In her 10 of service to the City of Schertz, nothing has gotten past Patty Horan. Patty knows each City of Schertz Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) board member, local developer, and company that has come across the city’s economic development radar since 2010 when she joined the organization. Not only is Patty the first person a visitor sees when stopping by the office or talks with over the phone, but she is also the lifeblood of the Corporation. She manages office operations, coordinates every aspect of the SEDC’s Board meetings, and encourages a collaborative approach to tasks, with this last trait being one that has always distinguished Patty’s relationships with her coworkers and the SEDC’s clients. In this post, we explore Patty’s unique background that has made her such a remarkable team member.
From El Salvador to Texas
Originally from El Salvador, Patty came to the United States with her husband, Thomas, a US Army special forces operator. “Being a military spouse allowed me the opportunity to experience working in various office environments in different industries ranging from medical and manufacturing, to retail and social services. Many of those experiences helped me develop the knowledge and skills that I employ at work today. I truly understand the logistics and financial investments necessary for companies to open their businesses, hire workers, and get their products to market.”
After 20 years of service, Thomas retired from the Army and the couple moved to Florida where they finished raising their kids. Eventually both of their children moved out of the house, so Patty and Thomas decided to explore the country, investing in an RV and traveling the country for the next 3 years. Exploring the United States remains one of Patty’s fondest memories, as they got the opportunity to visit nearly every national park. As their travel adventure ended, Patty and Thomas moved to San Antonio, Texas. “We always knew we wanted to locate to the area, given how friendly and receptive it is to the military.”
Discovering a New Career: Economic Development
Throughout her professional life, it was not until she arrived in Texas that she considered working in economic development. Patty never knew much about municipal government until a chance conversation: “My neighbor was a councilmember, and he explained the role local government plays and how impactful it is to our daily lives. I liked how personal the work felt and that you could directly help those around you. I also saw working in local government as a way of setting down roots and be part of a community.”
Her first economic development job was in Schertz’ neighboring City of Converse where she worked with their director of economic development, Mark Luft. “He was a mentor to me and really helped me understand economic development. One of my life lessons is that you can always learn something new. This is especially true in economic development work as it encompasses so many fields.” As she built her skills and knowledge, her network also grew. It was through this network that she eventually learned of a new job opening with the Schertz economic development team. “I greatly appreciated my time in Converse. It prepared me to move to Schertz and continue my professional growth.”
Patty’s skills were immediately beneficial to the growing City of Schertz. Over the ten-year period that Patty has worked for the SEDC, she has witnessed Schertz evolve from a small San Antonio suburb to one of the region’s leaders in industrial, commercial activity. One development success that spurred this transition happens to be one that Patty is most proud to have worked on: Project Dragon – the 1.2 million square foot Amazon facility that opened in Schertz in 2013. “Amazon’s decision to locate in Schertz helped elevate our community’s profile. It was an incredibly intense project and required a massive amount of confidentiality and trust between our team. I enjoyed working behind the scenes to help make it happen.”
“Home Is Everywhere You Go”
Ask any coworker what Patty brings to the SEDC and the answer usual centers on her ability to forge connections. Patty has learned throughout her life the importance of getting to know those around her on a more personal level.
“One of the most important recommendations I have for others – regardless of what line of work they are in – is to build your people skills. If you walk away from an interaction with someone and find that you have not learned something about him or her, you have failed. I apply this at work: I’ve grown real friendships with coworkers and these relationships mean I wasn’t just here to collect a paycheck. I built something of value with others and they are now part of my life.”
“I think it’s also part of my military connection that I live by the idea that home is everywhere you go,” says Patty. “Coworkers aren’t just people who sit at a desk next to you. My work family is everywhere through my network of shared life experience.”
Congratulations on 10 Years!
On behalf of the City of Schertz Economic Development Corporation and everyone who has had the opportunity to work with Patty, we celebrate her 10-year anniversary with the City and appreciate the work she does on behalf of the Schertz community!