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.