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Staff Directory

Staff Members

Scott Martinez, CEcD
PRESIDENT/CEO
903.593.2004 ext 246
Scott Martinez was named the President and CEO of the Tyler Economic Development Council and CEO of the Tyler Area Chamber of Commerce on July 28, 2020, after serving as President of the North Louisiana Economic Partnership since 2013. In a career spanning over 20 years, he has worked directly on projects culminating in over $1.1 billion in direct capital investment. Martinez has served in economic development roles in the Houston and Austin, Texas markets, North Louisiana, and his home state of Mississippi. Scott is a native of Laurel, Mississippi, and earned a bachelor’s degree from Ole Miss as well as a Master of Science degree in Economic Development from the University of Southern Mississippi. He has been designated a Certified Economic Developer by the International Economic Development Council and serves on its Board of Directors and Governance Committee.
Felecia Herndon, DBA, EDFP
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT, FINANCE AND OPERATIONS
903.593.2004 ext 250
Felecia Herndon manages our Revolving Loan Fund programs, tax abatement and tax increment financing programs, state designated Enterprise Projects, and other financial incentives offered by TEDC to businesses locating and expanding in Tyler/Smith County. Felecia is an Economic Development Finance Professional (EDFP), and in 2015, she became certified as a Professional Community and Economic Developer (PCED) through the Community Development Institute. In 2020, Felecia was elected to the board of directors for Greater Texas Capital Corporation and serves on the loan committee. She has a BS degree in Business Management, an MBA, with a focus on Corporate Finance, and a DBA specializing in Finance. Felecia also has a background in the career and technical education field and previously worked for TEDC from 1992-1997.
Victor Valle, MBA
VICE PRESIDENT, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
903.593.2004 ext 254
Victor Valle oversees the preparation of prospect proposals for companies seeking to expand within or relocate to the Tyler/Smith County region, including preparing incentive summaries for interested parties. Additionally, he is responsible for maintaining local demographic and economic data, maintains the site and building database, and serves on the board of the East Texas Economic Development District. Mr. Valle has a BBA degree in Finance and an MBA from the University of Texas at Tyler.
Karla Anders, EDFP
Loan Program Manager
903.593.2004 ext 255
Karla Anders has served TEDC for ten years and is responsible for the financial operations of the organization. Karla is tasked with marketing and managing the Smith County Revolving Loan Fund and the COVID 19 Revolving Loan Program. She provides support with coordinating the TEDC Finance Committee, crafting TEDC’s operating budget, and helps facilitate the TEDC annual financial audit. Karla earned a bachelor’s degree in business and Marketing from Stephen F. Austin State University and earned her designation as an Economic Development Finance Professional (EDFP) in 2018.
Lauren Hayden
Economic Development Specialist
903.593.2004 x249
Lauren Hayden joined the Tyler Economic Development Council in 2021 as the Economic Development Specialist. She has over 9 years of experience in property management. Lauren graduated Summa Cum Laude from The University of Texas at Tyler, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree. Lauren is engaged in all facets of the Tyler Economic Development Council’s activities, including operations, project support, as well as serving as the assistant to the President and Chief Executive Officer. Lauren is a native of Tyler, TX.