Staff

Alan Steinberg, Ph.D. is a passionate civic leader with the desire to improve the Houston community through education, advocacy, and civic action by connecting people who can turn challenges into opportunities. Alan serves as the President/CEO of the West Houston Association working with industry leaders who collaborate, educate and advocate to improve the quality of life, experience, and opportunity for 2,000,000+ people who live, work and play across the 1,000 sq mile Greater West Houston region. 

Before coming to the West Houston Association, Alan served as Associate Director of Houston Programs and Partnerships within Rice University’s Center for Civic Leadership leading the Houston Action Research Teams, which are groups of undergraduate students working with local community partners to address issues facing the city and it’s residents. Prior to Rice, Alan served as a Postdoctoral Fellow in the Department of Political Science at Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, TX, teaching courses on U.S. & Texas government, public policy, statistics and research design, while conducting research on social media and political engagement.

Most likely found wearing boots and a cowboy hat, Alan is very engaged with the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, currently serving on multiple committees, including as Division Vice Chairman of the Transportation Committee and Vice Chairman of the Communications Special Services Committee. Additionally, Alan serves as a Mayoral appointee to the City of Houston’s Clean City Commission, as well as on the board of directors of the Memorial Management District, Harris County MUD 500, Leadership Houston, Plant It Forward Farms, Keep Houston Beautiful, and on the NEXTGen Leadership Committee for the Holocaust Museum Houston. Alan also volunteers with the American Red Cross Texas Gulf Coast Region, the HAY Center for foster youth, the Alief Super Neighborhood Council, and serves on the Advisory Council for the University of Houston – Katy, UH Victoria’s Business School, and Volunteer Houston.

A strong believer in education and lifelong learning, Alan holds a Ph.D and a M.A. in Political Science from the University of Houston, an EMBA from the Quantic School of Business and Technology, a M.S. in Defense and Strategic Studies from Missouri State University, a Graduate Certificate in International Affairs from the Bush School of Public Service, and a B.S. in Psychology from Texas A&M University. Alan is an alumni of Leadership Houston (Class 38), Leadership Katy (Class 1), Texas A&M Forest Service Leadership Institute (Class 2), and is a current participant of the American Leadership Forum (Class 56). He is always ready to work with others to make Houston an increasingly better place to live, work, and play.

Savannah Odell is a communications specialist for the West Houston Association with a background in development and production of publications, content creation, and education policy. She coordinates with Ryann to organize WHA’s communications, marketing, and events. 

Originally from Albuquerque New Mexico, Savannah moved to Houston in July of 2024. Currently attending Houston Community College, she is a passionate learner and problem solver. 

She aims to translate her experience with social media management and strategic communications to effectively collaborate with members of an advocacy group into her work at WHA. With this, she hopes to maximize the impact that the WHA has on improving the Greater West Houston area. Savannah is excited to learn from and collaborate with fellow members and leaders who make WHA’s work possible.