EDC NAMES GALVESTON LEADER NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Rockport, Texas – June 1, 2022 – The Aransas County Partnership Economic Development Corporation (EDC) is pleased to announce that Jeffrey Sjostrom has accepted the position of Executive Director for the EDC beginning July 1, 2022.
Sjostrom has a career that spans over 30 years in economic development in Texas, according to EDC Chairman Jatin Bhakta. “Jeff was by far the most outstanding applicant for the position, and we feel fortunate to have someone of his skill set to be leading our efforts locally.”
Sjostrom is a graduate of Kent State University, the Texas A&M University Basic Economic Development Course, and the Economic Development Institute from the University of Oklahoma. To date, he has helped to create two economic development organizations in addition to significantly restructuring a third while in Houston. His career began in economic development in Palacios, Texas (1988) where the focus included housing, retail and commercial development, and various initiatives targeting marine, petrochemical, tourism, and regional opportunities.
Sjostrom was selected to join the Houston-Galveston Area Council in 1991. During the next 8 years Sjostrom managed the Gulf Coast Economic Development District (EDA), the SBA 504 Loan Program (Certified Development Company), the non-entitlement CDBG grant program for eligible cities and others. Working with the cities, counties, and economic development/chambers of commerce – involving HGAC programs and Economic Development programs from the State and Federal Government was another key component of Sjostrom’s efforts.
In May of 1999, Sjostrom was tapped as the founding President of the Galveston Economic Development Partnership. The Partnership (a 501(c)(6) organization) was focused on expanding Galveston’s employment and tax bases. Over the past 23 years, Sjostrom facilitated a community experiencing unprecedented growth and diversification. Maritime, Tourism, Housing, Disaster Preparedness and Recovery, Education and Healthcare were the primary clusters that culminated in over $2 billion in new investments in the Galveston economic base. Disaster recovery efforts following Hurricane Ike (2008) resulted in over $100 million in tangible resources for Galveston’s business recovery. Throughout his tenure in Galveston, the GEDP has been recognized by the Texas Economic Development Council and Sjostrom has been a frequent speaker on disaster preparedness and business recovery at the regional, state, and federal levels.
Sjostrom commented “I am excited and honored to be afforded this opportunity of leading the EDC and becoming affiliated with an organization that has committed to expanding, diversifying and enhancing this area’s quality of life and place”.
During this transition, Sjostrom will work with Interim President Michael Meek between July and September. “Jeff has a proven track record and love for the Gulf Coast. He and his wife fell in love with Rockport-Fulton as so many do and will work hard to sustain it,” stated Meek.
About the EDC: Formed in 2020, the Aransas County Partnership EDC is a non-profit, public/private partnership focused in serving as the recruitment-development arm for Aransas County, Texas, and the cities included within. The EDC has a mission to promote, assist and enhance the economic development of the community by providing assistance to new and expanding businesses.
