Ed Latson is the CEO of Opportunity Austin, the economic development organization aimed at fostering job-creating investment in the five-county Central Texas region. Top priorities include boosting economic diversification to strengthen the economy, deepening the talent pool, and keeping the region attractive to entrepreneurs, business leaders, and the community through advocacy on issues ranging from regional transportation, housing, and water resources. 

Before Opportunity Austin, Ed founded and served as the CEO of ARMA, a pioneering association championing the interests of manufacturers, particularly in the fields of semiconductors and advanced electronics. 

Ed is a native Austinite and graduate of the University of Texas. He remains deeply committed to the community, serving on various boards and advisory groups including the United Way, Junior Achievement, the Capital Area Economic Development District, Austin Community College, Texas State Technical College, and Austin ISD.  

 The Business Journal named him as one of the “100 Texans to Watch.”