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RMDD Staff

Our staff works directly with companies, site selectors, developers, and local businesses to answer questions quickly and keep projects moving.

James P. Gibson, Jr., CEcD, MEDP
Economic Development DirectorJames P. Gibson, Jr., CEcD, MEDP512-446-2111
jim.gibson@rockdalemdd.org
Michelle Toungate
Executive Assistant / BRE CoordinatorMichelle Toungatemtoungate@rockdalemdd.org
Economic Development Director

James P. Gibson, Jr., CEcD, MEDP

Jim Gibson has been the Economic Development Director in Rockdale, Texas, since July 2021, where he is responsible for the planning and execution of the MDD's economic development efforts.

Jim earned an MA in Public Administration from the University of Houston and a BS in Political Science from Sam Houston State University. He graduated from the University of Oklahoma Economic Development Institute (OU-EDI) in 2016 and completed the Advanced Economic Development Leadership program in November 2020. Jim also earned his Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) credential in June 2017 and the Certified Government Finance Officer (CGFO) designation in 2014.

Jim's professional memberships include the International Economic Development Council (IEDC), where he serves on the Education and Certification Committee, and the Texas Economic Development Council (TEDC), where he serves on the Forward Planning and Sales Tax committees. Jim has been married to Janelle since 2000, and they have two young adult daughters, Celeste and Cecily.
Executive Assistant / BRE Coordinator

Michelle Toungate

Michelle Toungate joined the Rockdale MDD as Executive Assistant in November 2022 and now also serves as the Business Retention and Expansion (BRE) Coordinator. Michelle has been married to her husband, Rick, for over 30 years, and they have one son.

Michelle and her husband started their own air conditioning service company, where she managed the business for 13 years. Michelle then worked as a transaction coordinator for a RE/MAX agent in the Central Texas area before moving to their ranch in Rockdale. After moving to Rockdale, Michelle worked for a local real estate agent, handling their marketing and advertising.

Michelle has been involved with the Rockdale Chamber of Commerce and is a graduate of the Leadership Rockdale program.

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