RENEE HENDERSON EARLS, IOM

Renee’ Henderson Earls proudly serves as the President/Chief Executive Officer of the Odessa Chamber of Commerce.  Prior to Renee’ joining the staff of the Chamber in 2016, she served as a volunteer, board member and Chair of the organization over a span of 20 years.  The Chamber has more than 725 members and focuses on membership/events, tourism and economic development for Odessa, Ector County and the Permian Basin. Renee proudly graduated from the US Chamber’s Institute for Organizational Management (IOM) in January 2019.    

 

As a native Odessan, it’s no surprise Renee is the community’s biggest cheerleader.  She graduated from Permian High School, attended Odessa College and Texas Tech University, where she obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Broadcast Journalism.  She began her professional career as an anchor and reporter for ABC affiliate KMID-TV Big 2.  She then left the journalism field and worked 14 years as the Executive Director of Communications & Marketing at Medical Center Hospital.  In 1999, Renee and her husband, Richard, took over as Publishers of THE ODESSAN MAGAZINE, INC., the longest running Community Magazine in Texas.  They also have Presto Publishing, which publishes company newsletters and other community publications. 

 

Renee is passionate about volunteering and helping to make a difference in her hometown.  She has served as President of numerous boards including the Odessa College Foundation, ECISD Education Foundation, Medical Center Health System Foundation, United Way and the Junior League of Odessa.  Renee also serves as an Elder at Connection Christian Church, formerly known as First Christian Church.

 

In her free time, Renee’ enjoys watching college sports, especially her Texas Tech Red Raiders. Together, she and Rich have 3 children and two grandchildren.  Her motto for a successful life:  “Whatever thy hand finds to do; Do it with all thy might”.