Department of Economic Development & Tourism
Our mission is to be trailblazers—boldly driving innovation to make Sugar Land a premier destination for both investment and unforgettable experiences. Through visionary economic development and vibrant tourism, we create a thriving environment where businesses succeed, visitors return, and long-term opportunity flourishes.
Staff
Alba Penate-Johnson
Assistant Director of Economic Development
Modal Pop Up
Elizabeth Huff
Director of Economic Development & Tourism
            Elizabeth Huff is a dynamic leader whose strategic vision and collaborative approach have elevated Sugar Land’s economic development and tourism efforts to new heights. As Director of Economic Development and Tourism, Elizabeth leads a multifaceted team responsible for business recruitment, business retention, tourism marketing and sales efforts through Visit Sugar Land. Her work has positioned the city as a premier destination for both business and leisure.
With over 15 years of economic development experience, including prior roles at the Greater Houston Partnership and Lubbock Economic Development Alliance, Elizabeth brings deep industry knowledge and a regional perspective. She has successfully directed the City's annual business plan, driving efforts to attract high-value employers, support small business growth and strengthen Sugar Land’s identity as a vibrant, culturally rich community.
Elizabeth holds a bachelor’s degree in Marketing from Louisiana State University and is respected across the region for her integrity, thoughtfulness and results-oriented leadership.
          With over 15 years of economic development experience, including prior roles at the Greater Houston Partnership and Lubbock Economic Development Alliance, Elizabeth brings deep industry knowledge and a regional perspective. She has successfully directed the City's annual business plan, driving efforts to attract high-value employers, support small business growth and strengthen Sugar Land’s identity as a vibrant, culturally rich community.
Elizabeth holds a bachelor’s degree in Marketing from Louisiana State University and is respected across the region for her integrity, thoughtfulness and results-oriented leadership.
Modal Pop Up
Gabriela Robinson
Administrative Assistant
            Gabriela Robinson serves as the Administrative Assistant to the Director of Economic Development, providing both secretarial and administrative support to the Director and department staff. She manages calendar scheduling, arranges travel and itineraries, and plans department meetings as well as external staff functions. Gabriela also handles projects and special assignments by establishing objectives, determining priorities, and effectively managing time to ensure successful outcomes.
In addition to coordinating day-to-day operations, she stays up to date on City policies and procedures, ensuring the department remains in compliance and operates efficiently. With many years of administrative experience and a strong background in customer service, Gabriela approaches every challenge with professionalism and a commitment to delivering the best possible solutions for any issues that arise.
          In addition to coordinating day-to-day operations, she stays up to date on City policies and procedures, ensuring the department remains in compliance and operates efficiently. With many years of administrative experience and a strong background in customer service, Gabriela approaches every challenge with professionalism and a commitment to delivering the best possible solutions for any issues that arise.
Modal Pop Up
Alba Penate-Johnson
Assistant Director of Economic Development
            As Assistant Director, Alba leads business development and fiscal strategy to advance Sugar Land’s economic growth. Her work supports business attraction, private investment, and long-term development across key sectors, including life sciences.
 
Alba plays a central role in positioning Sugar Land as a growing hub for biotech and health innovation. She is actively involved in the development of Tract 2, a future life sciences district, where infrastructure is underway to support research and biotech facilities by 2026.
 
Alba holds a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in International Business from Houston Christian University. She brings both strategic vision and operational expertise to her role, leveraging public-private partnerships, fiscal tools, and targeted infrastructure to grow Sugar Land’s economic base—especially in future-facing industries like life sciences.
          Alba plays a central role in positioning Sugar Land as a growing hub for biotech and health innovation. She is actively involved in the development of Tract 2, a future life sciences district, where infrastructure is underway to support research and biotech facilities by 2026.
Alba holds a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in International Business from Houston Christian University. She brings both strategic vision and operational expertise to her role, leveraging public-private partnerships, fiscal tools, and targeted infrastructure to grow Sugar Land’s economic base—especially in future-facing industries like life sciences.
Modal Pop Up
Alison Brooks
Assistant Director of Tourism
            Alison directs the strategic initiatives to promote tourism and drive visitor engagement and economic growth within the city. With a robust background in hospitality, she maintains a passionate commitment to curating distinctive experiences for travelers while committed to providing experiences for residents and visitors to enjoy a life better than they can even imagine.
          Modal Pop Up
Jennifer Alexander
Business Development Manager
            As a Business Development Manager, Jennifer’s primary responsibilities include identifying business expansions and relocations, cultivating relationships with existing businesses, and business networking activities. Jennifer’s role also involves maintaining a strong understanding of the competitive landscape and adjusting strategies accordingly to stay ahead in the market. Jennifer holds a Bachelor’s in Communications with a concentration in Social Interaction and a Minor in Psychology from the University of Texas at San Antonio.
          Modal Pop Up
Colby Millenbruch
Business Recruitment Manager
            As a Business Recruitment Manager, Colby’s primary responsibilities include attracting new businesses to the region, building strategic partnerships with key industry stakeholders, and guiding prospects through the site selection and relocation process. Colby also focuses on promoting the area's competitive advantages and aligning recruitment efforts with economic development goals. His role requires a deep understanding of market trends and industry needs to effectively position the city for long-term growth. Colby holds a Bachelor’s in Economics from Texas A&M University.
          Modal Pop Up
Nhan Le
Compliance and Budget Analyst
            As Compliance and Budget Analyst, Nhan is responsible for the compliance for all active Tax Abatements, Direct & Retention Incentives and the Economic Development Department budgets by analyzing key budget metrics on a monthly basis for all accounts. Holds a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in Business Administration at the University of Illinois Springfield.
          Modal Pop Up
Jordan Cutler
Senior Marketing Manager
            As the Senior Marketing Manager for Visit Sugar Land, Jordan Cutler is responsible for developing and executing captivating marketing campaigns and developing creative strategies that attract visitors to explore the city's vibrant culture, diverse culinary scene, and exciting outdoor adventures. Jordan has previously worked with Downtown Houston, Discover South Carolina, South Carolina State Parks and has a bachelor's degree in Mass Communications from Claflin University.
          Modal Pop Up
Alyssa Abdulla
Director of Sales
            Alyssa's passion for hospitality began in Sugar Land, Texas, where she grew up helping her family run a local ice cream shop, Maggie Moos. There, her father taught her the fundamentals of sales and marketing through the simple act of taking care of people—a lesson that continues to guide her career today.
 
After graduating from the University of Houston’s Conrad N. Hilton College of Hotel and Restaurant Management, Alyssa built her career in Houston’s dynamic hospitality scene. She learned the art of guest service at The Sam Houston Hotel before joining the pre-opening team at the JW Marriott Houston Downtown, where she helped shape the hotel’s presence in a rapidly growing market. It was there she saw the powerful role DMOs play in shaping a destination’s story, which inspired her to join Houston First. There, she promoted the city to meeting and event planners—ranging from intimate gatherings to large-scale conventions—always with a focus on creating experiences that connect people to a place.
 
Today, as the Sales and Events Manager for Visit Sugar Land, Alyssa has come full circle. She now leads efforts to bring meetings and events to the community where her story began—the city where she was born, raised, and is now raising her own family. For Alyssa, every partnership and every event is an opportunity to showcase Sugar Land’s unique charm, support local businesses, and strengthen the community’s future through tourism.
          After graduating from the University of Houston’s Conrad N. Hilton College of Hotel and Restaurant Management, Alyssa built her career in Houston’s dynamic hospitality scene. She learned the art of guest service at The Sam Houston Hotel before joining the pre-opening team at the JW Marriott Houston Downtown, where she helped shape the hotel’s presence in a rapidly growing market. It was there she saw the powerful role DMOs play in shaping a destination’s story, which inspired her to join Houston First. There, she promoted the city to meeting and event planners—ranging from intimate gatherings to large-scale conventions—always with a focus on creating experiences that connect people to a place.
Today, as the Sales and Events Manager for Visit Sugar Land, Alyssa has come full circle. She now leads efforts to bring meetings and events to the community where her story began—the city where she was born, raised, and is now raising her own family. For Alyssa, every partnership and every event is an opportunity to showcase Sugar Land’s unique charm, support local businesses, and strengthen the community’s future through tourism.
Modal Pop Up
Kevin  Floyd
Special Projects Coordinator
            Kevin Floyd is Special Projects Coordinator with Visit Sugar Land, supporting citywide events and partner activations with a current focus on FIFA 2026 readiness, hospitality partnerships, and community engagement. He works with venues and local businesses to deliver guest-ready experiences that reflect Sugar Land’s brand and benefit the local economy.
Floyd has deep roots in Sugar Land. His first job was at Chick-fil-A in First Colony Mall. He attended First United Methodist Church Sugar Land and worked in his family’s small business serving Fort Bend County residents for more than 30 years. He graduated from Lamar Consolidated High School, then earned a B.S. in Communication from West Texas A&M University. After college he returned to Houston to build an entrepreneurial career across hospitality, manufacturing, and community initiatives. He led teams, integrated new technology, and improved operations. Many projects focused on adaptive reuse and creative redevelopment. He worked with city leaders to craft policies that balance business growth with community needs. He helped establish several nonprofit and community-development initiatives. He now brings that practical, project-driven approach to the City’s tourism and economic development efforts.
          Floyd has deep roots in Sugar Land. His first job was at Chick-fil-A in First Colony Mall. He attended First United Methodist Church Sugar Land and worked in his family’s small business serving Fort Bend County residents for more than 30 years. He graduated from Lamar Consolidated High School, then earned a B.S. in Communication from West Texas A&M University. After college he returned to Houston to build an entrepreneurial career across hospitality, manufacturing, and community initiatives. He led teams, integrated new technology, and improved operations. Many projects focused on adaptive reuse and creative redevelopment. He worked with city leaders to craft policies that balance business growth with community needs. He helped establish several nonprofit and community-development initiatives. He now brings that practical, project-driven approach to the City’s tourism and economic development efforts.
We're Here to Help You Find the Right Site!