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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 originally joined the staff of the TEDC in July 2007 as the Executive Assistant. After several years she was promoted to Director of Operations. Over the years, Crystal has helped manage TEDC events and the office operations. She also has worked with the COO on financial matters and bookkeeping functions. Crystal was the staff coordinator for the TEDC's Political Action Committee and also supported Team Texas.

In 2021 Crystal stepped back from a staff position with the TEDC to focus more on her family while she continued to work with the TEDC on a contract basis to assist with financial matters and special projects.

In September 2024, Crystal rejoined TEDC on staff as the Manager of Business Services. She continues to provide her expertise in financial matters and budgeting, while managing office procedures, record-keeping and support for TEDC conferences. She continues to provide continuity to TEDC operations with her many years of work for the organization. Crystal also supports Team Texas and assists with special projects.

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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