Invest: Houston leadership summit to spotlight the leaders behind remarkable growth
Key points:
- • The Invest: Houston summit takes place Nov. 5 at the JW Marriott Houston by The Galleria.
- • Five panels will cover education, finance, infrastructure, regional appeal and research.
- • The event also launches the third edition of Invest: Houston, caa’s annual economic review.
October 2026 — Business, civic, and education leaders will gather Thursday, Nov. 5, at the JW Marriott Houston by The Galleria for the Invest: Houston 3rd Edition Leadership Summit and report launch. Hosted by caa, the full-day event will explore how the region is expanding educational opportunity, financing growth, strengthening infrastructure, and turning research into economic opportunity. Registration, breakfast, and networking begin at 9 a.m.
Join us at the Invest: Houston 3rd Edition Leadership Summit! This premier event brings together hundreds of Greater Houston’s business and regional leaders to discuss the challenges and opportunities for businesses and investors. Buy your ticket now!
This year’s theme, “Houston: The Four Engines — Economy, Education, Enterprise, and Experience,” will guide a program featuring five panel discussions, keynote addresses, and special presentations. The summit will also mark the release of the third edition of Invest: Houston, caa’s annual economic review featuring insights from leaders across the region’s key industries.
Keynote speakers include Nathan Alexander, mayor of Prairie View; Ryan Ezell, CEO of Flotek Industries; and Keion Henderson, senior pastor of The Lighthouse Church. Their addresses will complement discussions examining the decisions shaping Houston’s business environment and regional appeal.
The opening panel, “Investing in Potential: How Houston is redefining educational opportunity,” will examine the region’s education landscape and its connection to workforce preparation. Moderated by Kevin Bott, superintendent of Santa Fe ISD, the conversation will feature Rebecca Brown, superintendent of Dickinson ISD; Tiffany Regan, superintendent of Deer Park ISD; and Rita Santamaria, founder and CEO of Champions School of Real Estate.
The second panel, “Securing the Boom: Financing growth and fortifying Houston’s digital economy,” will bring together Shahmeer Halepota, partner at AZA; Steve Thompson, CEO of Texas Gulf Bank; Christopher Dvorachek, regional CEO for Texas and executive vice president of ServisFirst Bank; and Scott Almy, president and CEO of Cornerstone Capital Bank. Scot Johnson, principal and chief investment officer of Adell, Harriman & Carpenter, will introduce the session, which will explore the financial and business conditions supporting Houston’s expansion.
Infrastructure and trade will take center stage in “Houston at the Crossroads: How infrastructure and logistics are shaping the region’s economic future.” Ferrell Fuller, CEO of ChaceTech, will moderate a discussion with Phyllis Saathoff, executive director and CEO of Port Freeport; Kevin Murphy, VP of Business Development at The Hunton Group; Kristin Edwards, economic development director for Texas City; and Tyson Moeller, president of the Port of Texas City and Texas City Terminal Railway Company. Matthew Marino, CEO of Ezee Fiber, will deliver a presentation following the panel.
The afternoon program will examine the factors that attract people, employers, and investment to the region. “The Case for Houston: How culture, connectivity and affordability shape a city’s appeal” will be moderated by Reginald Martin, executive director of the Houston Hospitality Alliance. Panelists will include Bryan Pettigrew, vice president and general manager of Sam Houston Race Park; Marty Pell, president and CEO of Wellby Financial; and Rodney Nabors, regional CEO of First Financial Bank.
The final panel, “From Breakthroughs to Billions: How Houston is turning research into economic opportunity,” will focus on the connection between discovery and business growth. Jochen Reiser, president of the University of Texas Medical Branch and CEO of UTMB Health System, will introduce the session. Mike Blankenship, managing partner of Winston Taylor, will moderate the discussion, featuring Joanitt Montano, provost and chief academic officer of The College of Health Care Professions and others.
Additional presentations will feature Wayne Mansfield, president and CEO of Longview Economic Development Corporation, and Nick Wolda, president of Visit The Woodlands. Breakfast, lunch, and networking opportunities will give attendees time to connect with leaders from across the Houston region.
For the event agenda and registration, visit the Invest: Houston 3rd Edition Leadership Summit event page.
About caa and Invest: Houston
caa is an integrated media platform that produces in-depth business intelligence through its annual print and digital economic reviews, conferences and events, and executive interviews through its video platform, Invest:Insights.
Invest: Houston is an in-depth economic review of the key issues facing the Houston economy, featuring the insights of prominent regional leaders. The publication provides investment knowledge for local, national, and international audiences while promoting the region as a place to invest and do business. Its coverage spans technology, real estate and construction, infrastructure, banking and finance, healthcare, education, and tourism, examining the challenges and opportunities shaping the regional economy.
For more information, contact:
Lauren Nikides-Heacox
Events Manager
(305) 824-2618
lnikides@capitalaa.com
Want more? Read the Invest: Houston report.
