2024 Economic Outlook Conference Speakers
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KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Zack Kass - Technology Futurist, Specialist in Generative AI Solutions
Former Head of Go-To-Market at OpenAI/ChatGPT
Topic: The Past, Present, and Future of AIĀ
Zack Kass stands out as one of the brightest minds in AI today, with a robust 14-year journey at the epicenter of technological evolution. His significant tenure as Head of Go To Market at OpenAI put him front and center building AI strategies with many of the biggest companies in the world. His role in converting AI research into real-world business applications has positioned him as a key influencer in the sector.
His clear-cut mission emphasizes ensuring that businesses and governments are not just bystanders but active participants, ready and fully equipped to harness the burgeoning power of AI. Zackās endeavor is to demystify AI, making it accessible and understandable, thereby assisting organizations to navigate and flourish in this rapidly evolving, AI-influenced environment
Beyond the corporate world, Zack is a staunch advocate for AIās potential to revolutionize local governance. He works tirelessly to promote AI as a tool that can significantly enhance community service and overall societal welfare. His efforts seek to guarantee that the advancements in AI transcend commercial benefits and work towards the betterment of communities and societies at large.
In Zack Kass, various sectors find a reliable guide, leading them confidently into the promising and continually evolving future of AI. His leadership and insight ensure that AIās potential is maximized, bringing forth growth, adaptability, and extensive societal benefits.
LUNCH KEYNOTE SPEAKER
CAPT (ret) Eric āPopeyeā Doyle
Commanding Officer & Flight Leader, US Navy Blue Angels|
CEO, RAVN Aerospace
Eric āPopeyeā Doyle is the Chief Executive Officer of RAVN Aerospace where he is in charge of all mission, operations, and maintenance. Eric is a native of League City, Texas. He graduated from Texas A&M University with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering in 1996. Following college, Eric attended Officer Candidate School in Pensacola, Florida, where he earned his commission in December 1996.
In September 2017 Eric joined the Blue Angels as the Commanding Officer and Flight Leader and following that tour he took over as the Director of the Blue Angels F/A-18E/F Transition Team. Eric is currently the President of the Tailhook Association and a member of the Board of Directors of the International Council of Air Shows. Eric has accumulated more than 4,000 flight hours in all variants of the F/A-18 and over 750 carrier-arrested landings.
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CONFERENCE SPEAKERS
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Community Update
![Gil Staley Gil Staley](https://growthzonecmsprodeastus.azureedge.net/sites/1869/2023/09/Gil-Staley-300x300.jpg)
Gil P. Staley
The Woodlands Area Economic Development Partnership
Regional Economic Outlook
![2023 Business Summit Speakers - Lee Simmons (7) 2023 Business Summit Speakers - Lee Simmons (7)](https://growthzonecmsprodeastus.azureedge.net/sites/1869/2023/09/2023-Business-Summit-Speakers-Lee-Simmons-7-300x300.jpg)
Patrick Jankowski
Greater Houston Partnership Chief Economist
Economic Development Panel
![2023 Business Summit Speakers - Lee Simmons (4) 2023 Business Summit Speakers - Lee Simmons (4)](https://growthzonecmsprodeastus.azureedge.net/sites/1869/2023/09/2023-Business-Summit-Speakers-Lee-Simmons-4-300x300.jpg)
State Senator Brandon CreightonĀ
District 4
The Woodlands 50th Anniversary Panel
![Congressman Kevin Brady Congressman Kevin Brady](https://growthzonecmsprodeastus.azureedge.net/sites/1869/2023/09/Congressman-Kevin-Brady-11a8f9d3-247e-46c7-a36b-71e78b97e6e5.jpg)
Former US Congressman Kevin Brady
![Nelda Blair Nelda Blair](https://growthzonecmsprodeastus.azureedge.net/sites/1869/2023/09/Nelda-Blair-59688209-c528-41f8-ac84-86e8e5e6a3a8.jpg)
Nelda Blair, Past Chairman of The Woodlands Area Chamber of Commerce The Blair Law Firm
![2023 Business Summit Speakers - Lee Simmons (8) 2023 Business Summit Speakers - Lee Simmons (8)](https://growthzonecmsprodeastus.azureedge.net/sites/1869/2023/09/2023-Business-Summit-Speakers-Lee-Simmons-8-a683e415-2981-435d-8f30-1592c057e81e.jpg)
Robert Heineman
Vice President of Planning & Design, The Woodlands Development Company
![2023 Business Summit Speakers - Lee Simmons (9) 2023 Business Summit Speakers - Lee Simmons (9)](https://growthzonecmsprodeastus.azureedge.net/sites/1869/2023/09/2023-Business-Summit-Speakers-Lee-Simmons-9-229f162a-bf12-474c-92eb-4f6a6c7a69e4.jpg)
Moderated by Jim Carman, Immediate Past Chairman of The Woodlands Area Chamber of Commerce and President
The Houston Region at The Howard Hughes Corporation
CEO Spotlight
PANEL OF AREA CEO'sĀ