KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
April 18, 2019
By Natalie Cook Clark
The Katy Chamber of Commerce has hired a new CEO, Matthew Ferraro, one year after former President and CEO, Ann Hodge left the position. The Chamber also announced the opening of a new Katy office during this exciting time of growth.
Matthew Ferraro announced as new Katy Area Chamber of Commerce CEO. Photo Credit: Katy Chamber
Katy Chamber Announces New CEO
After a year of much change, the Katy Area Chamber of Commerce announces the hiring of Matthew Ferraro as the new Chief Executive Officer. Ferraro comes to the Katy Chamber from the Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce, where he most recently served as Vice President.
“I’m excited about the opportunities that the Katy Chamber has to offer its community,” Ferraro said. “I’m eager to get to work and help the Chamber grow to reach its full potential.”
Board Expresses Welcome
“We are very excited to welcome Matthew,” said Marcus Henneke, Katy Chamber Chairman of the Board. “With the amazing growth of the Katy area, we can’t wait for him to lead our Chamber. We think members will be excited to meet Matthew and work with us as we take the Chamber to unprecedented heights.”
An Aggie with Experience to Serve
Ferraro comes to Katy with seven years experience in non-profit organization management. He's a 2012 Texas A&M graduate in Recreation, Park, and Tourism Management. Ferraro is also a graduate of the United States Chamber of Commerce Institute for Organizational Management (IOM), a premier four-year professional development program.
Ferraro Knows Katy
While Ferraro begins work as CEO on April 29, he already knows the community. Ferraro, his wife Sarabeth, and their son Hudson live in Katy with their Boston Terrier Winston.
“I look forward to building relationships with our businesses and community leaders,” says Ferraro. “They need to know that their Chamber is going to be focused on working for them.”
Progress After Much Change
The Chamber hasn't had a CEO since former President and CEO, Ann Hodge quietly left last April without any announcement to members. Hodge was with the chamber since 1999 and was instrumental in many initiatives and programs benefiting Katy through the years. The change in leadership came as a surprise to most.
Chamber Opens New Office
The Chamber also announces its new permanent location, at 814 East Ave, Suite F, Katy, TX 77493.
“This is an exciting time for the Katy Chamber,” Henneke said. “Coupled with Matthew’s hiring, our newly renovated office will allow us to serve our members better.”