Austin, TX – March 4, 2025 – Today, the board of directors at Opportunity Austin has formally announced that Casey Dobson, partner at Scott Douglass & McConnico, will serve as its new chairman. This appointment marks a new chapter in the organization’s mission to drive economic growth and global investment in the Austin region. Dobson has succeeded Gary Farmer, president of Heritage Title Company of Austin, Inc., who founded the organization in 2003 and has led the organization as board chair for 16 years of its 22-year history. Dobson officially stepped into the role on January 1, 2025. Farmer will remain active on the board as a key strategic contributor.
“I’m proud to step into the role as Opportunity Austin’s chairman and ready to build on the strong foundation that OA has laid to continue strengthening the Austin region’s economic momentum,” Dobson said. “OA’s work and success would not have been possible without the help of Gary’s leadership over the past 20 years. We’re grateful that he will continue to serve on the board and further our 5.0 strategic plan. Looking ahead, I’m focused on expanding our international impact by attracting foreign investment and driving business growth. With life sciences as a key priority, we will continue collaborating with regional partners to strengthen our ecosystem and build lasting economic success.”
For more than a decade, Dobson has played a key role in shaping Opportunity Austin’s impact on the region. Joining the board of directors in 2012 and serving as vice chair since 2017, he has played a critical role in driving economic success for the Austin region. His leadership has contributed to transformative initiatives, including investments like the Tesla Inc. gigafactory.
“It has been a privilege to help lead this organization for over 20 years,” Gary Farmer, president of Heritage Title Company of Austin, Inc., said. “The work of Opportunity Austin aims to create economic resilience, and with Ed and Casey at the helm, that work will only accelerate. Together, we will keep creating jobs, driving momentum and laying the foundation for future generations.”
The OA board also welcomed the following new board members, who bring expertise across finance, healthcare, real estate and technology.
- David Brewton, managing director, JP Morgan Chase
- Michael Crowl, chief executive officer, University Federal Credit Union
- Miguel Romano, president of foundations, Ascension Texas
- Jeremy Smitheal, partner, Riverside Resources
- Alison Walgren, central Texas managing principal, Deloitte
“We are thrilled to welcome such an accomplished group of professionals to our board and usher in Casey as chairman,” Edward Latson, chief executive officer of Opportunity Austin, said. “Their leadership and expertise come during an exciting time for Opportunity Austin and the Austin region. As our economy continues to grow, attracting business and talent from across the world, I have no doubt this group will play a vital role in driving sustained growth and innovation, further positioning the region as a national leader in economic development.”
Opportunity Austin has created more than 700,000 jobs since its inception in 2004. The organization leads regional economic development efforts and collaborates with regional partners on industry diversification, workforce development and infrastructure improvements to continue successful business recruitment and retention.
About Opportunity Austin
Opportunity Austin is the regional economic partnership fostering innovation, investment, workforce development, and livability across the Austin region. Harnessing the region’s unrivaled economic momentum, its mission is to be a force multiplier for businesses that share the drive for enduring prosperity. Ultimately, the organization improves the strength, power, and performance of our region and those who do business within it.
