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Executive Vice President/COO, The Greater Houston Partnership

As an undergraduate student at the University of Texas, Tracye McDaniel had dreams of becoming a renowned broadcast journalist. But after volunteering at Austin's Chamber of Commerce, McDaniel fell in love with the world of business. Now as the executive vice president and COO of the Greater Houston Partnership, McDaniel runs the operation for of one of the largest business advocate groups in the world.

"Our board is [comprised] of 135 CEOs," says McDaniel. "They represent national and international companies all over the world. We focus on business development and public policy that supports a healthy business environment." According to McDaniel, the Greater Houston Partnership has a general operating budget of $10 million and a programming budget of $36 million. The sales receipts of its 135 board members equaled $1.9 trillion last year.

"If you take that number, it's greater than all but about six nations," she says. "Our workforce consists of about one in every 12 businesses in Houston."Along with her duties at the Greater Houston Partnership, McDaniel will serve as the honorary chairperson for the 2007 Pinnacle Awards. "I'm very excited about the Pinnacle Awards," she says. "We have Cathy Hughes as the keynote speaker. She will talk about the importance of supporting African American businesses."

For those looking to emulate McDaniel's success, she offers advice that should help them prosper. "In the business world, nothing is constant," she says. "You have to always be open to change that could happen at any time." - amir shaw

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