Tony Kaai, CEcD
President

About Tony

Tony has been in the economic development business for over 35 years.  He attained “Certified Economic Developer” status in 1993. He spent 15 years in Oklahoma and the last 20 in Denison, TX.  During his tenure in Oklahoma, he served as the President of the Oklahoma Economic Development Council.  In 1994 he was recognized as the “Professional of the Year” by the OEDC.   In Texas he has served on Board of Director of the Texas Economic Development Council.  Denison Development Alliance was awarded “Community of the Year” in 2005 and 4 other awards over his tenure for outstanding programs by the TEDC.

Tony has extensive experience in assisting/recruiting back office, manufacturing, retail, and entertainment businesses.

Email tkaai@denisontx.org
Office: 903.464.0883     Cell: 903.821.8088

William Myers, CEcD
Vice President of Business Development

About William

William joined the Denison Development Alliance and Denison Industrial Foundation in December 2013. He helped create Tax-Increment Reinvestment Zone #3 for Downtown Denison; was instrumental in the formation of the Texoma Craft Beverage Alliance for Grayson College; initiated the effort to recruit a developer for a pending, 7-story, Denison Hotel loft redevelopment downtown; and manages the façade incentive grant program. William also serves on the Board of Directors of the Texoma Health Foundation, where he is a past Chairman.

Prior to working with DDA, William served as Executive Director for Bridgeport, TX EDC (2005-2013) where he helped create two Tax-Increment Reinvestment Zones; and formed the Bridgeport Main Street program. William served on the Weatherford College Wise County Task Force and the Site Selection Committee while preparing for a Branch Campus Maintenance Tax Election to fund a new, 50-acre campus and 90,000 sf facility. He helped form Endeavor Bridgeport, a 1,125-acre industrial and recreational Public/Private Partnership, which received a Texas Economic Development Council 2011 Community Economic Development Award.

A graduate from Texas Tech University (‘97 BBA – finance/real estate); William worked as a Realtor and obtained his Texas Real Estate Broker’s license in 1999. He was marketing director for a manufacturing firm from 2003-2005. In 2007 he graduated from Economic Development Institute and is serving his third term on the Texas Economic Development Council Board of Directors. In 2018 he earned the Certified Economic Developer designation.

William and his wife Kelly, a teacher, have two children: McKenna and Will.

Email wmyers@denisontx.org
Office: 903.464.0883     Cell: 903.821.8028

Loretta Rhoden
Vice President of Operations

About Loretta

Loretta Rhoden has been with the Denison Development Alliance since September, 2000, where she started as the Executive Secretary, and was promoted to Vice President of Operations in September 2005.

Prior to working with DDA, Loretta lived in Colorado, and worked for a top-rated investigative firm which specialized in high profile cases including the Jon Benet Ramsey case and others. During her stay in Colorado, she also worked for a non-profit organization providing services to developmentally disabled adults.

Loretta is a graduate of Denison High School, and holds an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Microcomputer Applications from Grayson College, where she was recognized for academic excellence and leadership. She is also a graduate of Columbia College with a Bachelor of Arts in Public Administration. Loretta has earned the Competent Toastmaster and Competent Leader Awards from Toastmasters International.

Loretta lives in Denison with her husband, Bob, and their sons.

Email lrhoden@denisontx.org
Office: 903.464.0883