San Antonio, January 9, 2026
Lori Houston, the former assistant city manager of San Antonio, will acquire the CE Group, a prominent marketing firm, in February 2026. This transition comes as Janet Holliday, who co-founded the firm in 1990, prepares for an advisory role. Houston’s extensive experience in city development, including key projects like Project Marvel and the Alamo Plaza redevelopment, positions her to enhance the CE Group’s operations and community engagement strategies. The leadership change is expected to be seamless, ensuring continuity and growth for San Antonio’s marketing landscape.
Former San Antonio Downtown Development Leader Takes the Reins at Marketing Firm
San Antonio, Texas – In an exciting shift within the local business landscape, Lori Houston, the city’s former assistant city manager, is set to acquire the CE Group, a well-known marketing and event-planning firm based in San Antonio, in February 2026. This move comes as Janet Holliday, who co-founded the firm in 1990, prepares to transition into an advisory role on August 1, 2026.
CE Group Leadership Transition
Founded in 1990, the CE Group has grown to be a significant player in San Antonio’s marketing sector, offering a wide array of services that include event planning, public relations, branding, design, and strategic consulting. The firm has notably organized major local events, including NCAA Final Four tournaments and Spurs NBA championship parades, contributing to San Antonio’s vibrant cultural and sports scene.
Lori Houston’s Impressive Career
Houston brings a wealth of experience to her new role. After a dedicated 23 years with the City of San Antonio, she retired in September 2025, leaving behind a legacy of impactful downtown development projects. Among her notable contributions are Project Marvel, a proposed sports and entertainment district, the redevelopment of Alamo Plaza, the construction of the Museum Reach section of the River Walk, and the expansion of the University of Texas at San Antonio’s downtown campus. Her deep understanding of the city’s challenges and opportunities makes her a valuable asset to the CE Group.
The CE Group’s Strong Community Ties
With a history that spans over three decades, the CE Group has maintained robust relationships with city officials, having collaborated with every San Antonio mayor since Lyla Cockrell. This longstanding connection emphasizes the firm’s integral role in shaping local events and public engagement, which aligns with Houston’s previous experiences in city governance.
What This Transition Means for San Antonio
The imminent leadership change represents a significant moment in San Antonio’s business community. Houston’s extensive experience in city development allows her to bring fresh insights and a collaborative spirit to the CE Group. This is widely anticipated to enhance the firm’s operations and outreach, especially as it relates to community engagement and event execution. Janet Holliday’s involvement through August 2026 will ensure a smooth transition and continuity in leadership.
Looking to the Future
As Houston steps into this new role, local entrepreneurs and businesses are sure to watch with keen interest. The path paved by decreased regulatory hurdles continues to provide fertile ground for growth within San Antonio’s economic environment, and leadership like that of Houston could further enhance this trend. Her focus on revitalization and community needs aligns perfectly with the goals of the CE Group moving forward, echoing the sentiments of many stakeholders eager to bolster local entrepreneurship.
In conclusion, Houston’s acquisition of the CE Group stands as a testament to the resilience and dynamism of San Antonio’s small business sector. As the city anticipates this new chapter, stakeholders are encouraged to support local businesses that contribute to the thriving economic landscape.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who is Lori Houston?
- Lori Houston is the former assistant city manager of San Antonio, who retired in September 2025 after a 23-year tenure with the city. During her career, she played a pivotal role in downtown development projects, including Project Marvel, a proposed sports and entertainment district; the redevelopment of Alamo Plaza; the construction of the Museum Reach section of the River Walk; and the expansion of the University of Texas at San Antonio’s downtown campus.
- What is the CE Group?
- The CE Group is a San Antonio-based marketing and event-planning company founded in 1990 by Janet Holliday and Lainey Berkus. The company offers services such as event planning, public relations, branding, design, and strategic consulting. It has been involved in organizing major events in San Antonio, including NCAA Final Four tournaments and Spurs NBA championship parades.
- What is Project Marvel?
- Project Marvel is a proposed sports and entertainment district in San Antonio, which Lori Houston played a pivotal role in shaping during her tenure as assistant city manager. The project aims to revitalize the downtown area by introducing new venues and attractions.
- When will the leadership transition at the CE Group occur?
- Lori Houston is set to acquire the CE Group in February 2026. Janet Holliday will remain in her role as president and CEO until August 1, 2026, after which she will transition to an advisory role as founder and president emeritus.
- What is the significance of this leadership change?
- The leadership change at the CE Group marks a significant shift in San Antonio’s business community. Lori Houston’s extensive experience in city development and her deep understanding of San Antonio’s culture and needs are expected to bring a fresh perspective to the company’s operations. The transition is anticipated to be seamless, with Holliday’s continued involvement until August 2026 to ensure a smooth handover.
| Key Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Leadership Change at the CE Group | Lori Houston is set to acquire the CE Group in February 2026, succeeding Janet Holliday, who will transition to an advisory role on August 1, 2026. |
| Lori Houston’s Career | Houston retired in September 2025 after a 23-year tenure with the City of San Antonio, playing a pivotal role in downtown development projects such as Project Marvel, the redevelopment of Alamo Plaza, the construction of the Museum Reach section of the River Walk, and the expansion of the University of Texas at San Antonio’s downtown campus. |
| Background on the CE Group | Founded in 1990 by Janet Holliday and Lainey Berkus, the CE Group offers services including event planning, public relations, branding, design, and strategic consulting. The company has been involved in organizing major events in San Antonio, including NCAA Final Four tournaments and Spurs NBA championship parades. |
| Significance of the Leadership Change | The leadership change at the CE Group marks a significant shift in San Antonio’s business community. Lori Houston’s extensive experience in city development and her deep understanding of San Antonio’s culture and needs are expected to bring a fresh perspective to the company’s operations. The transition is anticipated to be seamless, with Holliday’s continued involvement until August 2026 to ensure a smooth handover. |
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