Joshua Owens

Executive Director

• About Joshua

  Joshua’s diverse educational and professional background further strengthens the GEDP’s mission to foster growth and innovation:

  Education:

  • B.A. in Advertising from Pepperdine University

  • B.A. in Art from Pepperdine University

  • Master’s Degree in Urban and Regional Planning from Virginia Tech

  • AICP Certification from the American Institute of Certified Planners

  • Graduate of the Oklahoma University Economic Development Institute

  Professional Experience:

  • U.S. Building Council: Served as Marketing Coordinator, advancing green building practices.

  • U.S. Peace Corps, Paraguay: Volunteered for two years as a Municipal Services Developer, focusing on improving local government operations.

  • Enterprise Community Partners: Worked as Green Communities Program Officer, promoting sustainable practices in affordable housing.

  • Houston-Galveston Area Council: Served as Senior Regional Planner, administering the Gulf Coast Economic Development District and focusing on regional development and resilience planning for Harris and 12 surrounding counties.

  • Wharton Economic Development Corporation: Most recently served as Executive Director, driving economic opportunities in rural, small-town Texas.

  Owens’s extensive expertise in urban planning and economic development, coupled with his passion for community-driven solutions, positions him as a pivotal leader in advancing the GEDP’s mission.

• Email Joshua Owens