Looking for a job

Lester Gretsch

@lestergretsch

I lead enterprise marketing, communications, and public affairs campaigns that build brands, engagement, and measurable reach.

United States

Message

What I'm looking for

I'm looking to lead enterprise marketing, communications, public affairs, and brand strategy for complex public-facing organizations, building stakeholder trust, audience engagement, high-impact campaigns, and strong teams.

I've led marketing, media relations, and public affairs for Houston-area public enterprises and major sports events, including METRO, the Harris County-Houston Sports Authority, Spring ISD, Houston Dynamo FC, and Univision 45.

At METRO, I direct integrated marketing and media relations strategies, manage a $5.6M enterprise marketing budget, and led campaigns generating 186M+ collective impressions. I also serve as FIFA World Cup 2026 Event Co-Lead, coordinating cross-agency planning with civic, government, media, and community partners.

My work combines brand strategy, executive communications, stakeholder engagement, multilingual outreach, and high-impact event marketing. I've helped secure approval for Spring ISD's historic $850M bond referendum, generated national media visibility, and earned Emmy and AMA Crystal Award recognition.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Director, Marketing

Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County

Nov 2024 - Jul 2026 (1 year 8 months)

Assumed leadership of METRO's marketing department, directing enterprise marketing strategy, brand positioning, community engagement, and external partnerships. Led a $5.6M departmental budget and drove high-impact initiatives supporting organizational priorities and public adoption of transit services.

VP, Comms, Marketing, Commun. Engagmt

Harris County-Houston Sports Authority

Aug 2022 - Oct 2024 (2 years 2 months)

I headed all three departments and assisted with ad hoc projects, such as FIFA World Cup 2026 and HCHSA's 25th anniversary publicity and awareness plan.

Chief Communications Officer

Spring ISD

Jan 2022 - Aug 2022 (7 months)

Served as Chief Communications Officer for Spring ISD, leading district communications, marketing, media relations, community engagement, and bilingual outreach. Developed and executed an integrated communications strategy that strengthened stakeholder engagement, elevated the district's visibility, and supported major organizational priorities.

Sr. Broadcast Communications Leader

Univision 45

Nov 2015 - Jan 2022 (6 years 2 months)

Directed strategic content development, audience engagement, and media partnership strategies that strengthened Univision Houston's market position and expanded relationships across professional sports, sponsors, and community stakeholders. Collaborated with exec. leadership on programming strategy, broadcast initiatives, and growth opportunities across TV, radio, digital, and social platforms.

Senior Director, Comms & Broadcasting

Houston Dynamo Football Club

Mar 2006 - Oct 2015 (9 years 7 months)

Led communications and broadcasting strategy during a period of significant organizational growth, supporting brand development, audience expansion, ticket sales, major events, media relations, and community partnerships. Built and led a communications team while managing a $1.7M budget and developing relationships across media, sports, government, business, and community stakeholders.