Dave Porter announces retirement as executive director of WilCo EDP
Search begins for replacement
July 22, 2026 (Williamson County, Texas) – Dave Porter, the first executive director for the Williamson County Economic Development Partnership (WilCo EDP), has announced his retirement effective December 2026. Porter started as executive director in October 2022 and led the organization through major advancements in marketing Williamson County around the globe as well as diversifying the local economy by expanding the types of businesses that now call Williamson County home.
“My role with the Wilco EDP has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my 40 plus years in economic development,” says Dave Porter, executive director, WilCo EDP. “The collaboration between the nine partner cities and the County has led Williamson County to be one of the top destinations for global advanced manufacturing companies. The future is incredibly bright for Williamson County.”
“Williamson County would not be the sought-after international destination for companies in advanced manufacturing, high technology and aerospace without Dave Porter,” said County Judge Steve Snell. “His insight, experience and commitment have helped transform our county into one of the nation’s premier locations for business investment and innovation. Dave helped create opportunities that will benefit our residents for generations to come. We are grateful for his leadership and wish him all the best in his well-earned retirement.”
Founded in 2014, the WilCo EDP was created as a partnership between Williamson County and city economic development leaders to market and promote economic development in Williamson County. Its board of directors are made up of representatives from each of the contributing governmental entities including Williamson County, Cedar Park, Coupland, Georgetown, Hutto, Jarrell, Leander, Liberty Hill, Round Rock and Taylor.
“Dave’s wealth of knowledge in economic development, coupled with his deep understanding of Central Texas, made him the ideal leader to guide the Williamson County Economic Development Partnership over the past four years,” said Jordan Robinson, president of the WilCo EDP Board and president of the Round Rock Chamber of Commerce. “His leadership strengthened our partnerships, advanced our mission and positioned Williamson County for continued economic success. We are grateful for his service and the lasting impact he has made on our organization and our region.”
Robinson added, “As we begin the search for our next executive director, we are confident we will find the right leader to build on the strong foundation Dave established and to lead the implementation of our new strategic plan. This is an exciting opportunity to shape the future of economic development in one of the nation’s fastest-growing regions, and we encourage qualified candidates to apply.”
The WilCo EDP Board of Directors is now accepting applications for the executive director position. Interested candidates can view the position description, qualifications and application instructions on the WilCo EDP website under Jobs. Interested and qualified applicants should submit a resume and letter of interest to Jordan Robinson, Board President, Williamson County Economic Development Partnership, and President & CEO, Round Rock Chamber, at jrobinson@roundrockchamber.org. Please include “Wilco EDP Executive Director” in the subject line.
More information about the organization and its partners is available on the WilCo EDP website www.wilcoedp.com
About WilCo EDP
The Williamson County Economic Development Partnership is a self-funded collaboration of county and city leaders acting together to improve the economic well-being and quality of life for the region. Under the values of strategic growth, professionalism and integrity, and a shared pro-business mentality, the partnership works to build shared prosperity in the region.
Media Contact: Connie Odom, 512-943-1122, connie.odom@wilcotx.gov
