Former staffer brings firsthand experience, local insight to economic development board
James Wright has been on both sides of the table at Kilgore Economic Development Corporation. As of Oct. 1, he’s pulled up a chair as a board member, as well.
The past Halliburton executive, former KEDC staffer and current SPL leader was tapped for the economic development organization’s board of directors earlier this fall. He succeeds Revolution’s Tommy Vaughan, bringing decades of industry experience as well as direct knowledge of the EDC’s efforts to recruit, retain and expand Kilgore businesses.
For Wright, now regional laboratory director for SPL’s environmental operations in Texas, the appointment marks another chapter in a longstanding relationship with the EDC.
“It’s full circle now,” he said. “My perspective started a long time back when KEDC helped us do expansions when I was with Halliburton.”
Wright came to appreciate the relationship even more as his role took him to other communities across the country.
“I started to realize how good of a business-friendly community Kilgore and KEDC was,” he said. “I was looking for that same support in different areas, and I wasn’t always getting it.”
The experience eventually brought Wright onto the economic development team itself. He joined Kilgore EDC in 2023 as director of real estate and development, working directly with local companies to address expansion needs, identify opportunities and help move projects forward.
“I truly believe in the mission,” Wright said: “Whether it’s bringing in new business or helping support expanding businesses, it’s genuine. I’ve seen both sides of it.”
Wright’s career spans more than 30 years, including 23 with Halliburton, with experience in operations, real estate, environmental health and safety, risk management and leadership. He also served in the U.S. Marine Corps and law enforcement.
Earlier this year, Wright joined SPL to oversee environmental laboratory operations across Texas, including the company’s Kilgore, Round Rock, Conroe and Plano facilities.
“The Kilgore location is obviously the nearest and dearest to my heart because it’s right in our hometown.”
According to KEDC Board President Alan Pollard, Wright’s broad experience will enhance the organization’s ongoing economic development efforts.
“James brings a unique perspective to our board,” said Pollard, vice president of Communications & Power Industries LLC. “His past experience as both an industry partner and as a staff member will be especially valuable as we put our new Strategic Plan and Program of Work into action, building on our existing industry partnerships while pursuing new opportunities for investment and jobs.”
Wright says Kilgore’s location on Interstate 20 is a particular boon for the community and EDC, boasting easy access to major markets across Texas and Louisiana.
Just as important, though, is the community’s willingness to work together. During Wright’s tenure with Halliburton, he appreciated how KEDC coordinated meetings with local officials and other partners whose expertise could help an expansion move forward.
“They brought everybody to the table to help me expand our business,” Wright said. “Everybody works together with the same goal. That, I think, is a strong asset for an EDC.”
It’s also part of the philosophy behind KEDC’s “Call KEDC Early” initiative; Wright saw the benefits firsthand working with rooted Kilgore employers.
“When I was going out and visiting existing companies in Kilgore, I always was telling them, even if you’re just thinking about expanding, loop us in at that point,” he said. “Sometimes we could even help them with the ideas of how to get it done.”
Now, as a board member, Wright is getting acquainted with KEDC Executive Director Randy Seitz and the organization’s new 2026-2029 Strategic Plan and Fiscal Year 2027 Program of Work.
His immediate priority is getting up to speed on the projects under consideration and helping determine how KEDC can best support them.
“It’s a great time to come in and see what that looks like and see how we can deliver the execution of it.”
