HTX-LHK: Impact 10/7/2025

Officials with Partnership Lake Houston announced Owen Rock will serve as the organization's new executive vice president of economic development, according to an Oct. 1 news release.

Career history: Per the release, Rock brings more than 25 years of experience to the role after having previously held senior-level economic development roles in five cities, including League City and Elgin, Texas.

Originally from Dublin, Ireland, Rock holds a master’s degree in Regional and Urban Planning from the London School of Economics, as well as a bachelor’s degree from Oklahoma State University. Per the release, Rock is a certified economic development finance professional and a graduate of the University of Oklahoma Economic Development Institute.

Quote of note: “I’m excited to join Partnership Lake Houston because it brings together my professional passion for economic development with my personal commitment to building strong, resilient communities,” Rock said in a statement. “I look forward to contributing to projects that not only drive economic growth but also enhance the quality of life for Lake Houston residents.”

Officials with Chimichurri's South American Grill in Kingwood announced the business is extending its hours of operation to include Mondays, according to an Oct. 2 news release.

The details: Chimichurri's, which opened in April 2009, offers a variety of South American cuisine, with dishes including Ceviche Peruano and Churrasco a la Chimichurri, a tenderloin basted with homemade Chimichurri sauce.

With the extended hours, Chimichurri's South American Grill is now open seven days a week, according to the release.

• 1660 W. Lake Houston Parkway, Ste. 104, Kingwood

Officials with the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo announced in an Oct. 1 news release that Kyle Olsen, a seven-year veteran of the organization, will be the new chief show operations officer. He is the first CSOO of the show in over three decades.

What we know: According to the news release, Olsen brings more than 20 years of leadership experience in managing large-scale, high-profile events and complex public venues. His career background includes:

• Director of events and production at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Arizona
• Event services at NRG Park
• Director of operations for the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo

The University of Houston is launching UH Next, a new transfer program designed to help community college students more easily and affordably complete their bachelor’s degrees, starting in spring 2026.

The details: Housed in the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences, the pilot will streamline transfers after students complete associate degrees at one of five Houston-area community colleges, reducing the cost of a four-year degree.

UH Next is part of UH’s broader effort to improve affordability, alongside programs like Cougar Promise and various scholarships and financial aid options.

How it works: Enrolled students will follow four-year degree maps, co-created by advisors at both UH and the partner college to ensure they take the right courses in the right order, minimizing credit loss and keeping them on track for graduation, although the program is only available for select majors within each partner community college. 

Next steps: While there is no timeline for expansion to other colleges, officials said several are assessing opportunities to create a UH Next pathway.