Marshall Economic Development Celebrates One-Year Anniversaries of Key Team Members

MARSHALL, Texas — November 2025 — Marshall Economic Development proudly celebrates the one-year anniversaries of two valued team members, Vice President of Economic Development Dr. Felecia Herndon and Administrative Coordinator Heather Hill. Both have made significant contributions to advancing Marshall EDC’s mission to foster a thriving, diverse, and resilient local economy through innovation, strategic planning, and collaboration.

Dr. Felecia Herndon joined Marshall Economic Development on October 2, 2024, as Director of Finance and Strategic Initiatives and was soon promoted to Vice President of Economic Development. With more than 15 years of experience in economic development, she has taken a leadership role in financial management, strategic planning, and program execution. “The most rewarding part of my job is being allowed the space to use my skills to carry out the mission of the organization,” said Dr. Herndon. “I enjoy identifying and applying innovative economic development tools that can help position Marshall for sustainable growth.”

She describes Marshall EDC's culture as collaborative and respectful, where diverse backgrounds and expertise spark creative problem-solving. “Our team’s openness and synergy make even the most challenging projects rewarding,” she shared. One of her favorite memories so far was Marshall Economic Development’s Christmas lunch, where she said she felt an immediate sense of belonging. Looking ahead, Dr. Herndon is most excited to see Marshall EDC's new Economic Development Strategic Plan come to life—a plan she helped shape through extensive research and community engagement.

Administrative Coordinator Heather Hill joined the EDC in August 2024, bringing nearly a decade of experience in education. She sought to channel her passion for connecting people and programs into a broader community context. “When I first joined, my focus was largely administrative—supporting meetings, managing logistics, and organizing materials,” Hill said. “Over time, my role has grown to include event coordination, process improvement, and support for workforce initiatives like WE Align, the strategic plan, and the Career Expo.”

Hill finds deep meaning in seeing Marshall EDC’s work impact the community—from helping students explore career pathways to supporting local employers. “It’s meaningful to know that even the behind-the-scenes coordination contributes to lasting local impact,” she shared. She values Marshall EDC’s “collaborative, mission-driven, and adaptive” team environment and credits her colleagues for balancing structure with creativity.

Reflecting on her first year, Hill highlights the Marshall Economic Summit as a standout moment. “Bringing together local leaders, business owners, and educators to discuss the future of our community was inspiring—it really captured the collaborative spirit that defines Marshall,” she said. Looking to the year ahead, Hill is eager to see the Marshall Economic Development strategic planning initiatives come to life and to continue strengthening the organization’s business services.

Executive Director Rush Harris praised both team members for their dedication and leadership. “Felecia and Heather exemplify the professionalism and passion that drive our mission forward,” Harris said. “Their insight, energy, and commitment to collaboration have been vital to our continued growth and success.”

As Marshall Economic Development moves into a new chapter guided by its strategic vision, the organization celebrates the milestones and meaningful contributions of Dr. Felecia Herndon and Heather Hill—two leaders helping shape the future of economic development in Marshall.