Chuck Wemple, Houston-Galveston Area Council executive director, announced Jan. 23 that he will retire in August following nearly 24 years with the agency.
Two-minute impact
During Wemple’s time as executive director, H-GAC’s operating budget nearly doubled, reaching $600 million, and the organization’s team grew to almost 500 members, according to a news release.
The board of directors will conduct a national search for Wemple’s replacement, per the release. His retirement is effective Aug. 20.
About the organization
Composed of 13 counties, H-GAC is an organization through which local governments collaborate to guide development and prevent and solve issues facing the region, according to the council’s website.
The organization has been nationally recognized for its services to local communities, per the news release, including programs for children and seniors, funding opportunities for disaster and emergency response, and a variety of public safety initiatives.
Quote of note
“After working alongside Chuck for over a decade, I can say there’s been a lot to be proud of and even more to be thankful for,” Jay Knight, Liberty County judge and chair of the H-GAC board of directors, said in a statement. “Chuck’s steady vision, can-do spirit and willingness to try new things have truly set this organization apart. Thanks to his leadership, we’ve become the benchmark for councils across the country.”