Frances Castañeda Dyess is a native Houstonian, driven by passion for her community and championing the advancement of businesses as the engines of economic progress.
Frances joined the Houston East End Chamber of Commerce in 2010 as President. Under her leadership, she’s driven significant growth in Chamber membership and operating revenue, solidifying the economic presence, investment and clout of this area adjacent to downtown Houston.
In addition to creating economic and workforce development programs, East End member businesses have followed her lead by creating and leveraging new relationships and strategic partnerships.
Much of her passion for the East End stems from her deep dedication to her childhood community. Frances helped launch a new initiative, the East End Education Symposium, to highlight the national shortage of engineering graduates and skilled technicians throughout the U.S. She also helped create and launch East End My Career Path, a soft-skills program that prepares students for college and careers.
Prior to joining the Chamber, Frances was Director of Corporate Services for the Houston Rockets. A graduate of Southern Methodist University, she worked in the advertising industry in Dallas and returned to her beloved Houston with Lopez Negrete Communications.
Frances believes deeply in the power of community and supports numerous community causes throughout Houston. She chaired the 2009 Talento Bilingue de Houston (TBH) Gala; the 2011 Girls Inc. Luncheon; in 2013 co-chaired the El Centro de Corazon Luncheon; and the 2016 working chair for CPS’s 50th Anniversary Luncheon.
This year she began her fourth year mentoring girls at Galveston’s Ball High School through Texas Executive Women, and annually, she organizes a senior student luncheon with scholarship awards to seniors. She is a former board member of the Sam Houston Council Boy Scouts, Texas Executive Women, and TBH.
Her current Board of Director appointments include:
- American Leadership Forum
- Harris County Child Protective Services
- East Downtown RA/TIRZ
Frances is also a member of:
- Houston Community College Bond Oversight Committee
- Rotary Club of Harrisburg
- American Leadership Forum Class of XXVII
Among her many honors, Frances was named one of Houston’s 50 Most Influential Women of 2015 by Houston Woman Magazine. She was also recognized as a 2012 Outstanding Hispanic Community Leader by the Houston Dynamos, a 2010 Hispanic Women in Leadership Recipient, and a 2008 Woman on the Move.
She has completed ten full marathons and enjoys world traveling with her husband, John and spending time at their East End home with their German Shepherd dogs.
Frances Castañeda Dyess
President
Houston East End Chamber of Commerce
550 Gulfgate Center
Houston, TX 77087
713-926-3305
frances@eecoc.org
www.eecoc.org
