David Gow is the CEO of the Center for Houston’s Future (CHF), a local think thank that addresses the long-term well-being of the greater Houston region. Gow joined CHF, which is celebrating its 25-year anniversary, in the fall of 2024, and recently completed a new strategic plan for the region called Vision 2050. The Center has recently launched a new strategic project on brain health, a holistic initiative focused on life-long brain health to spur economic growth and enhance human flourishing.
Gow is also the founder and chair of Gow Media, a multiplatform media company, with assets that include ESPN Radio in Houston, CultureMap, InnovationMap, SportsMap and Energycapitalhtx.com.
He also serves as chair of Multi-Sensor Artificial Intelligence (“MSAI”), a publicly traded company he formed through a SPAC acquisition. Gow is a board member of Goose Capital, a prestigious Houston-based angel group that invests in early-stage ventures. In April, 2024 the Texas Venture fórum named Gow the Texas Investor of the Year, highlighting Gow’s successful SPAC merger and his investments as part of Goose Capital.
Previously Gow was the CFO and ultimately CEO of Ashford.com, a leading e-tailer of watches. Gow’s background also includes serving as Director of Corporate Strategy at Compaq Computers and as a consultant for McKinsey & Co.
Gow’s educational background includes a master’s degree from Harvard University and a bachelor’s degree from Williams College.
