Stacy Schmitt

Stacy Schmitt serves as the Senior Vice President of Communications & External Affairs at Opportunity Austin, the regional economic partnership driving innovation, investment, workforce development, and quality of life throughout the Austin region. In this role, she leads legislative efforts, communications and marketing, and investor relations, strengthening the region’s economic landscape and business community.

An accomplished business professional, Stacy has a proven track record of developing and executing strategic plans, communications campaigns, and global corporate initiatives. She has built and managed relationships with thousands of organizations, leaders, and influencers to drive business growth, brand development, and impactful solutions in fast-paced environments. She is recognized for her proactive leadership, diverse expertise, and ability to lead high-performing teams.

Previously, Stacy served as vice president of corporate retention and expansion at Opportunity Austin focused on business retention and expansion across the five-county Austin region, helping to solidify Austin’s standing as a top-tier economic hub. Under her leadership, the Opportunity Austin received the Mac Conway Award for Excellence in Economic Development from *Site Selection* magazine in both 2019 and 2020.

Most recently she spearheaded strategic marketing and advocacy campaigns to promote economic development initiatives in the Austin region. By collaborating with stakeholder groups, regional partners and investors, Opportunity Austin advocated for policies and initiatives to allow for a strong, balanced economic development ecosystem. Through effective investor relations management, she ensures stakeholders are informed and involved in driving economic growth. Recent successes include a full rebrand of Opportunity Austin and national marketing campaign to increase awareness of the region's growth and business opportunities, as well as a local public safety advocacy campaign.

Before joining Opportunity Austin, Stacy held leadership roles across multiple industries, including serving as assistant to the city manager and public information officer for the City of Hutto, one of Texas' fastest-growing cities. In this role, she managed economic development, marketing, communications, special events and tourism.