About Us

Formerly known as the Abilene Industrial Foundation, the Abilene Regional Growth Alliance is the private sector arm of the Abilene Chamber’s community and economic development partnership.

The Growth Alliance’s mission is to promote the growth, development, and diversification of Abilene’s regional business economy.

Our strategy

LEAD Abilene is the Growth Alliance's new five-year plan to put the organization's priorities into action. LEADAbi addresses our community's pressing economic development and community challenges. The plan seeks to deliver needed services to grow businesses without duplication and leveraging resources.  

INITIATIVES

One:

Grow and Retain Existing Business

We will increase our economic prosperity by providing resources, support, and opportunities for local businesses in Abilene and the region. • Build and maintain a healthy business climate • Help local and regional businesses address workforce challenges • Facilitate private-sector access to key government business-support partners

Two:

Expand Key Industry Sectors

We will grow key business sectors that will add jobs and capital investment to the area as well as enhance community-building efforts and quality of life. • Build a robust entrepreneurial ecosystem • Support existing and expanding regional retail opportunities for the Abilene area

Three:

Enhance Community Infrastructure

We will build a vibrant community that attracts jobs, investment, and people. • Lead downtown Abilene’s redevelopment in partnership with the City of Abilene and stakeholders • Improve infrastructure to better access markets • Advocate and support Dyess AFB to ensure its stability and growth • Identify and assist game-changing projects that have the potential to stimulate business growth significantly

Learn more about the plan

Our team

Doug Peters, IOM, AP
President & CEO
Cameron Sloan
Talent & Emerging Business Specialist
Nathaniel Ellsworth
Nathaniel Ellsworth
Data Manager
Hudson Ewing
Regional Resource Coordinator
Kodi Edwards
Marketing & Communications Manager
London Moore
Downtown & Special Projects Manager

Meet the entire team working to develop and promote the economy and quality of life in the Abilene area.

Learn more.

Our leadership

Driven by the work of our volunteer leadership, over 75 Abilenians have committed themselves to the success of the private-sectors investment in the Big Country. Meet the men and women who are ensuring Abilene is poised for success.

Shaun Martin
Exec Com / Chair (2023-2025)
Company:

Atmos Energy

Will Dugger
Exec Com / Chair Elect 2023-2025
Company:

Ted Evans
Exec Com/Sec/Treas (2023-2025)
Company:

Lone Star Canvas & Sign Works

Greg Blair
Exec Com
Company:

AEP Texas

Scott Hibbs
Exec Com
Company:

Enprotec / Hibbs & Todd, Inc. (eHT)

Michael Bob Starr
At-Large
Company:

Michael Bob Starr

Larry Gill
Exec Com
Company:

Larry Gill

Gary Grubbs
Immediate Past Chair 2023-2024
Company:

ABI/Advantage Media

Katie Alford
At-Large
Company:

Community Foundation of Abilene

Norman Archibald
At-Large
Company:

Hendrick Health

Jim Barr
Legacy Circle (2021)
Company:

Barr Roofing Company

Yvonne Batts
Legacy Circle(1998)
Company:

Batts Communications LP

Brian Bessent
At-Large
Company:

Hendrick Health

Charlie Black
Legacy Circle (1998)
Company:

Wagstaff LLP

Darrin Black
At-Large
Company:

Pennye Lane Properties

Tucker Bridwell
Legacy Circle(1992)
Company:

Mansefeldt Investment Corporation

Eric Bruntmyer
Ex-Officio
Company:

Hardin-Simmons University

Jacob Bunton
At-Large
Company:

Batts Communications LP

Ron Butler
Legacy Circle (1987)
Company:

First Financial Bank

Paul Cannon
Legacy Circle(1996)
Company:

McMahon Surovik Suttle, P.C.

Joseph E Canon
At-Large
Company:

Tejon Exploration

Kelly Cheek
At-Large
Company:

West Central Texas Council of Governments

Joe Crawford
Legacy Circle (1994)
Company:

Abilene Aero

Casey Curnutt
At-Large
Company:

Batjer and Associates

Jason Darby
At-Large
Company:

Darby Enterprises

Scott Dueser
Legacy Circle (1988)
Company:

First Financial Bankshares, Inc.

Mike Dunnahoo
At-Large
Company:

Star Dodge Auto Group

Mike Fernandez
At-Large
Company:

Texas National Bank

Ray Ferguson CPA
At-Large
Company:

Condley and Company, LLP

Gary Galbraith
Legacy Circle(1998)
Company:

Abilene Improvement Corporation

Collin Zalesak
At-Large
Company:

Parkhill

Russell Guthrie CPA
Past Chair 2018-2020
Company:

Eide Bailly LLP

Albert Gutierrez
At-Large
Company:

KTAB-TV/KRBC-TV

Sandra Harper
Ex-Officio
Company:

McMurry University

Seaton Higginbotham
Legacy Circle(1984)
Company:

Arrow Ford Mitsubishi, Inc.

Erik Johnson
At-Large
Company:

Paul Johnson & Associates

Peter Lauve
At-Large
Company:

CBS Insurance a Gallagher Company

James McNeer
Legacy Circle(1995)
Company:

Allied Employer Group

Elizabeth McVey
At-Large
Company:

Taylor Electric Cooperative, Inc.

Pearl Merritt
At-Large
Company:

TTUHSC School of Nursing

Dee Moore
At-Large
Company:

Retired

Michael D Murphy
At-Large
Company:

Retired

DonMark Nickson
At-Large
Company:

Jeff Luther Construction Company

Dani Ramsay
At-Large
Company:

Clear Fork Bank

Jack Rentz
Legacy Circle (2021)
Company:

Rentech Boiler Systems

Mary Ross
At-Large
Company:

Workforce Solutions of West Central TX Board

Ben Russell
At-Large
Company:

CCSB - Coleman County State Bank

Dr. Phil Schubert
Ex-Officio
Company:

Abilene Christian University

Bill Senter
Legacy Circle(1965)
Company:

Synergism, Inc./Senter, REALTORS

Scott Senter
At-Large
Company:

Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Senter, REALTORS - Scott Senter

Marelyn Shedd
At-Large
Company:

First Financial Bank

James D Tittle
Legacy Circle(1966)
Company:

Parkhill

Keith White
At-Large
Company:

DATROO Technologies, LLC

David Young
Ex-Officio
Company:

Abilene Independent School District

H. C. Zachry
Legacy Circle(1988)
Company:

Zachry Associates, Inc.

David Eldridge
At-Large
Company:

Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages

Tracy Howle
At-Large
Company:

First Bank Texas

Paul Beale
At-Large
Company:

Taylor Telecom

Daniel Gutierrez
At-Large
Company:

Tigé Boats, Inc.

Natalia Moore
At-Large
Company:

R. E. Janes Gravel Co.

Phillip Poarch
At-Large
Company:

Tolar Business IT Services

Brian Carr
At-Large
Company:

Milsoft Utility Solutions

Brad Holland
At-Large
Company:

Hendrick Health

Heather McClure
Ex-Officio
Company:

Cisco College

Kyle Smith
Ex-Officio
Company:

TSTC - Abilene ITC

Phil Crowley
Ex-Officio
Company:

Taylor County Judge

Mike Perez
At-Large
Company:

Abilene Environmental Landfill, Inc.

Kelly Jay
Ex-Officio
Company:

TMI Texas Media, Inc.

Misty Mayo
Ex-Officio
Company:

DevelopAbilene: Development Corporation of Abilene

Weldon Hurt
Ex-Officio
Company:

City of Abilene