Director of Service – Richard Cantu
Richard joined the district as Director of Community Services & Public Safety in October of 2008. Richard brings almost twenty years of public services management experience to his position with East Aldine. He received his Associates Degree in Government from HCC in 1991 and his BA in Political Science from the University of Houston in 1994.
Richard joined the City of Houston as a Recreation Supervisor in 1992. His tenure in the Parks Department included serving as founding Program Manager of the Office of Community Mobilization, and Director of Moody Park Community Center. In 2000, he was appointed Director of the Mayor’s Citizens’ Assistance Office (MCAO) and served for six years under Mayors Brown and White. Richard also served as Manager of the Youth Services Department, and simultaneously as, Community Developer/Center Director for Harbach-Ripley Center, of Neighborhood Centers Inc.
Richard currently serves on the boards of the Houston Intercontinental Chamber of Commerce, and the Greens Bayou Corridor Coalition. He is in the current Leadership North Houston class, and is a graduate of both the Houston Police Department and the Harris County Sheriff’s Office – Citizens’ Police Academy. He is past president of the Hawthorne Place Civic Club and has served as Precinct Chairman (105) for 15 years. Active with the Knights of Columbus – Council 8247, and the Northside National Little League, Richard also co-founded the Northside Precinct Judges.
In his current role, Richard directs the day to day operation of the East Aldine District, including the implementation of projects which advance the EAMD Service and Improvement Plan. If you have any questions and/or comments regarding the district’s Community Services & Public Safety initiatives, please call Richard at the District office at (713) 595-1220.
Director of Public Infrastructure – Scott Bean
Responsible for overseeing management of special purpose districts with an emphasis on public infrastructure construction and developer reimbursements. Develops project and assessment plans for the creation of tax increment reinvestment zones and public improvement districts. Consults on economic development, public infrastructure, and public policy issues on behalf of local government clients.
Professional Experience
Harris County Public Infrastructure Department – Program Manager, 2001-2003
Administered Storm Water Quality management program with regard to new construction and subdivision development in unincorporated Harris County. Managed a seven (7) person team that provided review of all new development proposals, including review and approval of construction plans, required permits, and inspection and enforcement of urban storm water runoff regulations and permanent storm water quality features. Provided guidance on storm water policy at the local and regional level through workshops and forums.
Houston-Galveston Area Council of Governments (H-GAC) – Senior Environmental Planner, 1999-2001
Managed various projects relating to regional wastewater infrastructure needs, pollutant loadings, and population forecasts with Community and Environmental Planning Department. Authored paper on wastewater infrastructure regionalization in the 13-county Gulf Coast Planning Region. Assisted the H-GAC transportation department with land use and transportation integration issues.
City of Houston Department of Public Works & Engineering – Supervisor, 1993-1999
Worked extensively with consulting engineers, developers, and home builders on water and wastewater infrastructure and capacity needs for new development proposals. Issued service commitments, and collected water/wastewater impact fees. Negotiated contracts with municipal utility districts and neighboring cities for service in city of Houston wastewater treatment plants. Performed utility investigations for proposals to abandon or relocate city rights-of-way and utility easements to facilitate new development.
Director of Economic Development – Gretchen Larson
In December 2008, Gretchen Larson joined the East Aldine team as its new Economic Development Director. Gretchen has a successful track record in new business development, workforce retention initiatives, small business development, and job training. Her background includes prior employment at the City of La Porte, Texas, specializing in economic development, as well as positions in city administration and management in both Aransas Pass and Leon Valley, Texas.
She holds memberships in the Texas Economic Development Council, the International Economic Development Council and the International Council of Shopping Centers. She has an undergraduate degree in Political Science and a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Texas at San Antonio.
She is currently working on a variety of projects designed to boost business marketing and public relations functions that are essential for encouraging business retention and expansion in the District. Projects include development of business retention, expansion and attraction plans, website refurbishment, and exploring opportunities for participation in tradeshows and other meeting venues to spread the word about the District to the development community. If you would like to visit with Gretchen regarding economic development initiatives in the District or have suggestions for us you may contact her at (713) 595-1215.