City of Ennis Announces New Economic Development Director

Ennis, TX – The City of Ennis is pleased to announce the hiring of Miriam Castillo as the new Economic Development Director. Castillo was selected from a highly competitive slate of dozens of applicants and will officially begin her role on Monday, October 6. She succeeds interim director Joe Newman, who has served in the position since February 2025.

Castillo joins Ennis from the City of Laredo, where she has served as Economic Development Director for the past three years. Leading a city of more than 260,000 residents, she spearheaded various programs to attract industrial projects that resulted in the creation of over 1,500 new jobs as well as programs to promote residential and business revitalization. She, along with her team managed a workforce development and small business assistance budget exceeding $3 million and developed innovative programs to strengthen workforce readiness and entrepreneurial growth.

Prior to her role with the City of Laredo, Castillo served for 17 years in various capacities prior to being appointed as Vice President of the Laredo Chamber of Commerce where she managed various committees supporting small business, education, and workforce initiatives. She also launched the first-ever Business Development Certification Program, serving over 2,000 small businesses, and played a pivotal role in achieving the Chamber’s prestigious Five-Star Accreditation from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. She holds a Master of Business Administration from Texas A&M International University and a certification by the U.S. Chamber Institute for Organizational Management.

In Ennis, Castillo will lead strategic initiatives to foster business growth, attract investment, and enhance the city’s economic vitality. Her responsibilities will include overseeing key projects related to downtown revitalization, infrastructure planning, and workforce development. She will also work closely with local stakeholders, regional partners, and prospective investors to position Ennis as a competitive and welcoming destination for business and innovation.

Castillo brings a collaborative leadership style, a spirit of service and a deep understanding of the economic landscape of small and mid-sized cities. A native of Laredo, she is passionate about preserving community heritage while embracing forward-thinking strategies that drive planned growth.

“We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Miriam to Ennis,” said City Manager, Andrea Weckmueller-Behringer. “Her proven track record of delivering results, combined with her commitment to community-focused economic development, makes her an incredible asset to our team. We look forward to the leadership, energy, and expertise she will bring as we continue building a vibrant and prosperous future for Ennis.