Vonn Tran to lead Houston planning and development

Mayor John Whitmire has hired Vonn Tran to take over Houston’s planning and development department.

Tran previously served on the board of directors of the city’s East Downtown Redevelopment Authority and Memorial City TIRZs, as well as the Harris County Memorial City Management District. She currently serves as vice president of Edge Realty Partners.

“She has extensive experience in commercial real estate and knows how to bring parties together to resolve issues,” Whitmire wrote in a memo announcing Tran’s hiring Wednesday afternoon.

In a statement Friday, Whitmire wrote: “It’s refreshing to find someone like Vonn Tran who wants to give back to Houston through public service after having a successful career in the private sector. She will bring a new perspective on what it means to be customer-centric with her background in commercial real estate.”

Tran will replace interim director Jennifer Ostlind, who will retire July 26, said Mary Benton, a Whitmire spokeswoman.

“I am grateful for Mayor Whitmire’s confidence in me to lead the Planning Department,” Tran said in a statement released Friday. “I look forward to working collaboratively for the betterment of Houston.”

The Houston City Council will vote to confirm Tran’s appointment on July 17.