Heather Houston

About Heather Houston

Heather Houston launched her career in New York City at the critically acclaimed cable television network, Classic Sports Network, where she was a member of the original twelve-person start-up team. During her tenure, Houston managed the network’s affiliate marketing efforts and helped grow the network’s subscriber base to over 30 million. In 1997, Classic Sports was acquired by ESPN, where Houston was hired as Affiliate Marketing Manager across all ESPN networks. Houston left ESPN in when she joined Track Entertainment, a New York-based music marketing agency. She oversaw Compaq Computer’s global sponsorship of Sting’s world tour. She also managed successful marketing programs for a number of brands including Pepsi, Lipton Iced Tea, Jim Beam and Rolling Rock Beer, and worked with many multi-platinum artists. After moving back to Texas in 2004, Houston launched the Events Division at Squires Sports Group where she created compelling running, biking and triathlon-based consumer programs for brands such as The North Face, Runner’s World Magazine, Bicycling Magazine, Lipton Iced Tea and Michelob Ultra. In August 2006, Houston joined Lone Star Sports & Entertainment, a subsidiary of the Houston Texans, to help launch the inaugural Texas Bowl. She eventually became the Executive Director of the Texas Bowl overseeing all aspects of the event which included sponsor and ticket sales, operations, marketing, public relations, and Bowl Week where she directed 20+ events and 200+ volunteers. Under Houston’s watch, the Texas Bowl went on to become one of the highest-attended post-season collegiate games in the country and created $30 million in annual economic impact for the city of Houston. In her dual role as Director of Lone Star Sports & Entertainment, Houston also oversaw some of Houston’s biggest sporting and entertainment events including the MLS All-Star game and CONCACAF’s Gold Cup Soccer Tournament Semifinals. In 2017 Houston turned to the nonprofit world where she served as Interim Executive Director for Urban Harvest. She served as the organization’s primary spokesperson and advocate, oversaw all operations and led the board through a 5-year strategic planning process. Most recently Houston was the Executive Director of Scenic Houston where she led all mission-driven efforts including fundraising, programming and advocacy. Houston resides in Montrose with her two sons and husband. She is the current Board President of Urban Harvest and volunteers with Poe Elementary and The Presbyterian School.

Experience

1. Chief Development Officer

   Houston Landing

   Oct 2024 — Present

   In my role in corporate development I will be working hand-in-hand with our newsroom to create opportunities for Houston-area companies to support our reporting through strategic partnerships.