The Houston Heights Association is proud to finally announce the hiring of our inaugural Executive Director, Emily Guyre. Following an exhaustive, nearly five month-long search and bringing to fruition an idea hatched by the Board of Directors in 2017, Emily’s hiring represents a new era for the HHA in its 45th year. What was founded as a neighborhood association for the improvement of one of Houston’s oldest residential communities has become a sustainable model for urban placemaking that is widely recognized in the region. The Board’s goal for hiring an Executive Director has been to preserve the neighborhood’s dense, historic hometown feel while allowing it to also become a neighborhood for the 21st century and beyond.

Arriving at Emily’s hiring was no small feat. Over 440 applications were received, and the final rounds of candidates reflected a wealth of talent and passion from within and around the neighborhood that made the final decision painstaking yet ultimately unanimous. ”We are so grateful for the time and consideration we received from those who interviewed, “ says 2017-2018 HHA President Bill Baldwin. “The caliber of the candidates re-ignited the fervor of the Board to continue to carry out the HHA’s mission.” He continues, “At the end of the day, Emily’s uncommon passion and experience were undeniable as the best fit for the organization’s next chapter. We are exceedingly proud to welcome her.”

Emily is a 3rd generation Houstonian who has lived in the Heights for 16 years with her husband Jason. She is founder of the not-for-profit Learn Local for Hogg Middle School, a transformative take on the Parent Teacher Organization that she established in 2013 in order to bolster Hogg’s place in the community. Emily’s leadership experience spans civic associations, PTAs, and events and meets wonderfully with the wide-ranging demands of the ED role.

“As I step into the new role of Executive Director of the HHA, I am filled with excitement knowing that I will have the opportunity to connect with more neighbors and local businesses, and support current and new events and fundraisers that will benefit the Heights,” expresses Emily, whose first day in the position was September 4th.

“What sets us apart from other neighborhoods and associations of our kind is our unique history and the generations of exceptional leadership before us, from Carl Cohen to Stacey Courville,” says Bill. “All of it has put us in the fortunate position to now have someone dedicated full-time to the ongoing strengthening of our neighborhood for the benefit of Heights residents today and tomorrow.”

Emily echoes Bill’s excitement for what is in store and shares the spirit of reverence for the past: “I am passionate about preserving our history while developing a plan to take us into the future.”

Please join us in welcoming Emily, and be on the lookout for updates from her in future newsletters.