Meet Our Staff

Dan Bowman, CCIM, Executive Director / CEO

Daniel Bowman is a native of Allen, Texas and was named Executive Director/CEO of the Allen Economic Development Corporation in 2014 after 10 years with the organization. He was recognized in the Top 40 under 40 by the Dallas Business Journal (2021) and the International Economic Development Council (2013) and has been instrumental in recruiting corporate projects including NetSCOUT Systems, Credit Union of Texas, MD7 and KONE Elevators. Bowman was also instrumental in structuring the public-private partnership for Watters Creek and The Farm in Allen mixed-use developments.

His background and focus on community collaboration has led him to a number of community leadership roles with the Kiwanis Club, Leadership Allen and other civic organizations. He is a graduate of the Urban Land Institute (ULI) CFL Leadership Class and serves on the board for the North Texas CCIM Chapter. He is a graduate of Trinity University and the University of Texas at Dallas, where he earned his MBA.

Eileen Gonzales, Marketing & Communications Director

Eileen Gonzales is a seasoned marketing executive with over 15 years of marketing experience. The true value of her contributions is based on her ability to create lasting business impact from strategic marketing initiatives. Previously, she had a 13 year career with Nordstrom as a Regional Marketing Manager, where she reinforced the company’s presence and visibility while driving revenue and customer retention. She was appointed to develop and lead the strategic marketing plan for a new store opening in Austin, TX which involved several guerilla marketing and online advertising initiatives.

Eileen is a native of Denver, Colorado and moved to Texas after living in California for 10 years. She holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing and Management from the University of Colorado.

Jan Jungmann, Director of Business Retention & Workforce Development

As Business Retention & Expansion Manager, Jan Jungmann promotes the Allen EDC’s mantra, “A Great Place to Live, Work & Play” by building relationships with current and future businesses. Jan’s background is in education, nonprofit and community engagement. She loves to make connections and serve the community by volunteering.  

Jan is a 5^th generation Texan and moved to Allen in 2004 to accept a teaching job at Lovejoy ISD. She was born in Dallas, grew up in Rockwall and even lived in Hong Kong as a child.  

She earned her Bachelor’s in Exercise Science from Abilene Christian University and her Master’s in Educational Leadership from Concordia University.

Nicole Bywater, Economic Development Specialist

As the Economic Development Specialist, Nicole Bywater is responsible for overseeing the AEDC Compliance Program, Board meeting organization and content creation/research/reporting on special projects. She began working for Allen EDC in 2018 and enjoys being active in the city’s community.

Nicole grew up in Garland, Texas and moved to Allen in 2004. She earned a Bachelor of Journalism from the University of Texas and has previously worked as the community editor of the Allen American newspaper, a copywriter at JCPenney’s corporate office and a contract writer. 

Julie Brown, Office Manager

Julie Brown is a dynamic professional and servant leader, proficient at fostering and growing collaborative relationships.  As Office Manager, Julie is responsible for performing and coordinating administrative processes, managing the daily processing of AEDC financial expenditures, coordinating the daily scheduling and assignments of activities for the department and much more. Julie previously worked in Finance for the City of Allen and embraces the City's Mission and PRIDE values of People First, Respect, Integrity, Deliver and Excel.

Her passion lies in serving others in the community and doing random acts of kindness.  Julie previously worked for ExxonMobil, Robert Halt International, Hope for the Heart, CBRE and most recently at ACO (All Community Outreach). Julie is a native Texan, earned her Bachelor's in Accounting from Texas A&M University-Commerce and is a Certified Public Accountant.

Claire Benson, Analyst

Claire is originally from San Antonio but grew to love the Dallas Metroplex while she was in college.  She is a graduate from Southern Methodist University where she earned three Bachelor of Arts Majors in Economics, Political Science, and Public Policy.  In addition, she earned two Minors in History and Computer Science.   

Claire previously worked for the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts where she generated estimates and reports for over 80 bills and joint resolutions. She compiled data and assisted on numerous statewide reports that calculated exemption value estimates.