Michael Richmond was recruited by founder of The Woodlands, George Mitchell, to join the pioneer team of The Woodlands in September 1972, drawing on his experience as a certified public accountant from another master planned community, Columbia, Maryland.
Michael served with The Woodlands Operating Company, L.P. for 30 years. Richmond held the positions of Treasurer, Senior Financial Officer and in 1985 was named Executive Vice President. His responsibilities focused on commercial, retail and industrial development, and hospitality operations. In November 1997, he was named President and Chief Operating Officer of the company, remaining in this position until his retirement in September 2002.
At his retirement, Mr. Richmond was honored with a special “Hometown Hero” achievement commendation for his dedication to the community as well as receiving a Lifetime Achievement Award from the North Houston Association. Most recently in September of 2022, Michael received the Legacy Award from The Woodlands Area Chamber of Commerce.
Michael was involved in key projects like the planning and development of The Woodlands Waterway; the creation of the Town Center Improvement District, now The Woodlands Town Center; The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel and Convention Center; The Woodlands Mall, Houston Advanced Research Center and numerous other developments. He was also instrumental in helping create the first hospital, The Woodlands Community Hospital, now Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Hospital. Michael also helped in the success of having the Texas state legislature announce a moratorium on annexation of The Woodlands by the City of Houston.
Mr. Richmond sold the first homesite in The Woodlands. Since the start of The Woodlands in 1974, Michael Richmond lived in the community, becoming one of the first 100 residents and had continued to be a resident of the community with his family.
After his tenure at The Woodlands Operating Company, Mr. Richmond served as Vice Chairman of Woodforest National Bank.
“Michael Richmond has been a pillar in our community since the inception of The Woodlands. He was instrumental in founding and helping to make The Woodlands one of the most successful master planned communities in the nation,” said Jim Carman, President, Houston Region of The Howard Hughes Corporation. “Our thoughts are with his family, and to all those fortunate to have worked with him in the establishment of this amazing hometown.”