MEET THE TEAM

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.

Mary Roduta, Sales & Events Manager, oversees the city-wide management of the Special Events permitting process, the operations and implementation of activities at Crown Festival Park and the Plaza adjacent to the Smart Financial Centre, as well as, assists in the marketing of Sugar Land as an event and meeting destination. Mary also assists the Tourism and Visitor Services Manager with Visit Sugar Land’s marketing and visitor services program in its mission to promote the city as a competitive leisure and meeting destination through visitor fulfillment and overseeing the daily operations of the Sugar Land Heritage Museum & Visitor Center.

Mary graduated from the University of Houston – Main Campus with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with an Accounting major, a minor in Marketing, and a Certificate in Corporate Entrepreneurship. She continued her education and graduated from the University of Houston – Victoria with a Master’s degree in Business Administration in Accounting and Business/Management. Lastly, she received a Certificate in Event Management and Hospitality Sales from the University of Houston. Mary is a mom of four and she enjoys finding new experiences to try with her family and friends.

What do you love most about Sugar Land?

I love how family-friendly Sugar Land is from its attractions to the friendliness of its citizens. I also love how safe it is. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been out with my family until almost 10 p.m. in the evening and seeing all the other families enjoying Sugar Land’s amenities.

What is your favorite thing to do in Sugar Land?

I really enjoy the events at Sugar Land Town Square. The live shows are always great and the green turf on the plaza makes it such a fun place for my kids to play around on.

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

The “must-do” thing while you’re in Sugar Land for me is going to the Fort Bend Children’s Discovery Center. My kids are very young and they can really let their imaginations soar at the different exhibits, especially Kidtropolis, a city made just for kids!

What is your favorite event venue to host an event?

My favorite event venue would have to be the Houston Museum of Natural Science at Sugar Land because it provides such a unique atmosphere. The space is versatile and who wouldn’t want to have an event surrounded by history?!

What are your top places to eat in Sugar Land?

Oba Japanese Cuisine – It’s a quaint Japanese restaurant tucked in a shopping center with the absolute best takoyaki (in my opinion) in Sugar Land. It also has an all-day Happy Hour menu so I think that’s definitely a win-win situation.

Vino & Vinyl – Fantastic food and wine combined with awesome music played on vinyl records. I highly recommend checking out their brunch menu and mimosa flights on the weekends, and as an added bonus to families, you get a free kids brunch with every adult meal purchased.

Mon Cheri Macarons – Sweet, delectable, and unique melt-in-your-mouth flavors. I used to buy macarons from the owner of Mon Cheri when she sold them at the local farmers market and I can’t even begin to tell you how thrilled I was when I found out she was opening her own storefront. Her shop is a must-try when you visit the “Sweetest City in Texas!”

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.

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.