Houston Mayor John Whitmire isn't sure why Gulfton residents want to go to the Galleria.
Houston Chronicle/Hearst Newspap/Houston Chronicle via Getty
Image
Mayor John Whitmire, who filled several vacant senior department positions at the beginning of the year, continues to make appointments. This time, he has found a permanent director to lead the Planning and Development Department.
In a memo to Houston City Council, Whitmire announced Vonn Tran's appointment as the city's director of land development, sidewalk construction, historic preservation, and transportation planning. The appointment is subject to a
city council vote, which will take place on July 17.
Tran has over 20 years of experience in commercial real estate, working for major local office leasing companies like Edge Realty Partners, Midway Companies, and MetroNational. She's also a former board member of two East Downtown Redevelopment Authority, Memorial City Redevelopment Authority, and Harris County Memorial City Management District.
"She has extensive experience in commercial real estate and knows how to bring parties together to solve problems," Whitmire said in a memo to Houston City Council members. "She has a customer-centric focus that will take the department to the next level."
"I am grateful for Mayor Whitmire's confidence in me to lead the Planning Department. I look forward to working collaboratively
for the good of Houston," Train said in a statement.
Tran replaces interim director Jennifer Ostlind, who took over the department in January after Margaret Wallace Brown retired following nearly 40 years of service at the city.
In an email obtained by Chron, Ostlind announced Tran's appointment to her staff, followed up by news that she will retire from the city. Her last day will be July 26.
"I am hopeful that we will emerge from months of uncertainty with a clear director and strong focus on the good work we're known for," Ostlind
said in the email.
"I'll do everything I can during that time to ensure a smooth transition," Ostlind added.
