The IC² Institute’s newly formed advisory board will provide their guidance and support for the institute’s efforts to promote sustainable economic development in communities outside the urban corridor. Board members held their first meeting on April 6th with Executive Director Art Markman and Deputy Executive Director Greg Pogue, to learn more about the institute’s and upcoming projects. Some examples of recent and upcoming programs include the Student Challenge competition, the 2020 Home to Texas summer internship program, and the Regional Economic Recovery Team who will investigate selected Texas cities, examine current assets and challenges in those cities and create community asset maps for use in developing recovery strategies.
Sarah Riggs Amico, candidate for U.S. Senate in Georgia enthused, “It’s a true honor to join the IC² team and support its groundbreaking efforts during such a pivotal time in our history. The impact of the COVID-19 crisis on much of rural America has highlighted the perpetual need for innovative approaches to strengthen these communities and drive their economic health and development. Investing in the rural communities that power America proves time and again to be a roadmap to a stronger nation.”
Mario Espinoza, Senior Project Director at Atkins project management and consulting services, said, “I am excited about IC²’s evolving focus on our state’s local communities and the tremendous economic benefits our partnerships will bring to all citizens of Texas.”
The advisory board members:
- Duncan Stewart, Texas Citizens Bank
- Sarah Riggs Amico, candidate for U.S. Senate in Georgia
- Ellen Ray, Still Water Foundation
- Mario Espinoza, Atkins group
- Chris Jarvis, The Canfiled Training Group
- Mark Calhoun, Calhoun Bhella & Sechrest LLP
- Jack Martin, Martin Frost & Hill