HOUSTON – Another prominent position within the City of Houston is now a vacant seat that needs to be filled. Chief Economic Development Officer Andy Icken tendered his resignation.
Mayor John Whitmire’s office tells KPRC 2 Investigates, “After nearly 18 years and four administrations, today is Andy Icken’s last day as Chief Economic Development Officer. The City of Houston thanks Mr. Icken for his public services and wishes him the very best in retirement.”
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Inken was exposed in many of our investigations.
In 2020, a Korean businessman named Jason Yoo sent a $500,000 offer directly to Icken and William-Paul Thomas to help close a lucrative private land deal.
Thomas pleaded guilty to accepting bribes while working as the City of Houston City Council Relations Director.
Icken also has ties to an investigation dealing with an intern by the name of Marvin Agumagu, linked to Former Mayor Sylvester Turner who signed off on a $95,000 internship.
KPRC 2 Investigates learned Agumagu’s internship began with Former Airport Director Mario Diaz receiving an email from Icken, asking, “Could you develop a position?”
The former Airport Director has no relationship with KRPC 2 Investigates Mario Diaz.
KPRC 2 Investigates also exposed Icken’s son-in-law Roger Hebert was placed as the Houston Airport System’s Senior Manager working for a contractor involved with the Houston Spaceport and the redevelopment of the International Terminal at George Bush Intercontinental Airport.
Icken’s last day with the city is March 8th, 2023.