Elizabeth Rogers | Star Local Media
Local developer and businessman David Craig received the Carey Cox Outstanding Citizen Award at the annual McKinney Chamber of Commerce Community Awards ceremony on Friday, Feb. 28.
The award recognizes Craig’s four decades of contributions to McKinney’s growth and his extensive philanthropic efforts throughout Collin County.
“I can’t think of anyone more deserving of this award,” said Brian Loughmiller, chairman of the McKinney Economic Development Corporation, in a video tribute to Craig. “You embody everything that this award stands for, and we love you in this community.”
Craig, who founded Craig International 42 years ago, expressed gratitude when accepting the honor, sharing his pride in being part of a community filled with servant leaders dedicated to making McKinney a great place to live and thrive.
As the visionary behind Craig Ranch, a 2,200-acre master-planned community that transformed farmland into a development now valued at more than $5 billion, Craig has significantly shaped McKinney’s landscape. The development includes 500 acres of parks and green space alongside the 270-acre McKinney Corporate Center Craig Ranch employment district, which currently houses 700,000 square feet of office space with another 500,000 recently completed.
“My hobby is what I do,” Craig said. “When I was able to develop Craig Ranch, it was a blank canvas. I was a little boy thinking, ‘What would community look like if I could have everything I wanted?'”
The proud son of a retired Air Force colonel, Craig learned the value of hard work at a young age. His company has grown to control and develop more than 10,000 acres across Collin and Grayson counties.
Craig Ranch is anchored by TPC Craig Ranch, the home of the AT&T Byron Nelson Classic on the PGA Tour. Craig serves as Chairman of the Board of Governors of TPC Craig Ranch and Chairman of the TPC Craig Ranch Host Committee for the tournament.
One of Craig’s newest projects is District 121, a $250 million mixed-use development at State Highway 121 and Alma Road.
McKinney Mayor George Fuller praised Craig’s determination and impact.
“There’s nothing that stops David from seeing his vision come to fruition, and our community is better for it,” Fuller said. “His compassion for people… it’s infectious.”
Craig’s influence extends beyond development. Craig International supports numerous local charitable organizations, including the Boys and Girls Clubs of Collin County, The Family Place, Habitat for Humanity Collin County, and The Samaritan Inn.
Despite his transformative vision for Craig Ranch, Craig emphasized his respect for McKinney’s heritage.
“One thing that I always wanted people to realize is that Craig Ranch would never replace downtown historic McKinney. The charm that we have in downtown McKinney is second to none, and I think second to none in the state,” he said.
Craig reflected on the personal satisfaction his work brings.
“It’s just amazing what one thing can do to change the trajectory of your life, and then to be able to watch that over the years and watch people walking your regional hike and bike trail, or the kids playing soccer on soccer fields that you built,” he said.
“I won’t stop doing what I’m doing until it’s all done.”