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TEDC Staff

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Carlton Schwab

President/CEO

carlton@texasedc.org

Carlton Schwab has been President/CEO of the Texas Economic Development Council (TEDC) since February 1st, 1999. During that time, the 1,000-member TEDC has developed into a recognized leader in the professional development of its members and a powerful voice for economic development policy in the state of Texas.

In his role as President/CEO of the TEDC, Mr. Schwab has served on numerous boards and commissions. In 2012, he was named by Governor Perry to the Select Committee on Economic Development – a committee created by the 83rd Texas Legislature to review economic development policy for the state of Texas. In 2015 and 2016 he was the Chair of the Advisory Committee of the Texas Legislative Conference.

In 2017, Mr. Schwab was named an Honorary Life Member of the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) and in November 2022 received the Council of Development Finance Agencies (CDFA) Lifetime Achievement Award.

Prior to his tenure at the TEDC, Mr. Schwab was Director of Development at the LBJ School of Public Affairs at the University of Texas at Austin (1996-1999). From 1989 to 1996, Mr. Schwab was a Director with Deloitte Consulting where he specialized in corporate site location analysis and economic development strategic planning. Mr. Schwab also spent time working in economic development at the local level, having served as Vice President of the Lubbock Board of City Development from 1986 to 1989.

Mr. Schwab raises registered Texas Longhorn cattle and is a Texas Certified Master Naturalist, affiliated with the Balcones Canyonlands Chapter in Austin, Texas.

Matt Abel

Vice President of Government Relations

matt@texasedc.org

Matt joined the Texas Economic Development Council in July 2024. He advocates for the interests of TEDC members in legislative and regulatory environments.

Before joining TEDC, Matt was the primary staff member for healthcare, energy, and employment relations issues at the Texas Association of Business (TAB). Before that, he served as the Chief of Staff for Texas State Representative John Frullo. Matt deeply understands the Texas legislative process, and his relationships within the Texas House, Texas Senate, Governor’s office, and various state agencies give him unique insight into the current state of affairs at the Texas Capitol.

Despite his professional commitments, Matt's personal life is equally vibrant. Born and raised in Indianapolis, Indiana, he moved to Austin in 2011. He is a proud father of two young daughters who share his love for bounce houses, swimming, and ice cream. The family enjoys gardening, hiking, and exploring new places throughout Texas in their free time.

Crystal Fulbright

Director of Operations

crystal@texasedc.org

Crystal has been a valued part of the Texas Economic Development Council (TEDC) since first joining the organization in July 2007 as Executive Assistant. Through her dedication and leadership, she was promoted to Director of Operations, where she played a key role in managing TEDC events and overseeing daily office operations.

In 2021, Crystal transitioned from a staff position to focus on her family while continuing to support TEDC on a contract basis, providing expertise in financial management and special projects. In September 2024, she rejoined the organization as Director of Operations.

In her current role, Crystal oversees TEDC's conferences, webinars, and board meetings, while managing finance, budgeting, and human resources functions. She administers TEDC's three award programs, the Future Leaders Training Program, and the Certified Texas Economic Developer Certification Program. Additionally, she coordinates exhibitor opportunities and sponsorships, supports TEDC's internal committees and Board of Directors, and continues to provide strategic guidance on financial matters and office operations.

With nearly two decades of service and institutional knowledge, Crystal provides continuity and operational excellence for TEDC while also supporting Team Texas and advancing the organization's mission to strengthen economic development throughout Texas.

Crystal is a native Austinite and is the mom to three active children.

Kimberly Jacobson

Executive Assistant

kimberly@texasedc.org

Kimberly joined the Texas Economic Development Council in January 2026. As the Executive Assistant, she is responsible for managing membership growth and overseeing member services to ensure a high-quality experience for the council’s 1,000-plus members.

Kimberly brings a diverse background in operational leadership and financial management to the TEDC. Before joining the council, she worked with Secondary School Leadership at the Austin Independent School District, focusing on event planning and financial oversight. She also served as the Board Governance Executive Assistant at Del Valle Independent School District, where she worked closely with the Board of Trustees, Superintendent, and Senior Leadership Team.

A native Austinite, Kimberly is deeply involved in her community. She serves on the board at Sport of Cheer and is an entrepreneur, owning and operating her own embroidery business. She is the proud mom of active teenagers and, in her free time, enjoys traveling, cooking, hiking, and reading.

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