The City of Lockhart is excited to announce Michael Kamerlander has been selected as the new Lockhart Economic Development Director.

Mr. Kamerlander has over 9 years of experience in the economic development field. His past roles include serving as the Vice-President for the Greater San Marcos Partnership, Director of Business Retention and Expansion for the Austin Chamber of Commerce, and most recently as the Executive Director of the Bastrop Economic Development Corporation. Mr. Kamerlander is also a former policy analyst for the Texas Senate. Mr. Kamerlander graduated from the University of Texas with a bachelor’s degree in government and in early 2019 he earned the designation of Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) from the International Economic Development Council. Mr. Kamerlander was nationally recognized as a recipient of the Development Counsellors International 40 Under 40 Award in Economic Development. This award program recognizes top rising stars under 40 years old in the economic development industry.

While at the Greater San Marcos Partnership. Mr. Kamerlander was active in the successful recruitment of the Amazon Fulfillment Center which employs over 3,000 workers. Mr. Kamerlander also held a key role in the recruitment of the Best Buy E-Commerce Center employing over 100 workers. As part of the Bastrop Economic Development Corporation, he pursed and leveraged grants such as a $1.5 million EDA grant to construct road infrastructure which would result in over 100 acres of accessible commerciat land for development. In Bastrop he also launched a 5-year strategic plan as well as redevelopment of downtown commercial space to enhance Main Street and provide new options in the area. Mr. Kamerlander is a member of the Texas Economic Development Council. International Economic Development Council, Foreign Trade Zone 183, and a graduate of Leadership San Marcos.

The City of Lockhart began recruitment efforts this past spring after the retirement announcement of Lockhart Economic Development Director Rob Tobias. 11 applications were received from highly qualified individuals from 3 three states. Three candidates were invited in for a series of interviews. Mr. Kamerlander, standing out above the entire applicant pool, was selected by the City Manager who serves as the Lockhart Economic Development Corporation President. Mr. Kamerlander is anticipated to join the Lockhart team June 10. 2019.

City Manager Steven Lewis said, "This was a very competitive process. Mr. Kamerlander stood out and I am excited to have him join the Lockhart Team. Mr. Kamerlander is very familiar with the area and with our community. He will bring
experience and firsthand acknowledge to economic development in Lockhart."

“I had the pleasure of getting to know Lockhart during my tenure at the Greater San Marcos Partnership,” said Mr. Kamerlander. "It’s a diverse city with a charming personality and I‘m excited about the opportunities ahead for local residents and employers. I appreciate the confidence vested in me to help shape the community's economy.”  - Michael Kamerlander

Contact: Steven Lewis. City Manager and LEDC President
Number: (512) 398-3461