The City of Waco is proud to announce the appointment of Danny Chavez to serve as the City’s first Chief Economic Development Officer, effective May 13, 2024.
Danny’s career in economic development spans both domestic and international landscapes. His expertise in facilitating commercial and mixed-use developments, closing large headquarters relocations, and nurturing startups, particularly in the cybersecurity and SaaS sectors, positions him as a visionary leader in the field.
With a track record of over $2 billion in capital investment and the creation of more than 7,900 jobs under his leadership, Danny has demonstrated his ability to deliver tangible results and drive economic prosperity. His contributions to the field have earned him notable recognition, including being named by Consultant Connect as one of North America’s Top 50 Economic Developers in 2021, D CEO Magazine’s Innovation Advocate of the Year in 2021, and featured in D CEO Magazine’s The Dallas 500 list of influential executives in North Texas in 2022.
Originally from Fort Walton Beach, FL, Danny holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from Angelo State University. In 2017, he was selected to the Forbes Young Entrepreneur Council (YEC), and in 2023, he was named to the prestigious Marquis Who’s Who in America.
Danny enjoys playing soccer in his free time and is very excited to get to know the tech and startup community in Central Texas. His approach to leadership is authenticity above all else.
City Manager Bradley Ford shared, “I am thrilled to welcome Danny Chavez to the City of Waco team. Danny’s innovative approach to economic development and related business interests will create new means to identify and implement opportunities throughout the City. His impressive background and expertise will be instrumental in guiding our city’s growth and development in a creative, inclusive, and sustainable manner. I look forward to his leadership and relationship- building with our business and economic development partners at the local, state, and national levels. Additionally, I am grateful to Jeremy Pesina for his service as Interim Director for Economic Development for the past six months.”
Danny’s recruitment underscores the City of Waco’s commitment to fostering economic development, attracting investment, and creating job opportunities for its residents. His expertise and vision will play a crucial role in advancing the city’s economic development agenda and positioning Waco as a hub for innovation and growth.
Danny shared, “One of the benefits of my career is that I’ve worked at the regional level and local level, as well as consulting EDOs on a national level, and I can assure you that there are few opportunities in the country to build meaningfully and to be a part of the changing the landscape for a city like Waco. Central Texas is one of the most dynamic and fastest growing regions in the nation. I am honored and extremely energized to lead the City of Waco’s economic development, tourism, and sports recruitment efforts. We will build an outstanding platform and not only showcase the city for investment but also compete in a global market. I look forward to representing community strengths and building forward-thinking best practices. I’m excited to join the team.”
About the City of Waco:
The City of Waco is a vibrant and diverse community located in the heart of Texas. With a rich history, thriving economy, and strong sense of community, Waco offers residents and businesses an exceptional quality of life. From historic landmarks to cutting-edge industries, Waco is a city on the rise, poised for growth and opportunity.
