The Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce recently announced its slate of officers, naming Ali Khataw to chair its Board of Directors for 2023.
“I am incredibly proud to be the incoming chair of the Austin Chamber to work alongside regional leaders to carefully craft the future of Central Texas,” Khataw said in a press release. “I look forward to addressing this region's critical issues, including workforce development, mobility, affordability and infrastructure.”
Khataw is the president and CEO of Encotech Engineering Consultants located in northwest Austin. He founded Encotech Engineering Consultants in 1990 and has built his company into a “world-class operation” that works to improve building system performance, the release said.
The company prides itself in impeccable client service while demonstrating excellence in technicalities and implementing efficient design. Khataw has served on the Chamber’s board since 2016. He is also a member of other boards of directors including Leadership Austin, KUT, E3 Alliance and the Austin Area Research Organization.
“I am committed to working alongside the Chamber's partner, Opportunity Austin, to continue their great efforts in driving economic development for our region,” Khataw said. “Through thoughtful collaboration, I am committed to the super-regional aspirations that were kickstarted by the outgoing Chamber chair, Fred Heldenfels. All the while, I want to ensure we continue to bring incredible value to our members by being the premier advocate and resource for businesses throughout Central Texas.”
The Chamber also named Rudy Garza, president of Garza EMC, to serve as its chair-elect for 2024. Before establishing Garza EMC, Garza spent 23 years in the public sector where he was the assistant city manager for the City of Austin. Garza also worked as budget officer in Austin and Corpus Christi.
“I am very honored and grateful for the opportunity the board has provided me to be the chair in 2024,” Garza said in a statement.
Then Garza outlined the Chamber's goals, spanning a variety of community needs.
“The Greater Austin Chamber has been and continues to be a leader in creating job opportunities for all, has been very focused on working with the schools to partner in providing support to students for financial aid, college preparation as well as job training; a strong advocate for addressing transportation needs in our region; and advocating for our members and the community at the local, state and federal levels for policies that are fair and positively impact access to education, infrastructure, workforce development, housing, health care and the economy," he said.
Garza said he is looking forward to working with the other board members, community partners and elected officials to continue the work the Chamber has been involved with over the past several decades.
Additional new board members that will serve terms from Jan. 1, 2023 to Dec. 31, 2025, include:
Dave Anderson—director of land use and entitlements, Drenner Group
Michele Glaze—director of communications & community affairs, Samsung Austin Semiconductor
Rex Gore—CEO, Clean Scapes
JJ Gottsch—president and CEO, Austin Gamblers
Ruth Hughs—partner, Kelly Hart & Hallman
Rashed Islam—senior vice president, HDR
Karen Kennard—co-managing shareholder, Greenberg Traurig LLP
Chuck Lipscomb — senior vice president, JE Dunn Construction
Nikelle Meade —partner, Husch Blackwell LLP
Terry Mitchell —president, Momark Development
Andi Scull —founder and creative director, Hope Outdoor Gallery/ Hope Events
Duff Stewart—president and CEO, GSD&M