Robert Allen serves as President and CEO of The Texas Economic Development Corporation (TxEDC).  TxEDC is an independently funded and operated 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization responsible for marketing and promoting Texas as a premier business location. Along with the Governor’s Office of Economic Development and Tourism (EDT), these two highly focused organizations make up the cornerstone of Governor Greg Abbott’s economic development agenda to build a stronger Texas.

Appointed by Governor Greg Abbott as Deputy Chief of Staff for the Office of the Governor on January 20, 2015, Robert managed the daily administration and operation of the 250-employee agency. In addition, Robert worked closely with the Director of the Economic Development and Tourism Division to further Governor Abbott’s mission to position Texas as a global leader in economic development and as the best state for business innovation, job creation and continuing economic expansion. He previously served as Deputy Chief of Staff for the Office of the Texas Attorney General where he assisted with the administration of the 4,000-employee agency since 2003. A native Texan, Robert earned a bachelor’s degree from The University of Texas at Austin. He and his wife, Rachel, live in Austin with their two children.