Mayor Sylvester Turner appointed Michael Heckman to the position of Acting President & Chief Executive Officer (CEO) effective August 6, 2020. Heckman is charged with overseeing full operations of the corporation and guiding Houston First through its next growth phase.
Heckman was recently appointed Chief Operating Officer of Strategic Initiatives, charged with developing a new strategic direction for the corporation. Prior to that he served as the Senior Vice President of Partnerships and Event Development, most notably developing Comicpalooza, Texas’ Largest Entertainment and Pop Culture event and serving as the President and CEO of the 23rd World Petroleum Congress. He has been part of the Houston First team for six years and prior to that, spent five years with the Greater Houston Convention and Visitors Bureau.
“Michael has the experience and ability to lead Houston First as we conduct a national search for a permanent president and chief executive officer. During his leadership, I want Houston First to continue moving forward and start reimagining itself to promote Houston throughout the world. We cannot wait until the pandemic is over. I know Michael will serve well in the interim position,” said Mayor Sylvester Turner.
A self-described foodie, Heckman enjoys traveling, golf and exercise.