Vice President / Program Manager, International Space Station (ISS), The Boeing Company

Denise S. Navarro, Founder / President / CEO, Logical Innovations, Inc.

Lt. Gen. Douglas H. Owens, USAF (Ret.), CEO, Lone Star Flight Museum

Kelly Page, President, Barrios Technology

Marty Pell, President / CEO, Wellby Financial

Victor Pierson, Chairman / President / CEO, Moody Bank

Bill Provenzano, Senior Vice President, Hometown Bank

Kevin Repa, Vice President / General Manager, All Points Logistics, LLC

Wayne Rutledge, Broker / Owner, Rutledge Commercial Real Estate

Kirk Shireman, Vice President, Lunar Exploration Campaigns, Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company

Elizabeth Smith, Owner / Agent, Elizabeth Smith Life and Health Insurance

Charlie Stegemoeller, Senior Director, Business Development, Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC)

Richard Walker, Ed.D., President, University of Houston Clear Lake

BOARD EX OFFICIO MEMBERS

Chad Burke, President / CEO, Economic Alliance Houston Port Region

Mary Alys Cherry, Editor / Publisher, Bay Area Houston Magazine

Glenn Freedman, Ph.D., President, EduSafe Systems, Inc.

Marcy Fryday, Marketing Director, Lakewood Yacht Club

Dick H. Gregg, Jr., Attorney-at-Law / President, Gregg & Gregg, P.C.

Cindy Harreld-DeWease, President / CEO, Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce

Steven Skarke, Vice President, Kaneka North America, LLC

Amy Skicki, Executive Director, Bay Area Houston Transportation Partnership (BayTran)

Mike Sullivan, Director of Governmental Affairs and Corporate Partnerships, Group 1 Automotive, Inc.

Hajime “Sam” Suzuki, Vice President, Administration, Kuraray America, Inc.

John Wilkins, CEO, CLC Properties

Vanessa E. Wyche, Director, NASA Johnson Space Center

Letter from the Outgoing Chair

The exceptional leadership of the Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership has been integral to its longevity and success. I am proud to say that this year continued that legacy. The coastal barrier project for which BAHEP has advocated since 2009 received congressional approval. The Gulf Coast Protection District, where BAHEP President Bob Mitchell serves as vice president of the Board, remains vigilant in its efforts to ensure construction of this massive project by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

2022 saw the private aerospace/aviation industry continue its regional expansion, and with it, the continued development of the Houston Spaceport. From the very beginning, BAHEP has taken a leadership role in this venture, providing a vision of what the Spaceport will ultimately be. In addition, along with a consortium of representatives from the Houston Airport System, academia, and the aerospace industry, BAHEP has also led the development of the Houston Spaceport Center for Research Education and Workforce Development (HS-CREW) at the Spaceport. The institute will provide specialized technician training and degree programs targeted at the aerospace and aviation industry as well as other industries in Bay Area Houston.

HS-CREW complements the education and training that has been available at San Jacinto College’s EDGE Center at the Houston Spaceport. Through several Wagner-Peyser grants, awarded by the Texas Workforce Investment Council (TWIC) of the Governor’s Office to the Bay Area Houston Advanced Technology Consortium (BayTech) also formed by BAHEP, unemployed high school graduates and others are being trained as either certified aerospace composite technicians or certified aerospace electrical technicians.

BAHEP was also very involved with ASCENDxTexas, the Regional Transportation Summit, and the Human Trafficking Preven-

tion and Awareness events this year. This was in addition to an extensive healthcare workforce assessment completed by members of the Education and Workforce Development Committee, a legislative agenda compiled by members of BAHEP’s Political Protocol Committee and its Council of Mayors, 276 virtual congressional meetings by the Citizens for Space Exploration travelers, the initiatives of BayTech and SATOP, as well as a busy and productive year for marketing and membership.

It has been an exciting year to be the Chair of this outstanding organization in this dynamic region, where there is a combined positive energy of growth from the aerospace, specialty chemicals and refining, maritime, healthcare and tourism industries. Economists predict that Houston should end the year with a net gain of over 130,000 jobs, with a significant portion being in the Bay Area.

I’ve truly enjoyed working with my colleagues on the board. Our most important responsibility was choosing a successor to our long-time, successful leader and president, Bob Mitchell, upon his upcoming retirement. The board worked diligently, taking our time in choosing the very best candidate for our organization in President-elect Brian Freedman, who will taking over the leadership reins in 2023.

In closing, I want to express my appreciation to Bob, for his leadership and excellent guidance, not only for this past year, but the preceding 15 years as well. And I wish Bob, Brian, incoming Board Chair Tim Kropp, and the board the very best in 2023 and beyond.

Sincerely,

Kenny Koncaba Houston Market President, Home Bank

Letter from the Incoming Chair

MRI is my home away from home. Mathematical Research Incorporated is what it stands for and is known as MRI Technologies within our community. In 1987, we formed a partnership while in our twenties. Within a year, we incorporated under our current leadership and started a wonderful journey, which now includes new challenges.

At MRI we say, “We are a small company working to make a big difference.” Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership is also a small company, but the results of its influence, initiatives, partnerships, and projects far exceed the number of its multitalented staff. As a long-time member of the board and now its incoming chair, I’ve been privileged to witness how BAHEP President Bob Mitchell and his team often work with their allies to tackle tough regional challenges.

The coming year places BAHEP in the second year of its 2022 2024 Strategic Plan. Every step that the organization takes can be traced back to this plan. It directs BAHEP to “implement the healthcare workforce pathway strategy” and to “expand business -education collaboration across industries and school districts, colleges, and universities.” The Strategic Plan emphasizes the importance of education / workforce pipelines to meet the growing personnel needs of the maritime; aerospace, space, and aviation; tourism, recreation, and hospitality; healthcare; and specialty and petrochemicals industries. This is a priority for BAHEP and its partners and has been for years. There are now training centers throughout the region due to their efforts, but more needs to be done.

The Strategic Plan also charges the organization to “Lead and/or coordinate partnerships that enhance regional economic development.” This one sentence is the basis of BAHEP’s multifaceted work. BAHEP’s voice has been prominent and effective in championing infrastructure investment and a coastal barrier system; supporting Houston’s airports and development of the Houston

Spaceport; formation of the BAHEP Council of Mayors and joining them and others in Austin and Washington to advocate on behalf of the region’s municipalities and industries.

Bob’s steadfast leadership over the past 15 years deserves much credit for BAHEP’s success. However, the coming year brings with it a new president Brian Freedman. Brian’s impressive career at NASA Johnson Space Center and The Boeing Company has prepared him well for this role. He has traveled in many of the same circles as we have and formed close relationships with our close relationships.

BAHEP’s Strategic Plan has laid out the path for Brian and the board to follow. That’s the incredible value of a plan like this when going through a period of transition. It serves as a cornerstone upon which to broaden current initiatives and advance new ones. I’m looking forward to working with Brian and the board to expand the region’s economy and to add to our already exceptional quality of life. To Bob I won’t say good-bye; he’s not going anywhere. I will say, “Thank you for a job very well done. Your leadership has made a huge difference to BAHEP and to all of us in Bay Area Houston.”

Best regards and we are going to the moon,

Tim C. Kropp Executive Vice President MRI Technologies

Letter from the President

As a teenager working on the Port Houston docks, I never thought that I would become president of the Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership or anything close to it. I believe that BAHEP is the most highly regarded organization of its kind in the region, and I’ve been so honored and proud to lead BAHEP over the past 15 years. I’ve been the “face” of BAHEP, but my staff, our members, and champions in government have been its “heart.” Not one of our successes would have been possible without them.

I have been extremely fortunate to have a staff of dedicated professionals. They go above and beyond to meet the needs of our members not because they have to but because they want to. Everyone on staff is dependable beyond expectation and hardworking.

BAHEP’s members are equally amazing. The organization’s committees, made up of leading professionals who readily volunteer their expertise, have made huge contributions to our initiatives in aerospace, Ellington Field, education, the coastal barrier system, healthcare, legislative matters, business practices, mentoring veterans, and so much more.

Close relationships with elected officials at all levels of government have been instrumental in the development of the Houston Spaceport; the Coast Guard Command Center at Ellington Field as well as the new control tower there; the congressional approval of the coastal barrier system; and other important initiatives.

I apologize if I’ve left anyone out. In a limited amount of space, I simply want to express how much my staff and our members have meant to me since I originally joined BAHEP in 2001. No

one knows better than I do that the notable achievements of BAHEP would not have been possible without their incredible support – mentally, physically, and financially.

I’m retiring as BAHEP’s president on Dec. 31, 2022, with a grateful heart for all the experiences I’ve had and wonderful friendships I’ve made. Words will never be enough to say how much of a difference my staff, our members, and extremely supportive elected officials have made to BAHEP’s growth and influence and to me personally. Thank you for an amazing 15 years!

The 2022 Annual Report focuses on just one of those years, and it’s been a great one. BAHEP’s Council of Mayors and our committees have been preparing our legislative agenda for the 88th Legislative Session beginning in January 2023. The Coastal Barrier Project received congressional approval, and the Gulf Coast Protection District, whose board is chaired by BAHEP member and Morgan’s Point Mayor Michel Bechtel, has been looking at funding mechanisms among other items. BAHEP had a leading role in the ASENDxTexas, Inaugural Southeast Texas Transportation Summit, and Human Trafficking Prevention and Awareness events which were very successful.

I’m leaving the entire BAHEP family in great hands with President-elect Brian Freedman. I have known and respected Brian for many years. He will not be filling my shoes but will be taking BAHEP to the next level of excellence in his very own capable shoes.

With highest regards,

Bob Mitchell President

Letter from the President-elect

I am so excited, once again, to join the Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership and to work with this world-class team. I mention “once again,” because I began my career at BAHEP in 2002 as an intern and in 2004 became a full-time employee.

Following the years at BAHEP, I served as the lead for Legislative Affairs at NASA’s Johnson Space Center and later joined The Boeing Company where I served as senior manager of State and Local Government Operations before returning to BAHEP as its president-elect in August 2022.

My responsibilities within both NASA JSC and Boeing relate closely to the efforts that have made the Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership a highly respected and effective partner for the businesses, institutions, and industries in this region of Texas. There is an abundance of opportunity in our future. It will require a thorough understanding of what is required to take advantage of those opportunities, and there lies the value of partnerships of working together for the benefit of all.

BAHEP has the remarkable ability to bring together industry, academia, government and nonprofit sectors to address large regional challenges. The region’s major industry clusters (aerospace and aviation, healthcare, maritime and logistics, specialty chemical, and tourism and recreation), along with its service sectors, all have unique needs for future success.

There is an extraordinary resource pool from which BAHEP can draw to address the challenges that this presents its members. They bring to the table their far-reaching expertise and enthusi-

asm for participating in efforts that will make a positive impact in Bay Area Houston. BAHEP is fortunate to have ready access to this invaluable resource.

Another resource of great importance is BAHEP’s Strategic Plan which provides the guidance to keep the organization on track. Our current plan, that can be found at bayareahouston.com, is divided into sections: 1.0 Shaping a Future-Ready Regional Economy, 2.0 Adapting to a Dynamic Business Environment, 3.0 Advocating for Sustainable Prosperity and an Exceptional Quality of Life. The details in the plan cover a lot of territory which is necessary when considering the complexity of planning a regional approach for economic development.

I appreciate BAHEP’s Board of Directors for their leadership and vision for the organization. That vision and guidance have led to many opportunities in the past as they will continue to do so in the future.

Finally, I am also so appreciative for all Bob’s phenomenal work in making this organization what it is today. He is a mentor and a friend as well as an exceptional leader for us all.

I invite every one of our members to work with BAHEP’s outstanding staff and to lean on the organization where we can be helpful. Come by our offices and meet, chat, contribute, volunteer, serve on a committee, and be a part of the process of building our future.

Sincerely,

Brian Freedman President-elect

LegacyofLeadership

Leadership. What defines it? The question brings to mind the parable of the blind men and an elephant where a group of blind men who had never encountered an elephant before feels a different part of the elephant's body. Each describes the elephant based on his limited experience. Naturally, their descriptions differ from each other. The moral of the parable is that humans have a tendency to claim absolute truth based on their limited, subjective experience while they ignore other people's limited, subjective experiences which may be equally true.

Returning to the question of leadership, its definition would vary widely across the world depending upon one’s political or moral viewpoint among other perspectives. Over the years, Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership’s (BAHEP) strategic plans have established a decisive path forward for its leaders and the organization thus eliminating the option of guesswork.

BAHEP’s economic development model’s centerpiece is trust and is founded on three questions that reflect BAHEP’s values and mission and three questions that assure successful implementation. The three vision and mission questions are: In every sense, is this right for our region? Is this built upon the trust shared with all of our partners? Will this improve our region’s economic strengths and quality of life? The three implementation questions are: Is our process appropriate – flexible, responsible, and viable enough to meet the current and projected conditions? Is our partnership model appropriate and broad enough for the given situation? Are the data and supporting evidence as strong as possible to make our case?

The four key factors for BAHEP’s long-term success have been a) championing education and workforce development; b) building trusted alliances across all levels of government and governmental agencies; c) advocating for those programs and policies that affect the overall ease of business environment; and d) fostering a balanced environment – business-friendly with an exceptional quality of life.

BAHEP has traditionally crafted strategic plans in five-year increments. Since 2022 is a transition year for the organization with BAHEP President Bob Mitchell’s retirement on Dec. 31, 2022, the BAHEP Board of Directors determined in 2021 that a three-year strategic plan would be more conducive for the transition process of the yet-to-be-determined president-elect. Year one of the 2022 – 2024 Strategic Plan has been executed. The initiatives featured in BAHEP’s 2022 Annual Report show the notable breadth of BAHEP’s activities all of which track to the directives contained in the current Strategic Plan.

Coastal Barrier System Moving Forward

Coastal Barrier Project Receives Congressional Approval

The Gulf Coast Protection District (GCPD) was created by the 87th regular Texas Legislature to operate and leverage funding to build the unique flood control and surge protection needs for coastal communities. When completed, this coastal Texas protection system will be the largest civil works project in U.S. history. Like the Galveston seawall before it, this system will protect the state and national economy and millions of Texans for generations to come.

Bob Mitchell, BAHEP president and vice president of the Board of Directors of the GCPD, hosted GCPD meetings in the BAHEP board room throughout 2022. The meetings were open to the public and included GCPD Executive Director Nicole Sunstrum. Major topics of discussion were a project partnership agreement with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and interlocal government agreements with the counties within the district. Other topics consisted of updates by the USACE and the Texas General Land Office and discussions by the Board on actions regarding operating procedures.

Members of the GCPD, including Mitchell and Mayor Michel Bechtel, City of Morgan’s Point, and president, GCPD Board of Directors, joined the Greater Houston Partnership and other regional allies in Washington, D.C., to advocate for coastal protection along the Texas Gulf Coast. The group met with numerous elected officials including U.S. Reps. John Carter, Brian Babin, DDS, Sheila Jackson Lee, Kay Granger, Tony Gonzales, and Randy Weber. The group also met with industry partners American Chemistry Council, The American Petroleum Institute, and the National Association of Manufacturers.

The Texas Coastal Study U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Chief’s Report was approved in 2021, and the Coastal Barrier Project is on the USACE project list. The project was formally authorized by Congress with the passage of the National Defense Authorization Act in December. The focus now turns to appropriations.

Legislators Explore Galveston Coastal Barrier Construction Sites

U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, U.S. Rep. Randy Weber, and Texas Sen.-elect Mayes Middleton visited Galveston, Texas, to explore two possible construction sites for the Coastal Barrier System. Joining the legislators were Bob Mitchell, president, Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership, and Morgan’s Point Mayor Michel Bechtel among others.

GCPD was given authority by the Texas legislature to become the non-federal sponsor of two coastal storm surge suppression projects located in its five-county territory: the Sabine Pass to Galveston Bay Coastal Storm Risk Management Program (S2G Program) and the Coastal Texas Study, often referred to as the Coastal Spine. The GCPD contains approximately 5,220 square miles of land covering Chambers, Galveston, Harris, Jefferson, and Orange counties.

Upon completion of the construction, the GCPD will operate and maintain these improvements in conjunction with local jurisdictions. The entire project is estimated to cost $31 billion of which local sponsors are required to pay about $10 billion.

U.S. Sens. John Cornyn and Cruz were among senators who voted to include the barrier system in the Water Resource Development Act, a massive federal funding bill. In that bill is the Army Corps of Engineers’ plan for a massive sea gate at Bolivar Roads and 70 miles of barriers along the upper Texas Coast to reduce

storm surges from the Gulf of Mexico. “We’re on the finish line of getting the authorization through,” Sen. Cruz said. “It has passed both the Senate and the House and hopefully in a month or two, it will be on the president’s desk.”

Once funded, the project will require another two to five years of design. The construction phase is estimated to take 20 years with the lifespan of the project estimated at 80-100 years.

Regional Issues Determine Legislative Priorities

Collaborative Effort Results in Regional Agenda

Throughout 2022, a tremendous collaborative effort took place between BAHEP’s members, elected officials, and policy experts to prepare for what could be a very significant 88th Texas Legislative Session in terms of opportunities for Bay Area Houston. The legislative priorities they developed address the issues of healthcare, education and workforce development, the Spaceport Trust Fund, the Gulf Coast Protection District, economic development incentives, the Space Alliance Technology Outreach Program and the Texas Aerospace Scholars program, and transportation. BAHEP’s Council of Mayors created a municipal legislative agenda, as well, that covers multiple regional issues.

This collective effort exemplifies BAHEP’s long history of successful economic development leadership. With its ability to gather policy makers and executives together to formulate strategy on behalf of regional interests, BAHEP continues to be a strong and effective advocate for Bay Area Houston.

Upward Momentum Continues for Aerospace / Aviation Industry

BAHEP’s Aerospace Advisory Committee (AAC) works on behalf of the aerospace industry in support of human space exploration and the commercialization of space. The AAC was established 26 years ago to support the continuation of the International Space Station. The committee focuses on current trends within the space sector and works closely with local, state, and federal elected officials on behalf of a strong industry. The AAC also supports other aerospace initiatives including Team NASA, Space Center Volunteers, and Citizens for Space Exploration.

BAHEP has been a dedicated advocate for NASA and the aerospace and aviation industries since its inception. Much has

changed since the Federal Aviation Administration granted the City of Houston and the Houston Airport System (HAS) a license to establish the nation’s 10th commercial spaceport at Ellington Airport. BAHEP actively partnered with HAS in obtaining the licensure and continues to assist with the Houston Spaceport’s development as well as working other initiatives that strengthen and grow these vital industries.

Development of Advanced Training Institute at Houston Spaceport Discussed

Discussions have been underway since last year regarding an advanced training institute at the Houston Spaceport. BAHEP Executive Director for Economic Development Dan Seal and Aerospace Marketing Manager Kim Morris met with Houston Airport Director Mario Diaz, Ellington Airport GM Arturo Machuca, San Jacinto College Vice Chancellor Dr. Sarah Janes, representatives from the University of Houston-Clear Lake, The Rice Space Institute, Texas Southern University, Texas A&M University, and aerospace industry representatives on the development of the Houston Spaceport Center for Research Education and Workforce development (HS-CREW) at the Houston Spaceport. The institute would provide specialized technician training and degree programs targeted at the aerospace and aviation industry as well as other industries in Bay Area Houston.

Additionally, Seal and Morris, along with other industry board

members, participated in a San Jacinto College Aerospace & Aviation Advisory Committee meeting to hear an update on HSCREW and EDGE Center and industry partner developments. The San Jacinto College EDGE Center offers aerospace training and a pathway to exciting careers in the aerospace industry. San Jacinto College is the official education training partner for the Houston Spaceport at Ellington Airport.

Seal and Morris participated in a follow-up meeting to hear updates from industry partners and to discuss drafts of a one-year and three-year strategic plan. Seal and Morris have reviewed the draft plans and provided feedback to the committee.

Commercial Space and Aviation Task Force Pursues Opportunities

The Commercial Space and Aviation Task Force (CSAT) was initiated by BAHEP’s Aerospace Advisory Committee (AAC) and was charged to aggressively pursue economic development opportunities for the BAHEP service region in the commercial aerospace and aviation industry. The AAC engaged with Griffin Communications Group (GCG) to execute a Discovery & Assessment phase of a larger study proposal to establish the facts and perceptions of the market and verify the business case, building upon earlier work by Dr. Glenn Freedman, president, Edu-Safe.

GCG completed the Discovery & Assessment phase resulting in a

Brand Blueprint for CSAT and has presented it to BAHEP’s AAC. Feedback was received from the AAC and is being incorporated into the Brand Blueprint document which was delivered to BAHEP. The drive behind this initiative is to seize the opportunity to extend Houston’s Space City legacy into the future through the location and growth of commercial space and aerospace businesses.

BayTech Implements Aerospace/Space/ Aviation Technician Readiness Grant

Bay Area Houston Advanced Technology Consortium (BayTech) was formed by BAHEP and has built a network of partners across multiple industries and academia creating a resource pool which will be drawn on as collaborations are identified and research funding is pursued. BayTech’s goals are to 1) acquire public and private research and technology development funding for the Bay Area Houston region and 2) pursue partnerships to support technology development.

BayTech is currently executing a Wagner-Peyser grant, awarded through the Texas Workforce Investment Council (TWIC) of the Governor’s Office in the amount of $324,029, with the goal of training 50 unemployed high school graduates and others as either certified aerospace composite technicians or certified aerospace electrical technicians. This 8-10 week training is being delivered by the San Jacinto College EDGE Center, which is located at the Houston Spaceport, in a hybrid format consisting of

online training and in-person hands-on lab experience.

Students who successfully complete the course will then sit for a nationally-recognized certification exam administered by the certifying agency CertTEC. When students are awarded their certification, BayTech works with local industry partners to identify potential internship and employment opportunities for these students. BayTech will facilitate the students’ placement into industry jobs thereby helping to create a pipeline of needed technician talent.

Currently, 50 students have been enrolled in the program, 30 students have completed the coursework, 22 have been awarded industry certification, 7 are in the process of earning their certification, and 12 students have achieved full-time employment.

The TWIC awarded another Wagner-Peyer grant to BayTech in the amount of $332,324 as a follow-on to its previous grant. This new grant began on September 1, 2022, and has expanded to train an additional 50 students as either certified aerospace composite technicians, certified aerospace electrical technicians, and now also includes a tract for certified aerospace structures technicians. BayTech has been awarded several grants for workforce development by the TWIC, which is a testament to its successes on the previous grants.

Citizens for Space Exploration Meet Virtually to Advocate for NASA Budget and Missions

Based on COVID protocols in Washington, and new security protocols and restrictions at the U.S. Capitol and congressional office buildings, Citizens for Space Exploration (CSE) decided to conduct a virtual trip again. CSE conducted successful virtual briefings to congressional members to advocate for NASA and its human space exploration missions. Twenty-one CSE teams made up of 72 virtual travelers, including 22 college students from 18 states, held 276 scheduled meetings with congressional offices representing 47 states. The congressional offices were overwhelmingly supportive of the space program and NASA. The message of the student travelers was “Space Exploration inspires young people to go into STEM education and technical careers.”

The Houston Spaceport was featured in many of the discussions, particularly in meetings with Texas congressional offices. A final report, with findings from the meetings, was developed and presented to the BAHEP Aerospace Advisory Committee and to NASA Johnson Space Center management.

The message that the virtual CSE travelers delivered to Congress included:

LAUNCH the Artemis I mission hardware including the spacecraft (Orion), heavy-lift rocket (Space Launch System-SLS), and supporting exploration ground systems to send humans on deep

space missions beyond Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) to the Moon and on to Mars. Continue production of the Artemis II-VI systems and beyond to prepare for annual missions to the Moon throughout the decade.

FINISH the development and begin use of the Exploration Upper Stage on SLS, launch support equipment for SLS Block 1B, Gateway Components, and the Human Landing Systems. These systems will enable the Artemis III mission to return Americans to the lunar surface safely and a sustainable Moon and Mars program into the future.

UTILIZE the International Space Station (ISS) as a world-class laboratory. Codify NASA’s extension of the ISS mission to 2030 to conduct research and science that is critical to deep space exploration and sustaining human presence in space. The ISS is critical to the development of commercial activities in LEO.

SUPPORT NASA’s commercial crew and cargo transportation to the ISS to ensure U.S. human launch capabilities and a full crew on-board the ISS.

PROVIDE robust funding to allow NASA to achieve these objectives and continue its role as an economic driver for the U.S.

All of this costs less than ½ a penny of every dollar spent on the federal budget.

Congressman Brian Babin Speaks to Aerospace Advisory Committee

Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership’s Aerospace Advisory Committee invited U.S. Rep. Brian Babin, DDS, to speak to its members. The congressman serves on the House Committee on Science, Space and Technology and is the ranking member of the Subcommittee on Space. He remarked about NASA, the Artemis Program, ISS, and the need to keep Houston the center of human space exploration. Rep. Babin then addressed the chances of another NASA authorization bill and the president’s budget request for NASA for $26 billion among other topics. His comments were followed by a question and answer session.

U.S. Sen. Cruz Visits BAHEP Aerospace Advisory Committee Execs

U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz’s office reached out to BAHEP to request that the organization host a meeting with the senator, members of his staff, and the region’s aerospace leaders. Sen. Cruz sought to understand the current pulse, priorities, needs, concerns, and legislative priorities of Bay Area Houston’s aerospace community. Sen. Cruz currently sits on the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science & Transportation and its Subcommittee on Space and Science. The senator has a long-standing relationship with former U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson who is now the NASA administrator. A

tweet from Sen. Cruz’s office said, “Productive lunch today with the @BAHEP. Great discussion on our ongoing efforts to provide companies in Houston with the resources to lead the way in the aerospace industry.”

BAHEP Participates in Aerospace Industry Briefing to Congressional Staff Members

BAHEP Executive Director for Economic Development Dan Seal participated in an industry briefing to congressional staff members to inform them of the importance of the local aerospace industry. During the briefing, aerospace company leaders discussed their companies’ activities, and Seal outlined the aerospace activities at the Houston Spaceport.

BAHEP Successfully Partners with Stakeholders for Inaugural ASCENDxTexas Event

The Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership, along with other stakeholders, has been working towards the development of Space Club Texas, a chapter of the National Space Club. The National Space Club is a non-profit association devoted to excellence in space activity and creating partnerships between industry and government in the aerospace community.

A significant initiative of the Space Club Texas is to host an annu-

al event bringing together NASA and industry leaders. BAHEP Executive Director for Economic Development Dan Seal and Aerospace Marketing Manager Kim Morris worked with a Space Club Texas steering committee that collaborated with the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) ASCENDx organization to hold a two-day event, ASENDxTexas, which took place at the University of Houston-Clear Lake. ASCEND stands for Accelerating Space Commerce, Exploration, and New Discovery.

The ASCENDxTexas was an open event that brought together the Texas space community and others from around NASA, industry, academia, and federal agencies to gain new insights on the lunar exploration market, discover opportunities, explore commercialization efforts, identify and understand technology gaps, and learn how NASA is evolving its approach to industry in order to enable faster outcomes.

Houston Mayor Pro Tem Dave Martin and Director Vanessa Wyche, NASA Johnson Space Center, kicked off the event with a fireside chat discussing how the City of Houston and the NASA Johnson Space Center are working together to invest in the Houston space ecosystem through the Houston Spaceport and the startup/innovation community around NASA JSC.

Keynote speakers included Bhavya Lal, NASA associate administrator, Office of Technology, Policy, and Strategy, and Kathy Lueders, NASA associate administrator, Space Operations. Carissa Christensen, CEO of BryceTech, provided a talk on Forecasts, Trends, & Analysis of Lunar Capabilities & Markets.

Many other distinguished individuals from NASA, the commercial aerospace industry, and academia took part in panel discussions on topics including NASA stakeholder outreach initiative; commercial LEO space markets; Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) enabling other lunar capabilities and markets; the workforce of the future; attracting private investment to meet business and NASA objectives and innovative businesses growing with private investment; utilizing ISS to grow commercial markets in the space ecosystem; lunar surface operations; and accelerating for tomorrow.

The event concluded with a talk by Julie Van Kleeck, Space Domain lead and ASCEND executive producer, AIAA, and Charlie Stegemoeller, SAIC senior director for Business Development and 2021 chair of the BAHEP Board of Directors.

At the conclusion of ASCENDxTexas, BAHEP hosted a closing reception sponsored by BAHEP members Aegis Aerospace,

Draper Labs, Griffin Communications Group, City of League City, Lockheed Martin, and Logical Innovations.

SATOP and Texas A&M University Partner to Help Startups

The Space Alliance Technology Outreach Program (SATOP) is a State of Texas funded program that helps small businesses, especially minority- and women-owned businesses, faced with technical challenges by providing up to 40 hours of FREE technical assistance.

This is accomplished by utilizing the vast engineering expertise of NASA and participating Alliance Partners (NASA contractors, subcontractors, or colleges). SATOP is designed to speed the transfer of the U.S. Space Program’s knowledge and technology to the private sector, to provide economic benefits to the community, and to raise public awareness of the Space Program.

SATOP can now offer small businesses and startups additional technical assistance through the Texas A&M University Engineering Capstone Design Program. This program is administered through the Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station in collaboration with SATOP. Startups seeking significant technical assistance may qualify for the program.

Senior engineering students led by a professor of practice work on a SATOP project for two semesters as a hands-on learning experience. The values to small businesses in this program are innovative designs, new manufacturing alternatives, and prototype development. SATOP has five small business projects entered into the Capstone Design Program that began with the spring 2022 semester. Seven more small business projects are entered in the fall program which started in August 2022.

SATOP Project Featured during Texas A&M Capstone Design Showcase

SATOP Program Director Bob Payne attended the Texas A&M University Engineering Capstone Design Showcase in College Station, Texas. One of SATOP’s projects, Markus AI Software, was on display during the showcase. Markus AI is a wearable monitoring device for people with autism. The student team is working to optimize the audio function that will detect stress and alert the guardian or parent. The objective is to have intervention and mitigate a meltdown. Other stress detection functions in Markus AI are pulse rate, blood pressure, temperature, and geolocation.

The student team completed its preliminary analyses and design during the spring 2022 semester and presented the results during the showcase. The team continued work on this project during the fall semester.

Collaborative Initiatives Provide Collective Results

Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership has the noteworthy ability to get “the right people to the table” to discuss issues of importance to the region and to work on solutions to those issues. This year’s Transportation Summit and Human Trafficking Prevention and Awareness events, as well as the BAHEP Healthcare Workforce Assessment, demonstrate how collaborative initiatives provide collective results.

Transportation Summit Stresses Importance of Infrastructure Investment

On an annual basis, the Bay Area Houston region is home to 27 percent of Texas’ GDP. Houston, the country’s fourth largest city, has the ninth largest economy in the world. Texas leads the nation in exports with Port Houston claiming first place in exports.

The growth in the region is not showing any signs of slowing down as indicated by the nearly 20 percent year-over-year growth in containers shipped through Port Houston. Meeting infrastructure requirements to support this growth is critical to minimize supply chain disruptions.

To bring awareness to this urgent need, the leadership within the Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership (BAHEP), the Bay Area Houston Transportation Partnership (BayTran), and the Economic Alliance Houston Port Region hosted the Inaugural Southeast Texas Transportation Summit at the Pasadena Convention Center, Pasadena, Texas.

BAHEP President Bob Mitchell said, “Infrastructure investment must include a critical transportation network as well as a coastal protection system to ensure that the assets we have are safeguarded from storm surge.”

Chad Burke, president, Economic Alliance Houston Port Region, stated, “With more than 20 cities, the world’s largest petrochemical complex, and the nation’s busiest port, the stakeholder con(continued on p. 20)

Mitchell’s Ability to Create Partnerships, Prioritize Relationships Leaves Enduring Legacy

for BAHEP and Bay Area Houston

Bob Mitchell, president of the Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership, grew up playing baseball, and he was good at the game. Mitchell learned quickly the meaning of “there is no i in the word team,” and that mindset has remained with him.

He joined BAHEP in 2001 to oversee the statewide implementation of the Space Alliance Technology Outreach Program (SATOP). Mitchell’s successful groundwork and leadership were instrumental in laying the foundation for SATOP. Since the program’s inception, over 1,000 small businesses, especially minority- and women-owned businesses faced with technical challenges, have been provided free assistance.

In 2007, Mitchell was assigned responsibility for BAHEP’s day-today operations, and, in the fall of that year, was named president -elect of the organization. He assumed the presidency on Jan. 1, 2008.

A native Houstonian, Mitchell’s ties to the community run deep and wide within business, industry, academia, and government at the local, state, and national levels. These valuable relationships became significant partnerships as Mitchell directed BAHEP’s work to support and advance regional economic development.

Throughout his tenure as BAHEP’s leader, he has always readily recognized the work of others who, as part of a cohesive team, have contributed their expertise to accomplish important goals for the region.

BAHEP’s members have heard him say many times, “I couldn’t do what I do without you,” and he sincerely means it.

Some of the significant accomplishments during his presidency, completed in association with local, state, and national partnerships, include: facilitating a mayors’ press conference just four days after Hurricane Ike to inform people of the damage to their communities, where residents could find assistance, proper disposal of debris, and restoration of public services; the licensing and development of the Houston Spaceport; establishment of a maritime curriculum in regional educational institutions; creation of the EDGE Center at the Houston Spaceport, an advanced aerospace manufacturing training center; development of Space Center Houston’s Independence Plaza; advocating since 2009 for a coastal barrier system; establishment of the Gulf Coast Protection District; founding of BAHEP’s Council of Mayors; replacing the Biggert-Waters Act with the Homeowner Flood Insurance Affordability Act; funding for the Coast Guard Command Center at Ellington Field; approval and funding for a new control tower at Ellington Airport; and leadership of the Citizens for Space Exploration annual trips to Capitol Hill where up to 400 congressional offices are visited on behalf of a fully-funded NASA budget and human space exploration.

Mitchell is retiring on Dec. 31, 2022, as BAHEP’s president following 15 years of dedication to the economic growth and wellbeing of Bay Area Houston. He’ll have more time to watch his grandson play baseball. He’ll also have the opportunity to work on projects close to his heart. Bob Mitchell may be retiring, but chances are he’ll find plenty of teams who will welcome his special brand of leadership.

On BAHEP’s Leadership

BAHEP’s decades of successful economic development in the region has been achieved through hard work, a commitment to those they serve, and their leadership for Texas businesses. Keep up the good work.

The Honorable John Cornyn U.S. Senate

Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership is a pivotal organization in our community. Every company, business professional, local government official, educator, and small business benefits from the leadership at BAHEP. They have championed many initiatives in the last year, and I can't wait to see what they will do for years to come. I have been privileged to work with BAHEP and its leadership team on multiple occasions over many years. Their dedication to our communities' economic development is important and necessary to the growth of our entire region.

port of retiring CEO Bob Mitchell and look forward to continued cooperation, growth, and excellence with incoming President-elect Brian Freedman.

The Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership is the personification of leadership. Without BAHEP’s presence in our community, we would not have institutions like the Houston Spaceport or the Gulf Coast Protection District. Over the years, BAHEP has played a vital role in strengthening and growing our region.

The Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership has assisted Houston in achieving its status as a world-class city with a thriving international community. Houston Airports takes great pride in our longstanding partnership with BAHEP, and we applaud your dedication to the economic betterment of the people and businesses of this region. We are grateful for the support of retiring President Bob Mitchell and look forward to continued cooperation, growth, and excellence with incoming Presidentelect Brian Freedman.

The Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership has played leading roles in issues like construction of a coastal barrier system to major infrastructure upgrades in transportation and flooding. The Coast Guard Command Center at Ellington Field, the Houston Spaceport, commercial space, the maritime industry, and our educational institutions have all benefited from BAHEP’s relationships and partnerships. Thank you, BAHEP, for your service to our region.

What sets the Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership (BAHEP) apart is its regional leadership. As mayors, we have come to count on BAHEP as our partner to lead when issues affect all of us, when issues require frank and confidential discussions before regional actions, and when issues require a coordinated, effective response. Three words are at the heart of BAHEP’s leadership: Trust, Collaboration, and Determination. Our cities benefit from BAHEP, and, when our cities benefit, every citizen benefits.

Council of Mayors Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership

The City of Houston takes great pride in its longstanding partnership with BAHEP, and we applaud its dedication to the economic betterment of the people and businesses of this region. We are grateful for the sup-

Mario C. Diaz Director, Houston Airport System

I have been a BAHEP Board member for the past 14 years, and throughout that time, BAHEP has been leading our region on important economic development and quality of life issues such as coastal storm protection, flood insurance, NASA reauthorization, and development of the Houston Spaceport. BAHEP is recognized as a leader at the national, state, and regional levels, and I am proud to be affiliated with BAHEP. There are more years of success ahead as BAHEP builds on its legacy of leadership and continues to focus on enhancing the Bay Area Houston region.

Brenda Hellyer, Ed.D. Chancellor, San Jacinto College District

College of the Mainland is proud to be a member of the Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership for many years. We value our membership with BAHEP and the networking relationships that were developed through this partnership. BAHEP continues to provide leadership and advocacy for not only our region, but our educational institutions as well.

Warren Nichols, Ed.D. President, College of the Mainland

The Honorable Randy Weber U.S. Rep (TX-14)

The Honorable Dennis Paul Texas Rep. (HD-129)

The Honorable Sylvester Turner Mayor, City of Houston

The Honorable Dave Martin Mayor Pro Tem, City of Houston

(continued from page 16)

sensus for infrastructure development in this greater region is like nowhere else in Texas. It should serve as a blueprint for regional and economic development and infrastructure support.”

BayTran Executive Director Amy Skicki added, “The Houston region is a powerhouse for this nation. It is imperative that our freight corridors and evacuation routes be improved and expanded with projects such as adding capacity to SH 225 and the completion of Grand Parkway Segments A, B and C.”

Panelists for the sessions included BAHEP President Bob Mitchell, Texas Department of Transportation Director of Transportation Planning James Koch, Morgan’s Point Mayor Michel Bechtel, Houston-Galveston Area Council Executive Director Chuck Wemple, and U.S. Reps. Brian Babin, DDS, and Randy Weber.

BAHEP Helps Lead Initiative to Highlight Impact of Human Trafficking

BAHEP, in collaboration with the Houston Airport System, hosted a meeting of stakeholders to discuss human trafficking, how to help publicize the severity of this problem, especially in the Houston – Galveston region, and how the community can work together to prevent this heinous crime. BAHEP President Bob

Mitchell said, “Federal statistics reflect that 70 percent of victims are trafficked through airports. There is a huge number of people who pass through our region’s airports annually. We must and can do something to end this.”

Subsequent to this meeting, BAHEP and the Houston Airport System organized a committee to address the issue and plan a public event to bring focus to the extent of the problem in the region. The committee organized an event, Human Trafficking Prevention and Awareness, held at the Lonestar Flight Museum.

Houston Airports and its partners are committed to end human trafficking. The advice shared during the event empowered approximately 450 members of the community to identify human trafficking and take action should they suspect a person's life might be in danger. Chief Eternal Affairs Officer Saba Abashawl, Houston Airports, and emcee of the press conference, said, “Every single day women, men, children – both boys and girls –are targeted and groomed by traffickers who want to profit off the forced work done by victims, victims who are often trafficked, unfortunately, through airports. In line with the City of Houston’s Zero Tolerance Policy, Houston Airports is committed to fighting human trafficking.”

Abashawl introduced Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner who spoke on how Houston has served as a model for other U.S. cities and cities/countries around the world. He reported, “There are over 55 million people who pass through our airport system annually. That makes our airports a critical partner in raising awareness through the many communication touchpoints available.”

The Houston Mayor’s Office was the first city in the country to establish a full-time position within the Mayor’s cabinet to address human trafficking. The office has developed a comprehensive model for Houston that includes leveraging city departments, like Houston Airports. In October 2019, Houston Airports became the first airport system in the country to formally partner with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and its Blue Campaign.

Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez spoke about Harris County’s efforts and successes. Among other survivors, Rhonda Kuykendall, Human Trafficking Survivor Leader Council, shared her story and talked about how victims are targeted and groomed by criminals operating in communities across the Houston area.

Karinda Washington, Department of Homeland Security executive director, Social Impact & Campaigns, spoke about DHS’s

Blue Campaign. Blue Campaign is a national public awareness campaign designed to educate the public, law enforcement, and other industry partners to recognize the indicators of human trafficking and how to appropriately respond to possible cases. Blue Campaign works closely with DHS Components to develop general awareness trainings, as well as specific educational resources to help reduce victimization within vulnerable populations. Through the initiative, Houston Airports has trained more than 20,000 badged airport employees on how to identify and safely report human trafficking. The training continues.

BAHEP Completes Healthcare Workforce Assessment

BAHEP is committed to supporting the regional economy – now and into the future. Key to a strong, sustainable economy is an educated workforce. To that end, BAHEP’s Education and Workforce Development Committee (EWDC) convenes monthly with business leaders and senior educational leaders to encourage collaboration and to support initiatives that will result in providing a qualified workforce for the region’s industries and businesses as well as with elected officials and other engaged citizens who will assure our high quality of life.

The EWDC, in response to concerns about availability, recruitment, and retention of a qualified workforce for the regional healthcare industry, began to focus on the workforce issues that

affect the industry, one of the region’s primary employers and one of the cornerstones of the quality of life. To begin the initiative, EWDC Chairman Harv Hartman convened 46 representatives of the area’s medical facilities, educational institutions, and political leaders to assess the level of interest in a healthcare initiative, the nature of the issues, and a plan for moving forward. Hosted at UTMB Health-Clear Lake, the initiative was launched.

Within six weeks of the meeting, the pandemic caused a lock down for almost all of the groups that participated. No action was taken for approximately 18 months. However, interest in the project remained high, and the workforce needs accelerated.

Beginning in September 2021, subcommittees again began to meet, interview, and gather data, resulting in the final report which was completed in early September 2022. The goal of the assessment was to help bring a better alignment of the various healthcare organizations’ workforce needs with the region’s educational institutions. The assessment builds on BAHEP’s previous experience with similar assessments in the maritime and aerospace sectors.

The core question to address was: How can we create a regional approach to healthcare workforce issues that is manageable, viable, and responsive to healthcare institutions’ and education in-

stitutions’ missions, capabilities, capacity, and resources?

EWDC interviewed 19 healthcare executives from Houston Methodist, Houston Physicians Hospital, University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston (UTMB), MD Anderson, and smaller clinics to determine the needs and challenges of the healthcare industry workforce. The EWDC worked with local education institutions from K-12, community colleges, and universities to examine and revise current healthcare-related programs and curricula that will assist in guiding students to the many medical field opportunities in the Bay Area Houston region.

The education institutions that participated in the assessment included Clear Creek ISD, Dickinson ISD, Friendswood ISD, Hitchcock ISD, La Porte ISD, Pasadena ISD, Santa Fe ISD, Alvin Community College, College of the Mainland - Galveston, and San Jacinto College District, as well as Texas A&M University at Galveston, University of Houston - Clear Lake, and UTMB.

Results included in the 13-page final report showed that 1) There are significant workforce pipeline issues across the board 2) Workforce retention is a huge issue 3) The changing business models present challenges … and opportunities 4) Increased collaboration/more partnerships between educational institutions and healthcare systems are needed 5) Expansion is going on eve-

rywhere 6) More emphasis on “soft skills” is needed in basic education.

One of the most significant lessons learned during the process of the initiative was that both educators and healthcare providers could benefit from a clearer picture of what the current healthcare career pipelines are and how many students/future workers there are in each of them.

The healthcare assessment provides valuable insights to leadership in regional healthcare and educational institutions. It offers a basic understanding of the workforce issues affecting the regional healthcare industry – issues that will evolve as healthcare, itself, changes to meet the needs of the people and the industry.

BAHEP Marketing – So Much More Than Selling

Philip Kotler wrote, “Marketing is a social and managerial process by which individuals and groups obtain what they need and want through creating and exchanging products and value with others.” Kotler is an American marketing author, consultant, economist, and professor emeritus.

In marketing the Bay Area Houston region, BAHEP’s marketing team must be knowledgeable about available land, facilities, infrastructure, incentives, and more that would attract new investment or expansion in the region. It’s an incredibly complicated task that also relies on valuable relationships that BAHEP has fostered over many years.

BAHEP Participates in Galveston County Regional Economic Development Allies Meetings

BAHEP Executive Director for Economic Development Dan Seal and Real Estate / Facilities Marketing Manager Barbara Cutsinger participated in the virtual meeting of the Galveston County Regional Economic Development Allies led by Dane Carlson, director of Galveston County Economic Development (GCED). The attendees reported on developments and related activities in their municipalities.

Seal and Cutsinger participated in another virtual meeting of the Allies where the highlight of the meeting was Mark Winchester, deputy director of the Houston Small Business Administration office, discussing COVID and the impact of the pandemic on small businesses.

In a subsequent virtual meeting attended by BAHEP, GCED Director Dane Carlson led discussions with attendees Courtland

Holman of the City of Dickinson, Galveston County Economic Development Partnership President Jeff Sjostrom, League City Economic Development Director Scott Livingston and Economic Development Coordinator Devin DePascal, and Santa Fe Economic Development Corporation President Fidencio Leija.

Topics of discussion were workforce housing options, the Grand Parkway, and the Space Symposium that Seal attended in Colorado. Following the meeting, Carlson sent the attendees a snapshot of the new average home prices in the region with all segments showing a significant increase in values.

BAHEP Presents ED 101 to City of Santa Fe Citizens

The citizens of Santa Fe heard a presentation by BAHEP Executive Director for Economic Development Dan Seal on Economic Development 101 (ED 101), an introduction to the process. Seal’s topic for the event included “game changers” that are impacting the economy and economic development both positively and negatively – price of oil, supply chain “just in case,” tourism with the return of cruise ships, the Grand Parkway completion, and the rise of commercial space. Seal’s presentation was part of a larger citizens meeting organized by Fidencio Leija, Santa Fe City Council Member Place 4, and president of the Santa Fe Economic Development Corporation.

BAHEP Promotes Bay Area Houston at ICSC Red River Retail Trade Show

BAHEP Real Estate / Facilities Marketing Manager Barbara Cutsinger staffed a booth at the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) at its regional Red River trade show in Dallas, Texas. Joining Cutsinger to promote their municipalities were representatives from the cities of Dickinson (Courtland Holman), Hitchcock (Tyler Robert), League City (Scott Livingston), and Nassau Bay (Kristin Edwards). A Galveston County representative (Garrett Yarbrough) also participated in the trade show.

ICSC is a regional gathering of innovators and dealmakers who promote and elevate the marketplaces and spaces where people shop, dine, work, play, and gather as foundational and vital ingredients of communities and economies. There were 2,500 attendees and 200 exhibitors at this year’s trade show.

Santa Fe Citizens Hear Business Retention and Expansion Presentation by BAHEP

BAHEP Executive Director for Economic Development Dan Seal, at the request of the Santa Fe Economic Development Corpora-

tion (EDC), made a presentation on Business Retention and Expansion (BRE) to the citizens of Santa Fe, Texas. Seal’s presentation covered: What is the purpose of an effective BRE program? Why do BRE? Essential Ingredients of a successful BRE program. Potential Structure of BRE Program. Initial first steps of BRE Outreach.

League City Regional Chamber Hears Game Changers Presentation by BAHEP

BAHEP Executive Director for Economic Development Dan Seal gave his “Game Changers” presentation to the League City Regional Chamber of Commerce members. Seal discussed economic factors that are positively impacting the Bay Area Houston region including: Population Increasing, Inventory Philosophy Shifting, Energy Prices Soaring, Highways Constructed, Aerospace Commercialization, Tourism – a nice rebound!

BAHEP’s Hot Projects presented to Leadership Galveston

BAHEP Real Estate / Facilities Marketing Manager Barbara Cutsinger presented her Hot Projects to Leadership Galveston program participants. Cutsinger discussed the latest news about commercial, residential, and industrial developments in Galveston County and Bay Area Houston. More than 40 people attended including Leadership Galveston members and Galveston Regional Chamber of Commerce staff. Cutsinger’s presentation was part of an annual event hosted by the chamber.

BAHEP Participates in Harris County EDO Collaborations Meeting

At the request of the Harris County Department of Economic Equity and Opportunity (DEEO), BAHEP participated in a collaborations meeting. The purpose of the meeting was to inform attendees of a Precinct 2 consultant’s efforts to attract inbound foreign investment to Harris County and to begin collaborations to maximize the opportunities.

BAHEP Executive Director for Economic Development Dan Seal recommended that the consultant make a presentation to a meeting of the Houston Region Economic Development Alliance (HREDA). Seal said this would engage input from more than 25 HREDA economic development organizations located in Harris County.

The meeting, facilitated by the DEEO, included Precinct 2 Deputy

Chief of Staff Tiko Hausman, BAHEP President Bob Mitchell, BAHEP President-elect Brian Freedman, Seal, and representatives from the Economic Alliance Houston Port Region, the Katy Area Economic Development Council, and the Baytown – West Chambers County Economic Development Foundation.

BAHEP Participates in League City Council Workshop on Future Land Use

At the invitation of the City of League City, BAHEP Executive Director for Economic Development Dan Seal and BAHEP Real Estate / Facilities Marketing Manager Barbara Cutsinger attended a city council workshop. Cutsinger was asked to share and discuss information regarding the City of League City’s future land use. The city council made comments, as well as Mayor Pat Hallisey, and Cutsinger also commented on the possible uses for the vacant land, especially along the expected route of the Grand Parkway.

Presenters during the workshop included David Hoover, Planning Services executive director, and Scott Livingston, Economic Development director. Some of the topics discussed during the workshop by the city council were shopping malls (would they be needed), traffic congestion (the city has too much now), and office buildings (who will use them and do we need to build them).

BAHEP Working 27 Projects in Pipeline

The BAHEP marketing staff is currently working 27 projects for Bay Area Houston. The majority of the projects are in manufacturing or related projects. Collectively, the 27 projects have the potential to bring more than 2,000 jobs to the region.

In Closing

Arguably, nothing is more vital to economic health than leaders with a vision toward the future. Since 1976, the Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership has effectively engaged with its many partners to forge opportunity and generate a great quality of life for the region which has created a lasting ...

Legacy of Leadership

2023 Executive Committee

Todd Caliva, FACHE serves as Chief Executive Officer of HCA Houston Healthcare Clear Lake. He has over 30 years of experience, including a decade at the multi-facility level. He has been with HCA in Houston since 1997. In prior roles, Caliva served as chief executive officer of HCA-affiliated West Houston Medical Center and East Houston Regional Medical Center and chief operating officer of HCA-affiliated The Woman’s Hospital of Texas. His robust community involvement included co-chairing the Southeast Texas Regional Advisory Council (SETRAC) Cardiac Care Committee for nearly 10 years, an organization that is committed to improve the overall care for heart attack patients across the region. He currently serves as the president/chairman of the Educational Foundation of the Southeast Texas Chapter of the American College of Healthcare Executives as well as having served as Regent of the South Texas region from 2018-2020. Caliva also served as chairman of the board of the Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership in 2019 and currently is a member of the BAHEP Executive Committee and board. Caliva earned both his undergraduate degree and a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Houston. He is the proud parent of two daughters, Sophie and Cara, and grandfather to granddaughter Remi.

Mark M. Gittleman, P.E., is the Chief Strategy Officer for Aegis Aerospace, Inc. Aegis Aerospace is a nation-wide, womanowned, commercial space and lunar exploration company and an experienced, respected DoD and NASA contractor. It was formed in 2021 through the merger of MEI Technologies and Alpha Space Test & Research Alliance. Mark was Aegis’s founding President and CEO, stepping into the CSO role in 2023. He was Alpha Space’s President & CEO before leading the merger with MEIT to form Aegis. Before joining Alpha Space in 2018, he was Executive Vice President for Intuitive Machines, and before IM he was a long time executive with Oceaneering International, Inc. He started with Oceaneering as a hard hat construction diver in the Gulf of Mexico then helped found Oceaneering Space Systems in 1988. He led OSS for many years, then led Oceaneering’s world-wide subsea drilling and production controls business. He serves on several advisory boards including the Subsea Valley Technology Cluster in Oslo, Norway, the University of Houston, Clear Lake College of Science and Engineering, BAHEP’s executive board, and Stitchlock, Inc. a medical device company. Mark has a BS in Ocean Engineering, a BA in Political Science, holds a patent for the robotic harvesting of solids from fluids, and is a registered professional engineer in the State of Texas.

Gwen Griffin is a veteran of the strategic communications industry and founder and CEO of Griffin Communications Group. Since 1997, she has led the Griffin team in developing and executing strategic communications campaigns and programs for both consumer and trade audiences. Gwen’s focus is on strategic planning and business development and providing senior counsel to Griffin team members and clients. A powerhouse with an undeniable reputation in the industry, major global brands and industry leaders have trusted their communications to Gwen and her team – including NASA, AIAA, Blue Origin, Boeing, Northrop Grumman, Aerojet Rocketdyne, NASA-Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, Aldrin Family Foundation, Astronaut Scholarship Foundation, the Association of Space Explorers, Million Air, Universal Pictures, Paramount Pictures, LEGO, and Sprint. Earlier in her career, Gwen held positions such as Director of Marketing for NASA-Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex; Public Relations/Promotions Manager for Space Center Houston, NASA’s visitor center at the Johnson Space Center; and Area Marketing Manager for Southwest Airlines. She also worked for several other communications agencies including Edelman Worldwide. Gwen volunteers her time to support workforce development and STEM education. She actively supports Blue Origin’s non-profit foundation, Club for the Future, serves on the Executive Board of Space Center Houston, the Board of Challenger Center for Space Science Education, Chairs of the Dean’s Advisory Board for the College of Sciences at the University of Central Florida, and is Director Emeritus of the Conrad Foundation.

2023 Executive Committee

Brenda Hellyer, Ed.D., is the fifth chancellor of San Jacinto College (SJC), the eighth largest community college in the state of Texas and a national Top-Five College. She began her career at SJC as an inaugural director of the SJC Foundation. In 2000, she was appointed executive vice president for Resource Development and in 2003 vice chancellor for Fiscal Affairs. She served as chief financial officer for five years before serving as executive vice chancellor before assuming her role as chancellor in 2009. Prior to joining SJC, Dr. Hellyer worked in the corporate world in accounting. She holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Fort Hays State University, an MBA and an Ed.D. in Community College Leadership from the University of Texas at Austin.

Jorge Hernandez is founder and president of Bastion Technologies, Inc. Building on a family legacy that started during the Apollo program, Hernandez naturally embraced science and engineering at an early age. After graduating from Texas A&M University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering, he was honored with the distinguished National Science Foundation Scholarship to attend Stanford University. At Stanford, he received his Master of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering. Returning to the aerospace industry, Hernandez recognized the opportunity to provide both government and industry customers quality and cost-effective engineering, design, and analysis products. Bastion ranks today as a leading provider of engineering to NASA, DoD and major oil and gas providers with over 519 employees. Hernandez has been recognized as Houston Technology Center’s Lifetime Achievement Awardee in Aerospace. Today Bastion leads and supports major programs in Engineering, Safety and Mission Assurance and Technology from coast to coast.

Timothy C. Kropp is the executive vice president of MRI Technologies. He guides MRI in strategic development and implementation. MRI provides technical and engineering services in 18 states across the country. Kropp came to Houston in 1984 to support the Space Shuttle program and held program responsibilities in the energy industry during his early career. He has served on the Clear Creek Education Foundation, League City Parks board, and undertaken special assignments for League City and Galveston County. He is currently serving on the Tax Reinvestment 3 board for League City, RNASA Foundation board, and several privately-held companies’ Board of Directors and is a long-time member of Space Center Rotary. He has been involved with BAHEP since 1996. Community service includes several local assisted living establishments, charities, and local schools.

2023 Executive Committee

John Mulholland is vice president and program manager, International Space Station (ISS), The Boeing Company. Prior to his present position, Mulholland was the vice president and program manager of Boeing's Commercial Crew Program, leading the development of the Crew Space Transportation (CST)-100 Starliner system, and the vice president and program manager for the Boeing Space Shuttle Program. From 1996 to 2002, he was the space shuttle deputy orbiter manager of operations at NASA’s Johnson Space Center. Mulholland is a graduate of New Mexico State University with a Bachelor of Science in chemical engineering and a master’s degree in mechanical engineering.

Denise S. Navarro is founder, president, and CEO of Logical Innovations, Inc. The company specializes in financial and acquisition services, event/exhibits management, strategic communications/outreach, training/education, administrative services, and logistical support. Logical Innovations is headquartered in Houston, Texas, with operations across the country. Logical Innovations’ federal clients include federal departments and agencies, including numerous NASA centers. Logical Innovations was named FY2019 Small Business Prime Contractor of the Year for NASA (Agency level), and has been the Center Level Small Business Prime Contractor of the Year for JSC (2021, 2015) and AFRC (2021, 2019, 2017, 2016). The company has also been recognized as One of the Best and Brightest Companies to Work For in Houston and across the Nation. Denise was named Small Business Person of the Year for the State of Texas and Houston in 2022 by the U.S. Small Business Administration, honored as a 2021 Top 30 Influential Woman of Houston, honored as a leadHER in STEM by the SUPERGirls SHINE Foundation in 2021, Distinguished Alumna in 2017 by University of Houston–Clear Lake, Entrepreneurial Lifetime Achievement Award by the Houston Technology Center in 2017, named Small Business Person of the Year in 2016 by the U.S. Small Business Administration-Houston District, and Distinguished Alumna in 2016 by College of the Mainland.

Kelly Page, president of Barrios Technology, began her career with the company in 2006. She supported multiple organizations in the International Space Station (ISS) Program in technical, leadership, and management roles, being recognized with the prestigious Silver Snoopy award. Transitioning to a corporate role, she engaged primarily in Business Development, leading key captures for the company. She established Barrios’ commercial space endeavors through Stellar Access to stimulate demand for the Low Earth Orbit (LEO) economy. She became president in 2021 focusing on innovation, streamlining processes, infusing our values throughout the company, and Barrios’ space commercialization efforts. A native to the Clear Lake area, she continues to reside in the area with her husband and three boys and is actively involved in the community.

2023 Executive Committee

Victor Pierson is chairman, president, and CEO of Moody Bank, vice chairman of Texas Independent Bancshares-Dallas, vice chairman of the Galveston Wharves Board of Trustees, a former mayor of Jamaica Beach, Texas, and a past chairman of the Texas Bankers Association. He serves on the board of directors of Moody Bank, Moody Bank Holding Company, Moody Bancshares, Inc., and Gal-Tex Hotel Corporation. Pierson is a past chairman of the United Way of Galveston, a past chairman of the Galveston Chamber of Commerce, a past chairman of the Galveston Economic Development Partnership, a past chairman of the Southwestern Graduate School of Banking Foundation at Southern Methodist University, and a past chairman of the University of Texas Medical Branch President’s Cabinet. He is a member of the Texas A&M University at Galveston Board of Visitors and previously taught accounting at Galveston College for over 16 years.

Kirk Shireman is vice president, Lunar Exploration Campaigns, Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company, a position he has held since joining Lockheed Martin in July 2020. LEC is responsible for the development of the Ascent Element of the Human Lunar System’s National Team. The LEC is also responsible for the development of future systems and vehicles to support Human space Exploration on the lunar surface, in lunar orbit and beyond. Prior to joining Lockheed Martin, Shireman served as the International Space Station (ISS) program manager. He was responsible for the overall management, development, integration, and operation of the ISS. Previously, Shireman served as the deputy director of NASA Johnson Space Center. Prior to his role as deputy center director, he served as deputy ISS program manager from 2006 to 2013. Shireman also served as the chair of the ISS Mission Management Team, where he was responsible for all aspects of on-orbit operations of the ISS. He was responsible for the overall management and integration of all Program operations elements, including the United States and international partners. In March 2019, Kirk received the National Space Club Astronautics Engineer Award. He has also been recognized with NASA’s Outstanding Leadership Medal, NASA’s Exceptional Achievement Medal for successful integration of the ISS’s Russian elements, the Silver Snoopy award in 1990, and the Presidential Rank Award twice 2010 and 2017.

Charlie Stegemoeller is a senior director with Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC). He serves SAIC across the NASA account including business development, strategic alignment, and program performance. Stegemoeller began his career as a civil servant at NASA in 1985 and supported Space Shuttle, Space Station, human exploration research and technology, and served as deputy program manager for the Constellation Program. He serves as the vice president for Technical to the American Astronautical Society Board of Directors. He graduated from Texas A&M University and serves on the Advisory Council for the Industrial and Systems Engineering Department in the College of Engineering.

Ex Officio Members of the 2023 Executive Committee

Jennifer Bowers is a partner with the law firm of Bowers & Sadler, LLP. The firm specializes in a variety of legal services aimed at assisting closely-held businesses and their owners with their tax planning, business organization matters, estate planning, and probate matters. Bowers is board certified in tax law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization.

Gale E. Burkett is the founder and CEO of GB Tech, Inc., which provides science and engineering professionals to government and industry. GB Tech serves clients in the aerospace, energy, homeland security, healthcare, and education sectors. In his role as chief executive officer, Burkett oversees new market development, acquisitions, long-term strategic direction, and the overall vision of the company. Under his leadership, GB Tech has earned numerous awards and recognition. Burkett devotes a large portion of his time and energy to civic and community affairs. He currently serves on the board of directors of several organizations including privately held and non-profit organizations.

Dick Gregg, Jr., is president of Gregg & Gregg, P.C., a law firm which represents and advises clients in the areas of municipal, governmental, corporate, employment, real estate, and business litigation law. The firm acts as legal advisor or city attorney for multiple local governments. The firm’s attorneys also represent numerous homeowner associations, condominium associations, and town home associations. Gregg received a bachelor’s degree in government from the University of Texas at Austin where he also earned his law degree. Gregg’s areas of practice include public law, contracts, real estate law, business organizations, condominiums and cooperatives.

Fred B. Griffin is founder and chairman of Griffin Partners, Inc., and its related affiliates. Griffin joined Exxon Company USA in 1969. It was there that he began his real estate career with Friendswood Development Company, a subsidiary of Exxon Corporation. As an integral part of Friendswood’s growth, he played a key role in the purchase, planning, and development of Kingwood, Woodlake, Greenspoint, Copperfield, Clear Lake City, and other substantial projects throughout the greater Houston area. In 1980, Griffin, with Conley Juban, formed Griffin/Juban Companies, the predecessor to Griffin Partners. The Griffin/Juban Companies –and subsequently Griffin Partners – have built or acquired projects encompassing approximately 11.2 million square feet space with an aggregate value of $1.5 billion. In addition to serving as chairman of Griffin Partners, Griffin’s other appointments include: Board of Directors, BAHEP; Board of Directors, Houston Grand Opera; and Board of Directors, Sweet Briar College. He is also the recipient of the 2013 Quasar Award for Exceptional Leadership in Economic Development presented by BAHEP, and the recipient of the NASA Exceptional Public Achievement Medal at Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center.

Marc Havican is an Emmy award-winning filmmaker and the founder and Chief Storytelling Officer of Space City Films, a nationally -recognized digital film, media, and live event production company. He has been a member of the BAHEP organization since 1995 and has produced the annual BAHEP Quasar Award Banquet for 22 years. Havican earned a BA in Communication from the University of Houston and began his career in the NFL as a video assistant on Coach Jerry Glanville’s Houston Oilers staff. He spent six years as a producer/director at NASA Johnson Space Center before leaving to build Space City Films into an industry leader in aerospace film and live event production In 2002, the Houston Texans hired Havican to lead their NFL Instant Replay team He has worked dozens of NFL playoff games and a Super Bowl.

Ex Officio Members of the 2023 Executive Committee

Joy H. Kelly, Ph.D., is vice president and general manager of Jacobs. She previously served as the deputy general manager and as ESC chief engineer and the director of the Science, Engineering, and Analytical Services Department. Prior to joining the ESC Group, Kelly was the director of Systems Engineering and Analysis for Time Domain/Alereon Corporation. Her career with Jacobs began in 1992 when she became a technical fellow on the Jacobs Technical and Engineering Acquisition Support contract at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida. She holds a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from Colorado State University and an M.S. and B.S. in Electrical Engineering from the University of Colorado.

Kenny Koncaba is the Houston Market president for Home Bank. He was the CEO of Texan Bank and co-founder, director, and CEO of Friendswood Capital Corporation, the holding company of Texan Bank, before it was acquired by Home Bank in 2022. Koncaba’s previous experience includes being the co-founder, chairman, CEO, and president of Family Bancorp, Inc., and its subsidiary bank, now known as Vantage Bank Texas. In addition, he served as a director, president and chief operating officer at First Community Bank, Houston, a National Bank which was sold to Wells Fargo Bank in 2005. Prior to his banking career, Koncaba was employed for more than twenty years with the Texas-New Mexico Power Company, where he served in numerous management roles. Other business positions include being the founder/CEO of Friendswood Energy Generation Company in 2011, a company which was sold to Quantum Energy in 2015. Koncaba was also a partner with HC Industrial Partners, a firm he co-founded in 2015 that was sold to Proenergy Service in 2019. He also serves on the Texas State Securities Board. Koncaba is a graduate of the University of Houston Clear Lake, where he was honored as a Distinguished Alumni.

Bernard A. Milstein, M.D., is a nationally recognized ophthalmologist, specializing in laser vision correction, cataract surgery and diseases of the eye. Dr. Milstein has performed approximately 15,000 LASIK procedures and has been included yearly in “Best Doctors in America” since 1996. He is a fellow of the American Academy of Ophthalmology and a past president of the Texas Ophthalmological Association. Dr. Milstein is also a community leader and has served as chairman of the boards of BAHEP, the Galveston Wharves, and the Galveston County Health District, as well as on many other boards, committees and associations.

S. John Wilkins, III, has been a member of the BAHEP / CLAEDF team since 1991 representing Loral and Lockheed Martin. He is a former vice president of both companies. Wilkins retired from Lockheed Martin and is presently the CEO of CLC Properties. He is a cum laude graduate of Ohio University with a B.S. in math/computer science and an MBA. Wilkin's wife, Shari, is an attorney and a graduate of the University of Houston Law Center. They have been married for 30 years and have two grown children. Wilkins has served on numerous boards in the community and attends Clear Creek Community Church.

Vanessa E. Wyche is the director of NASA’s Johnson Space Center, home to America’s astronaut corps, Mission Control Center, International Space Station, Orion and Gateway programs, and its more than 11,000 civil service and contractor employees. She is responsible for overseeing a broad range of human spaceflight activities, including development and operation of human spacecraft, commercialization of low-Earth orbit and Johnson’s role in landing the first woman and first person of color on the surface of the moon. Wyche was most recently deputy director at JSC, a position she held since 2018. Before joining NASA in 1989, Wyche worked for the Food and Drug Administration in Washington, D.C

Membership

Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership owes much of its success to the active participation of its members.

New members in 2022 are shown in boldface.

Acadian Ambulance Service

ACU of Texas

ADACEN Inc.

Advanced Dermatology and Skin Care

AECOM

Aegis Aerospace Inc.

The Aerospace Corporation

AeroSys, LLC

AEXA Aerospace, LLC

Airbus DS Space Systems, Inc.

All Points Logistics, LLC

Allegiance Bank Texas

Alvin Community College

Amazon Web Services

American Acryl

American Heart Association

AMOCO Federal Credit Union

Anadarko Industries, LLC

Archer Group

ARES Aerospace and Technology Services

ASRC Federal

AssuredPartners, Inc.

Aulds Media Holdings LLC / i45 NOW

AVERA Companies

Axiom Space, Inc.

Ayrshire Corporation

b1BANK

Bay Area Coastal Protection Alliance

Bay Area Commercial Real Estate Network (BACREN)

Bay Area Council on Drugs & Alcohol

Bancorp South Bank

Barlow Jones, LLP

Barrios Technology

Bastion Technologies, Inc.

Bay Area Houston Ballet & Theatre

Bay Area Houston Magazine

Bay Area Houston Transportation Partnership (BayTran)

Bay Area Turning Point, Inc.

Bay Oaks Country Club

Baybrook Mall - Brookfield Properties

Bay Area Houston Advanced Technology Consortium (BayTech)

Beacon Federal Credit Union

Bernard J. Roan Law Office

BlueTriton (formerly Nestlé Waters N.A.)

BMWC Constructors

BMW-Mini of Clear Lake

The Boeing Company

Booz Allen Hamilton

Bowers & Sadler, LLP

The Bridge Over Troubled Waters, Inc.

Brooksource

Burns & McDonnell

Capital Bank - Pasadena

Clear Creek Independent School District

CDS Community Development Strategies

CenterPoint Energy

Chemical Educational Foundation

Chemical Process and Production, Inc.

CHI St. Luke’s Health Patients Medical Center

Cimarron

City of Clear Lake Shores

City of Dickinson

City of El Lago

City of Friendswood

City of Hitchcock

City of Houston

City of Houston, Houston Airport System

City of Kemah

City of La Porte

City of League City

City of Morgan's Point

City of Nassau Bay

City of Pasadena

City of Santa Fe

City of Seabrook

City of Taylor Lake Village

City of Webster

CLC Properties

Clear Creek Independent School District

Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce

College of the Mainland

Colliers International

Collins Aerospace

Comcast Business

Communities In Schools - Bay Area, Inc.

Community Impact Newspaper

Courtyard By Marriott Houston NASA/Nassau Bay

Coventry Development Corporation - Houston

Craig Technologies

Crean Inc.

Criss Cross Commercial Group

Crowder Funeral Homes

Curran Investment Group of Wells Fargo Advisors

Cyber One Solutions, LLC

CYFOR Technologies, LLC

Cypress Bay Subdivision/Marina Bay Village

DB Consulting Group

Del Papa Distributing Company

Deloitte

Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health

Dickinson Independent School District

Draper Laboratory

DRDA, PLLC

Economic Alliance Houston Port Region

EduSafe Systems, Inc.

Elevate Hospital Group

Elizabeth Smith Life and Health

Eolian Energy

Express Employment Professionals

The Eye Clinic of Texas

Fast Signs - Clear Lake

Felicis Properties, Inc.

Friendswood Chamber of Commerce

Friendswood Independent School District

Frost Bank

Galveston Bay Foundation

Galveston County

Galveston County Daily News

Galveston County Small Business Development Center

Galveston Economic Development Partnership

Galveston Regional Chamber of Commerce

GB Tech, Inc.

GEO Consultants Corporation

GeoControl Systems, Inc.

Greater Houston Partnership

Greer, Herz & Adams, LLP

Gregg & Gregg, P.C.

Griffin Communications Group

Griffin Partners, Inc.

Group 1 Automotive

Gulf Coast Authority

Gulf Coast Educators Federal Credit Union

Gulf Coast Limestone, Inc.

Ham, Langston & Brezina, LLP

Harris County

Haute Flowers & Events

HCA Houston Healthcare Clear Lake

HCA Houston Healthcare Southeast

Health & Safety Council

HIGHER Up Texas

Highpoint Insurance Group, LLC

Hitchcock Independent School District

Hilton Houston NASA Clear Lake

Home Bank (formerly Texan Bank)

HomeTown Bank, N. A.

Houston Association of Realtors

Houston Construction Services

Houston Methodist Clear Lake Hospital

Houston Precision Fasteners

Illuminate Video

IMA Financial Group

ImageNet Consulting

Implemetrics

Intuitive Machines, LLC

J&P Technologies

J. A. Billipp Company

Jacobs

J E Dunn

JES Tech

JLL

JMK5 Holdings, LLC

Joiner Architects, Inc.

Kaneka North America LLC

KBR

Keller Williams Realty Clear Lake

Kelsey-Seybold Clinic

Kemah Boardwalk

Kevton Industries, LLC

King’s BierHaus / EggHaus Gourmet™

Kuraray America, Inc.

La Porte Independent School District

Lakewood Yacht Club

The Law Office of Phil Griffis

League City Regional Chamber of Commerce

Leidos

Lewis Jewelers

Lexus of Clear Lake

Lighthouse Video Surveillance

Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company

Lockridge Packaging, LLC

Lockwood, Andrews & Newnam, Inc.

Logical Innovations, Inc.

Lone Star Flight Museum

Mackinnon and Partners

Main Event Entertainment

MDT Financial Advisors, LLC

Meador Staffing Services, Inc.

Media Riders, Inc.

Medistar Corporation

Memorial Hermann Southeast Hospital

Mercedes-Benz of Clear Lake

Merrill Lynch

METECS

Monica Millican

Minuteman Press - Bay Area

Moody Bank

MRI Technologies

MRM Proposal Solutions

My FlooringAMERICA

NanoRacks, LLC

NASA Alumni League - JSC Chapter

NASA Johnson Space Center

Norman Frede Chevrolet

Northrop Grumman Innovation Systems

Oceaneering Space Systems, Inc.

One Stop Tents & Events

PAE

Pasadena Economic Development Corporation

Pasadena Independent School District

Pasadena Texas Chamber of Commerce

Payne’s Plants

PBK

Pearland Economic Development Corporation

Pelican View Productions

Pennino and Partners

Peraton

Perry’s Restaurant Group

The POM Group, LLC

Port Houston

Powers Brown Architecture

The Ray Tax Group

The Rothe Companies Houston Operations

Royal Harbor Partners, LLC

Rutledge Commercial Real Estate

S&K Global Solutions

Sage Commercial Group, LLC

SAIC

San Jacinto College District

Santa Fe Independent School District

Savills, Inc.

Schaumburg & Polk, Inc.

Shriners Children’s Texas

Sierra Space

Signature Flight Support

South Belt-Ellington Leader

South Shore Harbour Resort & Conference Center

Southwest Airlines Company

Space Center Houston

Space City Films, Inc.

SSCI Environmental & Consulting Services

Star Service, Inc.

Summit Management Group

TechTrans International (TTI)

Teledyne Brown Engineering

Terracon Consultants, Inc.

Texas A&M University at Galveston

Texas Chiropractic College

Tommy’s Restaurant Oyster Bar

Truist Bank

Trustmark National Bank, Texas

TXU Energy

UHCL Center-Economic Development & Research

Unbound Now Houston

United Airlines

United Equities, Inc.

Universities Space Research Association-USRA

University of Houston-Clear Lake

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center

Uprite Services

UTMB Health

Veritex Community Bank

Waters Edge Venue

Welcome Group, LLC

Wellby Financial

Wile Interests

Wendell Wilson & Dr. Pat Potter Wilson

Wings Over Houston Air Show

YMCA of Greater Houston

Zann Commercial Brokerage, Inc.

Photo Cutlines

Page 9

BAHEP and its partners have been working with Congress for approval of a coastal barrier system for many years. This Houston delegation was invited by the American Chemistry Council to attend high-level meetings in Washington, D.C., regarding the construction of a coastal barrier system to protect the region from storm surge. L to r are: Michel Bechtel, mayor, Morgan’s Point; Council Member Dave Robinson, City of Houston; BAHEP President Bob Mitchell; Col. Len Waterworth (USA, Ret.), executive professor, Texas A&M University at Galveston; Houston Mayor Pro Tem Dave Martin; Marc Havican, president, Space City Films, LLC; Chad Burke, president, Economic Alliance Houston Port Region; Texas State Sen. Larry Taylor; and Hector Rivero, president and CEO, Texas Chemical Council.

Shown l to r are: Nicole Sunstrum, executive director, Gulf Coast Protection District (GCPD); Sally Bakko, director of Policy and Governmental Affairs, City of Galveston, GCPD board member; Marie Robb, Galveston City Council, District 6; Texas Sen. Larry Taylor; U.S. Reps. Kay Granger and Randy Weber; City of Morgan’s Point Mayor Michel Bechtel, president, GCPD board; BAHEP President Bob Mitchell, vice president, GCPD board; and City of Kemah Mayor Carl Joiner. They joined travelers from the Greater Houston Partnership and other regional allies in Washington, D.C., to advocate for coastal protection along the Texas Gulf Coast.

The Gulf Coast Protection District, led by President Michel Bechtel, mayor, Morgan’s Point, held a meeting in the BAHEP conference room.

Page 10

BAHEP held a legislative review with regional representatives regarding priorities for the Texas 88th Legislature. Shown l to r are: Dr. Glenn Freedman, president, EduSafe Systems, Inc.; BAHEP Membership Director Harriet Pilgrim; BAHEP Executive Director for Economic Development Dan Seal; Harv Hartman, chair, BAHEP’s Education and Workforce Development Committee; BayTran Executive Director Amy Skicki; Kemah Mayor Carl Joiner; Pearland Mayor Kevin Cole; Rebecca Goins Lilley, director of Physician Resources, Memorial Hermann Southeast Hospital; State Reps. Greg Bonnen, MD, and Dennis Paul; State Sen.-elect Mayes Middleton; State Rep. Ed Thompson; BAHEP President Bob Mitchell; SATOP Director Bob Payne; Dr. Brenda Hellyer, chancellor, San Jacinto College District; and Cindy Harreld-DeWease, president & CEO, Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce. Photo courtesy of Rep. Ed Thompson.

State Sen. John Whitmire, Dean of the Texas Senate, visits with Space Center Houston President & CEO William T. Harris.

Page 11

BAHEP hosted the Dean of the Texas Senate, Sen. John Whitmire. BAHEP provided him an update on regional issues, and they visited Space Center Houston to discuss efforts there as well as those of NASA, and visited the Houston Spaceport to talk about all the innovative progress, workforce training, and opportunities at the spaceport. Pictured (l to r) are Dan Seal, BAHEP executive director, Special Initiatives; BAHEP President-elect Brian Freedman; Dr. Brenda Hellyer, chancellor, San Jacinto College District; Sen. Whitmire; Trent Martin, vice president, Aerospace Services, Intuitive Machines; BAHEP President Bob Mitchell; and Kim Morris, BAHEP Aerospace Marketing manager and director, Bay Area Houston Advanced Technology Consortium (BayTech). Martin conducted a tour of the Intuitive Machines facility for the group.

Page 12

This mosaic depicts the International Space Station pictured from the SpaceX Crew Dragon Endeavour during a fly around of the orbiting lab that took place following its undocking from the Harmony module’s space-facing port on Nov. 8, 2021. Credits: NASA

Concept Lander. Credits: NASA

Page 13

NASA's Artemis I Space Launch System (SLS) rocket, with the Orion capsule attached, launches at NASA's Kennedy Space Center on Nov. 16, 2022, in Cape Canaveral, Florida. Credits: NASA

Page 14

BAHEP’s Aerospace Advisory Committee invited U.S. Rep. Brian Babin, DDS, to speak to its members. The congressman serves on the House Committee on Science, Space and Technology and is the ranking member of the Subcommittee on Space.

Houston Mayor Pro Tem Dave Martin and Director Vanessa Wyche, NASA Johnson Space Center, kicked off ASCENDxTexas with a fireside chat discussing how the City of Houston and the NASA Johnson Space Center are working together to invest in the Houston space ecosystem through the Houston Spaceport and the startup/innovation community around NASA JSC.

Page 15

U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz’s office reached out to BAHEP to request that the organization host a meeting with the senator, members of his staff, and the region’s aerospace leaders. Sen. Cruz sought to understand the current pulse, priorities, needs, concerns, and legislative priorities of Bay Area Houston’s aerospace community.

Page 17

Texas A&M engineering students met with small business owner Yngrid PérezTorrens to discuss their Capstone Project Design. The pyraback is a pain-relief device meant to relieve pain in the back and other parts of the body. Shown (l to r) are SATOP Associate Project Engineer Oscar D. Lázaro, Elliot Manuel, Brandon Xu, Andrew Su, Eric Roth, Yngrid Pérez-Torrens, Brian Chen, SATOP Director Bob Payne, and BAHEP Marketing Manager C.A. Shields.

Attending the Inaugural Southeast Texas Transportation Summit at the Pasadena Convention Center, Pasadena, Texas, were: Pasadena Council Member Thomas Schoenbein; BAHEP President Bob Mitchell; Sivaji Senapathi, P.E., EHRA Engineering, treasurer, BayTran; Margaret Kidd, program director, Supply Chain, University of Houston; President Chad Burke, Economic Alliance Houston Port Region; Executive Director Amy Skicki, BayTran; Kemah Mayor Carl Joiner, chair, BayTran; Ken Fickes, Harris County Transit Services, chairelect, BayTran; Texas Sen. Larry Taylor; Friendswood Mayor Mike Foreman; Morgan’s Point Mayor Michel Bechtel; U.S. Rep. Brian Babin, DDS; U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee; Michel Maksoud, DEC Engineering; Seabrook Mayor Thom Kolupski; Pearland Mayor Kevin Cole; Taylor Lake Village Mayor Jon Keeney; and BAHEP President-elect Brian Freedman.

Page 20

A panel discussion was featured at the Human Trafficking Prevention and Awareness event, which was held at the Lonestar Flight Museum. The moderator was Kerri Taylor, Unbound Now Houston executive director. Seated left to right: Special Agent Danielle LaFosse, Department of Public Safety state troop-

er; Rhonda Kuykendall, human trafficking survivor and advocate; Nichole Bowie, founder of Mady’s Movement; Chris Alston, Clear Creek Community Church pastor; and Micala Clark, Texas Forensic Nurse Examiners legal counsel and programs manager.

Marie Flickinger, publisher, South Belt-Ellington Leader and chair, San Jacinto College District Board of Trustees; BAHEP President Bob Mitchell; and Jay Guerrero, regional director, Southeast Texas, Office of U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, attended the Human Trafficking Prevention and Awareness event held at the Lonestar Flight Museum.

Page 21

Chief Eternal Affairs Officer Saba Abashawl, Houston Airports, emceed the press conference held at the Human Trafficking Prevention and Awareness event held at the Lonestar Flight Museum.

Kerri Taylor, Unbound Now Houston executive director, is pictured with U.S. Rep. Randy Weber at the Human Trafficking Prevention and Awareness event held at the Lonestar Flight Museum.

Page 22

BAHEP Real Estate / Facilities Marketing Manager Barbara Cutsinger staffed a booth at the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) at its regional Red River trade show in Dallas, Texas. Joining Cutsinger to promote their municipalities were representatives from the cities of Dickinson (Courtland Holman), Hitchcock (Tyler Robert), League City (Scott Livingston), and Nassau Bay (Kristin Edwards). A Galveston County representative (Garrett Yarbrough) also participated in the trade show.

BAHEP Marketing Manager Barbara Cutsinger gave her HOT PROJECTS in Bay Area Houston presentation to the inaugural South Bay Area Realtor Networking Breakfast at the League City Convention Center.

Page 23

The BAHEP marketing team hosts Prospect Review meetings throughout the year where a review of BAHEP’s newest projects is presented and member representatives give reports on their economic development activities.

BAHEP Executive Director for Economic Development Dan Seal gives his “Game Changers” presentation to the League City Regional Chamber of Commerce members.

Page 24

BAHEP’s Council of Mayors presented retiring State Sen. Larry Taylor with a resolution bestowing its appreciation and highest commendations to Sen. Taylor for his exemplary public service and personal dedication to all Texans. Pictured are Glenn Freedman, Ph.D., Council facilitator, president, EduSafe Systems, Inc. (kneeling); Mayors Pat Hallisey, League City (seated); standing (l to r) Jon Keeney, Taylor Lake Village; Jerry Mouton, Jr., Deer Park; Kevin Cole, Pearland; Shawn Findley, El Lago; Mike Foreman, Friendswood; Sen. Taylor; Carl Joiner, Kemah; Kurt Otten, Clear Lake Shores (behind Mayor Joiner); Michel Bechtel, Morgan’s Point; Thom Kolupski, Seabrook; Paul Horn, Alvin; BAHEP President Bob Mitchell; Bob Warters, Nassau Bay (next to Sen. Taylor); and BAHEP Membership Director Harriet Pilgrim.

BAHEP President-elect Brian Freedman, Space Center Houston President & CEO William T. Harris, and Arturo Sanchez, director of the External Relations

Office at NASA Johnson Space Center, are shown at Space Center Houston’s rebranding event.

BAHEP President-elect Brian Freedman, BAHEP Healthcare Committee Chair Jennifer Rogalavich-Anderson, and Galveston Economic Development Partnership President Keith Gray are shown at the Shriners Children's Texas community leader briefing.

Page 33

Patrick Jankowski, senior vice president, Research, Greater Houston Partnership, gave his annual Metro Houston Economic Outlook to a luncheon gathering of BAHEP members. The event was held at the Hilton Houston NASA Clear Lake. Mike Huss, senior vice president, and Victor Pierson, chairman / president / CEO, Moody Bank, are shown at the luncheon.

Also enjoying the Jankowski presentation were Christopher Cortinas, mayoral aide, Mayor Jeff Wagner, and Director of Community Relations Rex Lindberg, Pasadena, Texas; Joan McKinney, general manager, and Charlton Cotton, F&I director/GSM, Norman Frede Chevrolet; Cindy Harreld-DeWease, president & CEO, and Shari Sweeney, vice president, Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce.

Cup of Joey, an informal group of Houston entrepreneurs, came out to see all the energy in Bay Area Houston at Space Center Houston. Enjoying the morning event were (l to r) Jimmy Spence, senior marketing/business development specialist, Houston Spaceport at Houston Airport System; BAHEP Presidentelect Brian Freedman; Robert McAfoos, chief advisor, Barrios Technology; Scott Rodriguez, vice president of Government Programs, NanoRacks; Sam Gunderson, manager, Business Development, NASA, Johnson Space Center.

Page 35

Standing next to BAHEP President Bob Mitchell, State Sen. Larry Taylor holds mementoes from the BAHEP tribute held in his honor at Waters Edge Venue.

Ray Gutierrez, principal of Houston Construction Services, and BAHEP president Bob Mitchell chat at BAHEP’s Larry Taylor tribute.

New BAHEP members (l to r) Chung Hui, King's BierHaus / EggHaus Gourmet™; Samantha Leyas, guest of Tommy Bui; Tommy Bui, Elevate Hospital Group; Kevin Nguyen, Kevton Industries; and Slade Lewis, Lewis Jewelers, are also shown during the BAHEP tribute to Sen. Larry Taylor.

Mary Alys Cherry, editor and publisher, Bay Area Houston Magazine, is enjoying the BAHEP tribute to Sen. Larry Taylor held at Waters Edge Venue.

Gina Spagnola, president, Galveston Regional Chamber of Commerce; Director of Business Development Officer Kristi Koncaba, Home Bank; BAHEP Membership Director Harriet Pilgrim; Scott MacKenzie, senior Commercial Relationship manager, Home Bank; State Sen. Larry Taylor; Houston Market President Kenny Koncaba, Home Bank, and BAHEP 2022 board chair; BAHEP Real Estate / Facilities Marketing Manager Barbara Cutsinger; Evelyn Hernandez, senior Commercial Relationship manager, Home Bank; Sarah Ferguson, AVP Partnership Development officer, Home Bank (l to r), are pictured at the Human Trafficking Prevention and Awareness event held at the Lonestar Flight Museum.