President and Chief Executive Officer of the Development Corporation of Abilene (DCOA), Misty Mayo leads the DCOA team with over 30 years of experience in economic development, executive management, strategic planning, and marketing. She is responsible for driving the DCOA’s mission to lead economic growth in Abilene by attracting and sustaining industries that support job creation, foster strong business, and ensure a prosperous community.
Since joining the Abilene Team in August of 2019, Misty has led the DCOA to approve and support over 30 projects assisting new industry growth and existing company expansions and bringing in over $2.7 billion in capital investment to the community.
Prior to her tenure at the DCOA, Misty served as the President and CEO of the Boerne/Kendall County Economic Development Corporation and as the Executive Vice President of the San Antonio Economic Development Foundation. In her various roles, Misty led efforts to create jobs and bring new capital investment through company expansions with businesses like Lancium, Great Lakes Cheese, Primal Pet Group, Becton Dickinson, Medtronic’s National Diabetes Therapy Headquarters, The Capital Group Companies, Petco, Allstate, CST Brands, and Kohl’s shared services center.
An honors graduate of West Texas A&M University, Misty was inducted into the WTAMU Communication Hall of Fame in 2016. She holds several certificates in economic development and non-profit management and serves on a variety of Boards, including contributing as an Advisory Council Board Member of Team Texas and Executive Board Member & Treasurer of the Texas Economic Development Council.
Misty Mayo has led an award-winning team in Abilene, receiving the honor of being recognized as a Top 14 City in the United States for Community Impact Project, Top 15 City in the United States for Corporate Investment Project, and the Number 8 City in the Nation for Economic Development. In 2022, Misty Mayo was named one of the Top 50 Economic Developers in North America.
Misty was recruited to Abilene to lead the DCOA. Misty and her husband, Ted, have three children and a granddaughter. Misty was raised as an “Army Brat”, living in many states and countries, but was fortunate to spend the majority of her life as a Texan.
Certifications:
- Basic Economic Development
- Public Information Act
- Open Meetings Act
- Economic Development Sales Tax
- Strategic Planning
- Change Leadership