Your Partners for Success in Temple

— Adrian Cannady joined Temple EDC as president and CEO in September 2018. Adrian previously led the Victoria Economic Development Corporation as vice president of marketing, where he helped expand local industry and attract new business to the region. Adrian attended the United States Military Academy at West Point, N.Y. In his 3 years at the academy he studied Civil Engineering and Political Science while undergoing rigorous leadership training. He holds a Master of Science degree in Economic Development and Entrepreneurship from the University of Houston and is a graduate of the Center for Retail Studies in San Antonio, TX; and the University of Oklahoma’s Economic Development Institute in Norman, OK. He is a member of the Texas Economic Development Council and International Economic Development Council and serves on the boards of Team Texas and the Texas Economic Development Council.

— Tom Long was appointed as Vice President of the Temple Economic Development Corporation in April 2023. He leads the recruitment and expansion of targeted companies in the Temple area and strengthens relationships with partners to promote global business opportunities. Tom specializes in manufacturing, distribution, and data centers and holds a Master of Science degree in Economic Geography from the University of North Carolina. He is a Certified Economic Developer and an active member of several professional organizations, including the Texas Economic Development Council and the International Economic Development Council. Additionally, he serves on the Board of Directors for the Southern Economic Development Council. Prior to joining the Temple EDC, Tom served as the Managing Director of greater:SATX, the San Antonio regional economic development partnership, and also worked for CPS Energy in San Antonio. With almost 40 years of experience in economic development, Tom has worked for various organizations in the public and private sectors in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Texas. Despite being raised in North Carolina, he considers central Texas his home and remains a loyal Tarheel fan, as well as being partial to pork BBQ.

— A Central Texas native, Jennifer Avery joined Temple EDC in June 2014. As operations director, she oversees the administrative and financial duties in cooperation with executive staff. Jennifer also oversees the Santa Fe Business Center, which houses the Temple EDC, Temple Chamber of Commerce and Workforce Solutions of Central Texas. Prior to joining the Temple EDC, Jennifer was an assistant branch manager at BBVA Compass.