The Long Beach Economic Partnership (LBEP) is proud to announce the appointment of Courtney Russell as its new Chief Executive Officer. This appointment signals a transformative shift for the organization as it prepares an official rebrand to Invest Long Beach, a change designed to directly accelerate Mayor Rex Richardson’s vision for Grow Long Beach. 
By becoming Invest Long Beach, the organization is streamlining its mission to serve as a key partner to the City in driving high-growth investment and ensuring Long Beach remains a premier global destination for innovation.
A Unified Vision for Economic Growth
This new chapter is backed by a significant commitment from the City of Long Beach. On January 20, 2026, the City Council and Mayor Richardson approved a $1.2 million funding authorization over three years to power the mission of Invest Long Beach.
Presented by Bo Martinez, Director of Economic Development, this funding serves as a strategic investment in the city’s future. It ensures that the organization’s work is fully integrated with the Mayor’s Grow Long Beach initiative, focusing on creating 4,000 new jobs in aerospace, clean tech, and advanced manufacturing by 2028.
“Growing our economy means attracting the companies and opportunities that create real pathways for Long Beach residents,” said Mayor Rex Richardson. “By bringing high-growth industries and new investment to our city, we’re building quality jobs, supporting small businesses, and strengthening our long-term future. Courtney Russell understands how to align strategy with action. I congratulate him on this appointment and look forward to working together to build a future shaped and shared by all of us.”
“Courtney Russell brings an unparalleled depth of experience in representing Long Beach on the world stage,” said Weston LaBar, Chairman of the Board. “His proven track record of building partnerships with the Mayor’s Office, City Management, and the Port of Long Beach makes him the ideal leader to usher in this new era of proactive investment and economic alignment.”
Strategic Priorities Under Courtney Russell
As CEO, Courtney Russell will lead the charge in executing initiatives that align with the Mayor’s economic priorities, leveraging his deep ties with City Management and the Port of Long Beach to drive results:
- Direct Alignment with “Grow Long Beach”: Prioritizing sectors that will define the city’s $1.295 trillion regional economy.
- Foreign Investment Excellence: Utilizing the World Trade Center Long Beach to attract global capital that supports local infrastructure and job growth.
- Inclusive Opportunity: Ensuring that the City’s FY 2026 budget priorities reach small businesses and local entrepreneurs.
“I am eager to lead Invest Long Beach in lockstep with Mayor Richardson’s bold initiatives,” said Courtney Russell. “Together, we are ensuring that the global spotlight on our city translates into long-term, sustainable prosperity for all residents.”
Russell joins the organization following a successful tenure as Vice President of Strategic Relationships and Client Relations at Visit Long Beach. His background also includes 13 years of hotel general management experience with Marriott International, where he developed specialized financial and operational expertise.
For more information about the upcoming rebranding and current initiatives, please visit: lbep.org
