MEET THE TEAM


 

Elizabeth Huff
Director of Economic Development
(281)275-2229
ehuff@sugarlandtx.gov

As the Director of Economic Development, Elizabeth directs the City’s comprehensive and proactive economic development strategy and annual business plan; oversees the Primary Employment, Business and Community Development, Cultural Arts and Visit Sugar Land divisions; and coordinates with various local and regional organizations and partners. Elizabeth has 15 years of direct Economic Development experience including four years with the Greater Houston Partnership and working for the City of Lubbock EDC. She has a bachelor's degree in Marketing from Louisiana State University.

 


 

Nicole Kestenbaum
Tourism Marketing Associate
skestenbaum@sugarlandtx.gov

As Marketing Coordinator at the Office of Economic Development Nicole is responsible for supporting initiatives related to the Sugar Land Office of Economic Development leisure tourism, sales and meeting planners, cultural arts, E-commerce, and Business Development, Business Retention and Expansion marketing programs in their respective missions to market and promote the City as a competitive meeting, corporate, and leisure destination and as a strategic location for business investment and an economic powerhouse.

What do you love most about Sugar Land?

What I love most about Sugar Land are its premiere attractions and family events! Smart Financial Centre is an entertainment venue five minutes away from my home and I’ve seen acts like Chris Rock, Carlos Vives and Maluma. Constellation Field is home to the Sugar Land Space Cowboys, our Triple-A Affiliate Team of the Houston Astros. Beyond baseball, Constellation Field is always hosting family-centered events like yoga, Centerfield Cinema, and Sugar Land Holiday Lights

What is your favorite thing to do in Sugar Land?


I love to do so many things in the city but exploring new restaurants and attending live shows are at the top of my list! Recently I tried Poke Burri’s Spicy Sushi Donut and can’t wait to go back and try their Sushi Corn Dog.

What is a “must-do” while you’re in Sugar Land?


A “must-do” that I take all my out-of-town guests to is Sugar Land Town Square. You can always find me there enjoying their live music, cultural performances, dancing classes,  festivals and the amazing turf for the kiddos (my son loves it!).

Our itinerary usually includes dinner at one of the unique restaurants to Sugar Land like B.B. Italia or Mahesh’s Kitchen, enjoying a night of live entertainment and then heading to Paletas Morelia for a sweet treat.

What is your favorite event venue to host an event?


I would have to choose the Smart Financial Centre! I love the auditorium, the lights and how it has the latest in audio and technology. It also boasts a beautiful concourse with high ceilings.

What are your top places to eat in Sugar Land?


Pacific Coast Tacos – I always order the Yellow Fin Ahi Tuna Nachos because they have a spicy chili honey sauce that combined with avocado, tuna and jalapenos is an explosion of flavor in your mouth! No wonder it’s their best-selling dish! They also have the best margarita in Sugar Land: order their PCT Fresh Squeezed and thank me later.

Japaneiro’s – If you want to try a sushi roll with a Latin twist then you need to try their Criollo (Venezuelan Roll) chimichurri, sweet tajadas and avocado—it’s so sweet and savory! Their tender churrasco plate is also another must-have dish and it’s great for sharing.

BlendIn Coffee Club– As a coffee connoisseur, I always enjoy their delicious coffee on my way to work. Besides providing an excellent cup of joe, they always have seasonal drinks and workshops so you can become a barista at home too.


 

Savannah Garza
Tourism & Servicing Specialist
sagarza@sugarlandtx.gov

Savannah works alongside the Visit Sugar Land sales team to offer complimentary resources to Meeting Planners such as venue sourcing, site visits, promotional items and more.

What do you love most about Sugar Land?


I love the diversity that is present within the community. It is great to see that people from all backgrounds get to call Sugar Land home.

What is your favorite thing to do in Sugar Land?


Being outdoors is one of my favorite things and Sugar Land makes it easy with the great parks in the area. Oyster Creek Park has become a regular spot for my walks and picnics with friends. Sugar Land Memorial Park is another one of my go to parks as it has a dog park that my dogs love!

What is a “must-do” while you’re in Sugar Land?


While in Sugar Land, it is a must to watch a Sugar Land Space Cowboys baseball game. It is always a fun time and there is no bad seat at Constellation Field.

What is your favorite event venue to host an event?


My favorite event venue is the Houston Museum of Natural Science at Sugar Land. It is such a unique space and provides a great opportunity to learn something new.

What are your top places to eat in Sugar Land?


  • Keeper’s Japanese Restaurant & Grill – This restaurant has always been a favorite amongst my family and friends. Their selection of sushi is absolutely phenomenal and never disappoints! My personal favorites have to be the Tiger Eye Roll and Spider Roll.
  • B.B. Italia – Italian food is always my go to and when I am craving Ravioli this restaurant instantly comes to mind. The combination of pork, brisket, and marsala ragu in the Grandma’s Ravioli is wonderful.

 

Richard Haydel II
Sales & Events Coordinator
rhaydel@sugarlandtx.gov

Richard oversees all sales activities and initiatives to market Sugar Land as a premiere meeting, sport and event destination. His role focuses on the corporate and SMERF markets. Interested in securing a room block for your event? Contact Richard!

What do you love most about Sugar Land?


I love that you can see and do so much without having to travel very far and there are fun things to do seemingly all of the time.

What is your favorite thing to do in Sugar Land?


Watching a Space Cowboys game at Constellation Field is always fun. With seating that gets you close to the field, the experience for any baseball fan is unlike any other. 

What is a “must-do” while you’re in Sugar Land?


It is definitely going to any of the parks but my favorite is Oyster Creek Park. It’s hard to believe you are still in the city once you are immersed in so much nature.

What is your favorite event venue to host an event?


For me, it would be the Plaza Adjacent to Smart Financial Centre. There is so much open area for all kinds of events, as well as a super-fun splash pad for the little ones to enjoy. It is particularly well suited for including food trucks for all events taking place.

What are your top places to eat in Sugar Land?


The Rouxpour – Being from Louisiana, my family is very meticulous when it comes to what makes great Cajun food and you can definitely find it here.

Corelli’s Italian Cafe – Italian food is another big favorite for me and this local spot has a menu full of great dishes.

Live Oak Grill – From Chicken Fried Chicken to Shrimp Tacos to Rib eye, the assortment of different dishes makes it a great choice no matter what type of food you are craving.