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McKinney Economic Development Corporation Names Aaron Werner Senior Vice President
Proven McKinney leader strengthens the MEDC leadership team with years of experience building the McKinney story and advancing its economic future.
MCKINNEY, Texas (August 26, 2026). The McKinney Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) today announced the appointment of Aaron Werner as Senior Vice President. Werner joins the MEDC leadership team following a successful tenure leading Visit McKinney, where he helped elevate the city as a premier destination for visitors, major events, and business travel.
A familiar and trusted leader across McKinney, Werner has worked closely with the MEDC and its partners for years. His experience in destination development, placemaking, partnership building, and organizational leadership brings valuable continuity as MEDC enters its next phase of growth.
“Aaron is exactly the leader this next chapter calls for,” said Michael Kowski, President and CEO of the MEDC. “He knows this community, builds strong teams, and has worked alongside us for years. Adding a proven leader from within the McKinney family brings exceptional talent and continuity while preserving the collaborative, high-performing culture that makes this organization successful.”
“McKinney has one of the best stories in Texas, and I have had the privilege of helping tell it for years,” said Werner. “Economic development and tourism are deeply connected. I am honored to join the MEDC team, and I am excited to keep driving that story forward alongside the people and partners who make McKinney what it is.”
Werner will begin his new role on September 21st.
Werner’s connection to McKinney began downtown, where he served as McKinney Main Street Program Coordinator and worked in marketing and development for the McKinney Performing Arts Center and McKinney Main Street.
During 4 years at Visit McKinney, Werner built a sports tourism engine that recruited and hosted major regional, national, and international events, including the NCAA Division II Football National Championship, the Billie Jean King Cup, the PPA Tour’s Texas Open, the U90C International Girls Cup, the U.S. Senior Pickleball South Zone Championship, and the NJCAA Tennis Championships.
He also led McKinney through the Tourism Friendly Texas certification process and reimagined the Visit McKinney Visitors Center, including adding the McKinney Shop to showcase locally inspired merchandise.
Before returning to McKinney, Werner served the City of Denison as Director of Leisure Services and Managing Director of Communications and Engagement, leading teams across parks, recreation, events, and communications. He was selected for Leadership ICMA, a national leadership program of the International City/County Management Association.
Werner holds a Master of Public Administration from the University of Texas at Arlington. In April 2026, he earned the Certified Destination Management Executive (CDME) designation through Destinations International, the tourism industry’s highest individual credential, and he also holds the Destination Management Specialist (DMS) certification. He is a past President of the Texas Downtown Association Board and has served on the boards of Destinations Texas and the Texas Travel Alliance.
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ABOUT THE MCKINNEY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION (MEDC)
The McKinney Economic Development Corporation promotes and sustains economic growth, job creation, and capital investment in the City of McKinney through strategic initiatives that support businesses of all sizes, from startups to global headquarters. For more information, visit www.uniquemckinney.com.
ABOUT THE CITY OF MCKINNEY
McKinney, Texas, is a fast-growing community in the Dallas-Fort Worth region known for its strong business climate, highly educated workforce, historic downtown, nationally recognized quality of life, and commitment to thoughtful growth. With a population of more than 240,000, McKinney has earned national recognition for its real estate market, public safety, parks, and overall livability, making it a premier destination for businesses, talent, and investment. For more information, visit McKinneyTexas.org.
Media Contact
Luke Gajary
Marketing and Social Media Manager, McKinney Economic Development Corporation
lgajary@mckinneyedc.com
972-547-7691
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