Charisse Bodisch
Austin Chamber of Commerce
Senior Vice President
Economic Development
As a 26+ year veteran in economic development, Charisse has worked in every aspect of the industry. As the Senior Vice President of Economic Development with the Austin Chamber of Commerce, (and through the regional economic development initiative Opportunity Austin) she leads the team dedicated to business recruitment of new corporate citizens and expansion of the local industry base for the five-county Greater Austin, Texas Region. The Austin Chamber of Commerce was ranked as one of the 2016 Top U.S. Economic Development Groups; receiving the Mac Award for Excellence in Economic Development by Site Selection magazine.
In her previous role at the Austin Chamber as VP Economic Development, she specialized in the recruitment of corporate headquarters, software-related companies, back office operations, contact/support centers, data centers, life sciences, general manufacturing and others.
Prior to coming to the Austin Chamber of Commerce in 2006, she served as CEO/Executive Director of the Allen, TX Economic Development Corporation (AEDC). Under her leadership, the AEDC owned and developed industrial and office land and facilitated new development projects including industrial, office (Class A and value), urban retail mixed-use and specialty facilities. Her office was responsible for the recruitment, retention and expansion of a number of companies. While in Allen, Charisse was presented with the Spirit of Allen Award, the highest honor bestowed upon an individual. She was also recognized as one of Collin County’s 21 for the 21st Century. She has held positions in McKinney, TX and Kilgore, TX.
Charisse holds the designation of Certified Economic Developer, the highest trade designation for economic developers. Charisse was named as one of 2016’s North America’s Top 50 Economic Developers by Consultant Connect. She serves on the Capital Area Economic Development District Board; as Secretary on the Central Texas Foreign Trade Zone Board; and as a member of TEDC (Texas Economic Development Council), IEDC (International Economic Development Council) and IAMC (International Asset Management Council). She also volunteers with the Austin Chamber’s Financial Aid for Students program.
