The East Montgomery County Improvement District (EMCID), a political subdivision of the State of Texas responsible for economic development in the eastern half of Montgomery County, is pleased to announce the promotion of Kelley Barr Mattlage to the position of Chief Operating Officer (COO), effective January 1, 2026. This strategic decision reflects the district’s commitment to recognizing and elevating exceptional internal talent, particularly those who demonstrate a deep understanding of EMCID’s operations and strategic direction.
In her new role as COO, Mattlage will oversee the day-to-day administrative and operational functions of the organization, ensuring internal efficiency and alignment with EMCID’s growth objectives. Mattlage, who joined EMCID in 2014 and currently serves as Chief Communications Officer, will maintain responsibility for overall marketing and public relations strategies. She will also add human resources, event and office management, and liaison duties to the District’s 210,070-square-foot convention center, set to open in late 2026.
Kelley brings a unique perspective to the role of COO, having successfully implemented branding and marketing campaigns that strengthened community relations and attracted global businesses seeking expansion opportunities. During her tenure, she introduced The Insider, EMCID’s newsletter, to more than 50,000 households in East Montgomery County, increased social media followers by more than 1,000 percent, and spearheaded EMCID’s largest and most successful A Holiday to Remember ice-skating event in 2020, which drew 34,911 attendees.
Outside of communications, she has participated in the recruitment of numerous domestic and international companies to EMCID’s industrial park and collaborated with architects of the convention center to help create the best user experience for future visitors.
“Promoting Kelley to Chief Operating Officer was a natural decision, rooted in her expertise, dedication, and deep understanding of the intricacies of our unique organization, needs of the community, and strategic vision,” said Frank McCrady, President and CEO. “The Board of Directors and I value her judgment and business acumen. She has a common-sense approach, and I have often looked to her to oversee tough jobs or provide her perspective on issues. Her proven leadership over the last 11-plus years has prepared her to take on the broader operational responsibilities that are critical for our next phase of growth.”
“I am truly excited about the opportunities this role provides, and I’m well-equipped to manage the challenges that come along with it,” Mattlage said. “I look forward to working with our talented team to optimize our processes and more efficiently realize our goals, putting forth a company image employees can get behind and the community can support. These are exciting times for EMCID, and I am honored to help lead the organization into the future.”
The East Montgomery County Improvement District (EMCID) is a political subdivision of the State of Texas responsible for developing and encouraging economic and community development within its 158-square-mile boundaries, about 25 minutes northeast of downtown Houston. Seeking improvements in jobs and amenities, community members in 1997 encouraged state legislation, and voters approved creation of the district as a sales-taxing authority within eastern Montgomery County. Led by a board of eight elected individuals, EMCID strategically evaluates opportunities in retail, commercial and industrial development and how they complement each other.
Kelley brings nearly 30 years of leadership experience in media, public relations, and marketing. Before joining EMCID, she served as Director of Communications & Community Relations at New Caney ISD, Executive Director of the New Caney ISD Education Foundation, and Director of Communications at St. Martin’s Episcopal Church. An Emmy Award-winning television journalist, she was recognized for her work as an evening news anchor at KCEN-TV, the NBC affiliate in Waco, and also served as Promotions & Marketing Manager for KWTX-TV, the CBS affiliate in Waco.
Kelley holds a Master of Arts in Strategic Communications from Washington State University and a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Radio/Television/Film from Sam Houston State University. She is a certified Professional Community and Economic Developer (PCED) and a member of the Southern Economic Development Council and the Society for Human Resource Management.