James Wright, Former KEDC Staffer and Halliburton Veteran, Joins Kilgore Economic Development Board

James Wright, a former Kilgore Economic Development Corporation staff member and industry executive, has joined the organization's board, succeeding Tommy Vaughan of Revolution. EIN Presswire reported the appointment on November 6, 2026.

Wright's Path From Halliburton to the KEDC Board

Wright brings 30 years of leadership experience to the board, including 23 years with Halliburton, where he held roles in operations, real estate, environmental health and safety, and risk management. He currently serves as regional laboratory director for SPL's environmental operations in Texas, overseeing facilities in Kilgore, Round Rock, Conroe and Plano. His career also includes service in the U.S. Marine Corps and in law enforcement.

Wright's relationship with Kilgore Economic Development Corporation began during his time at Halliburton, when he worked with the organization on expansion projects in Kilgore. In 2023 he joined KEDC as director of real estate and development, working directly with local employers on growth opportunities and expansion challenges.

"James brings a unique perspective to our board," said KEDC Board President Alan Pollard, vice president of Communications & Power Industries LLC. "His past experience as both an industry partner and as a staff member will be especially valuable as we put our new Strategic Plan and Program of Work into action, building on our existing industry partnerships while pursuing new opportunities for investment and jobs."

Wright said his view of Kilgore took shape during those earlier expansions. "My perspective started a long time back when KEDC helped us do expansions when I was with Halliburton," he said. "I started to realize how business-friendly Kilgore really was." He also cited Kilgore's location along Interstate 20 and access to markets in Texas and Louisiana as competitive advantages.

Kilgore's Recent Project Record

According to akta.pro company records, KEDC closed 24 projects over the past five years, generating more than 2,900 jobs and nearly $370 million in new and retained capital investment. In September 2024, KEDC and Camfil USA broke ground on a 418,000-square-foot air filtration manufacturing facility on 43 acres in Synergy Park, a project of about $100 million that is expected to create approximately 226 jobs. In April 2024, Keeprite Refrigeration closed on Lot 22 of Synergy Park's Alliance Way for a minimum $55 million relocation and expansion adding 60 full-time jobs.

Other Economic Development Leadership Changes

Monterey Bay Economic Partnership is seeking a new CEO, American City Business Journals reported on November 2, 2026. Under Tahra Goraya, the organization grew annual revenue to over $10 million. The same day, Yahoo reported that Henderson Economic Development named Taylor Hanley, who has manufacturing experience from DANA Manufacturing, as its new vice president, effective immediately.

KEDC's Strategic Plan Timeline

Wright joins the board as KEDC advances its 2026–2029 Strategic Plan and its Fiscal Year 2027 Program of Work, according to the organization's announcement.