April 17, 2015, AUSTIN, TX – The Austin Chamber of Commerce today announced that Charisse Bodisch, CEcD, has been promoted to Senior Vice President, Economic Development. Bodisch will lead the Chamber’s economic development efforts which include the attraction, retention and expansion of companies throughout the Austin region.

In the role, Bodisch will manage an economic development team that also supports other Chamber strategic programs via Opportunity Austin 3.0, a highly successful initiative that has helped to add an estimated 263,400 new jobs with a payroll increase of $13.9 billion to the greater Austin region since it began in 2004. These programs proactively drive innovation, address infrastructure needs, including traffic issues, cost of living standards, and overall quality of life, and promote the region as the Human Capital, ensuring a deep pool of talent, improving college and career readiness, and targeting workforce development.

"As a key contributor on our economic development team for the last several years, Charisse has developed a wealth of knowledge and experience about the needs of our region. During this time, she has established great working relationships with businesses and leaders throughout our community," said Mike Rollins, President, Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce. “After a national search conducted by a retained consultant, it was clear Charisse had the right skill set to lead our economy team to even greater success.”

Bodisch had been serving as Acting SVP, Economic Development for several months. She previously was VP of Economic Development for the Chamber since 2006. Before that, she served for more than five years as Executive Director and CEO of the Allen Economic Development Corporation in Allen, Texas. Her background also includes five years of experience as VP of Marketing for the McKinney Economic Development Corporation in McKinney, Texas.

“I look forward to working with our partners to ensure the Austin region continues to provide a broad range of economic opportunities and remains a unique and desirable place for businesses and families to prosper,” said Charisse Bodisch, CEcD, Senior Vice President, Economic Development, Austin Chamber.

About the Austin Chamber

The mission of the Austin Chamber of Commerce is to provide leadership that facilitates the creation of a prosperous regional economy and effective advocacy for its more than 3,000 members. For more information about the Austin Chamber of Commerce visit AustinChamber.com.

Media Inquiries:

Mike Berman, SVP of Communications and Strategy, Austin Chamber of Commerce

O: 512.322.5646

mberman@austinchamber.com

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