Larry Peterson '97

Executive Director
Texas Foundation for Innovative Communities

Larry Peterson is a serial tech entrepreneur, Executive Director of the Texas Foundation for Innovative Communities (TFIC), Chair for the UTeach Advisory Board, and past-Chair, Texas Lyceum. TFIC advises governments worldwide on innovation and entrepreneurship policy.

UTeach is the nation’s largest university-based STEM teacher development program, encompassing 55 universities, placing STEM-degreed teachers into K-12 classrooms. Independent evaluations rank UTeach #1 in STEM teacher quality in the US. The University of Texas has recently launched the National Center for STEM Education, focused on reimaging the STEM pipeline aided by the latest immersive and AI-assisted technology for personalized, adaptive instruction.

Molly Quirk '18

Principal, State and Local Government
Ardurra

Born and raised in San Antonio, Molly Quirk attended the University of Texas to obtain her degree in Government. Molly worked for various members for the Legislature in both the House and the Senate. She concluded her state service working as Director of Governmental Affairs at the General Land Office for Commissioner George P. Bush. In 2020, Molly transitioned to the private sector leading business development and client services in Central Texas for Ardurra, a national engineering firm that specializes in governmental infrastructure. Additionally, she maintains a legislative consulting firm, utilizing her deep knowledge of Texas Government for select clients.

Molly was serves as Mayor of the Village of San Leana. She currently dedicates her time and expertise as a Board member of both the Manchaca Fire Rescue Auxiliary, the University of Texas LBJ Women's Campaign School Advisory Board and the Austin Bar Association Grievance Committee. In addition to her work in public service, she operates Molly Quirk Photography.

Molly is married to Reed Boyd and together they enjoy cooking, traveling to wine country, entertaining their family and friends, and raising their competitive gun dogs Ruger, Tucker, Duke, Ocho, and Bullet.

The Honorable Margaret Spellings '96

President and CEO
Bipartisan Policy Center

Margaret Spellings serves as President and CEO of the Bipartisan Policy Center, bringing her knowledge and experience developed over an exceptional career in public service at both the state and national level.

Spellings most recently served as President and CEO of Texas 2036, a data-driven, bipartisan think tank addressing the most pressing issues facing Texans.

Prior to that, Spellings served as the president of the 17-institution University of North Carolina System, leading the state’s public university into a new period of performance, affordability, and growth with a focus on improving economic mobility, ensuring accountability, and advancing the public good.

Spellings also served as president of the George W. Bush Presidential Center in Dallas, Texas, where she oversaw programs on economic opportunity, education reform, global health, and special initiatives on women’s leadership and military service. Her work included the 2014 launch of the Presidential Leadership Scholars program, a one-of-a-kind leadership program born out of the first-ever partnership of multiple Presidential Centers.

From 2005 to 2009, Spellings served as U.S. Secretary of Education, leading the implementation of the No Child Left Behind Act, a bipartisan initiative to provide greater accountability for the education of 50 million U.S. public school students. As secretary, she also launched the Commission on the Future of Higher Education, a plan to address challenges of access, affordability, quality, and accountability in our nation’s colleges and universities. Prior to serving as Secretary, Spellings served as White House domestic policy advisor from 2001 to 2005. Her achievements include oversight of the development of the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), the development of a comprehensive immigration plan to ensure long-term economic stability and to secure U.S. borders, and numerous other initiatives on health and human services, transportation, labor, justice and housing.

Andrea Barefield 19'

Council Member, District 1
City of Waco

Andrea J. Barefield was elected to serve on the Waco City Council representing District 1 in 2018 and is currently serving her fifth term. She has twice been selected by her peers to serve as Mayor Pro Tem, in 2019 and again in 2025. Improving her community’s access to economic, educational, and housing opportunities continues to be the driving force behind her public service.

Andrea currently serves as President of the Texas Municipal League (TML), representing cities of all sizes across the state and helping strengthen regional collaboration and local leadership. She also serves on numerous boards and commissions, including the Texas Association of Black City Council Members (President), National League of Cities Board of Directors and 2026 Executive Committee, NLC REAL—Race, Equity and Leadership Council (Member), NLC University & College Council (Board Liaison), Prosper Waco Board (Chair), NAACP (Vice President), and the proud Alum of the Texas Lyceum.

In addition to her elected service, Andrea launched and serves as Principal of Barefield Impact Strategies, a community engagement and strategic consulting firm focused on helping organizations and municipalities build equitable and sustainable impact. Prior to that, she worked for the Ardurra Group as a Client Services Manager, connecting infrastructure, people, and progress.

Andrea is a proud member of the Waco Central Texas Chapter of The Links, Incorporated and the Waco Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. A graduate of Sam Houston State University, Andrea met her husband, Elijah, during their time there, and together they have been happily married for 23 years. They are the proud parents of two sons, Drew and Jaxon.

Deidra Busbee

Managing Director
JPMorgan Chase

Deidra Busbee (PANELIST) is a Managing Director at JPMorgan Chase, leading talent acquisition, learning and development, performance management, executive talent management, and workforce transformation. A strategic, data-driven HR leader with over 20 years of experience, she is passionate about fostering growth-focused, people-first cultures and is known for building high-performance teams, developing exceptional leaders, and crafting people strategies that drive organizational impact. Deidra is always excited by the possibilities that arise when people and technology work together. Outside of work, she is a mom, wife, and daughter, active in mentoring, youth programs, and community engagement.

Elizabeth Caudill McClain

Executive Director
Braven

Elizabeth Caudill McClain is the Founding Executive Director of Braven DFW, where she leads the organization’s launch and expansion in Texas to help college students develop the skills, networks, confidence, and experiences needed to secure strong first jobs and long-term career pathways.

Before joining Braven, Elizabeth spent more than a decade at the Dallas Regional Chamber, where she ultimately served as Senior Vice President, Talent Strategies, leading the organization’s work in education, workforce strategy, employer engagement, and leadership development. Throughout her career, she has focused on strengthening connections between higher education, employers, and policymakers to create clearer pathways to opportunity.

Jennifer Chandler '21

President and Head of Philanthropic Solutions
Bank of America

Jennifer Chandler is Managing Director, President of Bank of America Dallas, and Head of Philanthropic Solutions for Bank of America. In her role as President, Jennifer fosters deep collaboration across multiple lines of business to align the firm’s capabilities with client priorities, advancing purposeful engagement and long-term impact across North Texas.

A respected leader with a strong sense of corporate stewardship, Jennifer is deeply committed to strengthening the communities Bank of America serves. She champions a culture of volunteerism, civic engagement, and responsible leadership, helping to connect the bank’s resources, talent, and expertise to meaningful community outcomes.

As Head of Philanthropic Solutions, Jennifer oversees the national strategy for nonprofit institutions, corporate and private foundations, and ultra-high-net-worth families. She leads a national team delivering philanthropic capabilities, including Outsourced Chief Investment Office (OCIO) services, board governance and development, grantmaking, high impact philanthropy strategies, and fiduciary and administrative services. Through cross enterprise resources, she helps deliver a coordinated, client-centered experience.

Jennifer joined Bank of America in 2001. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Government from The University of Texas at Austin in two and a half years and later received her MBA from the University of Dallas. In 2018, the University of Dallas honored her as a College of Business Hall of Fame inductee.

A lifelong resident of Dallas County, Jennifer maintains a longstanding commitment to civic engagement and philanthropic leadership. She is a graduate of Leadership Dallas and has received numerous professional and community honors, including the Women’s Exchange Sue Haskoor Award, the D CEO Corporate Leadership Excellence Award, and recognition by the Dallas Business Journal as both a 40 Under 40 and Women in Business honoree. She currently serves on the Dallas Citizens Council, Dallas Regional Chamber Vice Chair, Charter 100 of Dallas, Southwestern Medical Foundation Board of Trustees, and previously served on the Dallas Museum of Art and Phoenix House Texas boards. She is also a member of the Crystal Charity Ball, Texas Lyceum, United Way Women of Tocqueville, La Fiesta Seis Banderas, and the National Charity League.

Jennifer and her husband are the parents of four children and share a strong commitment to serving their local community.

Brad Cheves '08

President & CEO
Dallas Regional Chamber (DRC)

Brad E. Cheves serves as President and CEO of the Dallas Regional Chamber (DRC), where he leads the organization’s work to advance economic prosperity and enhance quality of life across the Dallas–Fort Worth Metroplex. In partnership with the DRC’s Board of Directors, staff, and more than 700 member companies and partners, Cheves oversees initiatives that drive regional economic development, strengthen education and workforce outcomes, expand talent pipelines and economic mobility, advocate for a pro-business policy environment, and foster cross-sector collaborations that support long-term, region-wide growth.

Cheves assumed his role on January 5, 2026, bringing a deep background in strategic leadership, public affairs, marketing and communications, and community engagement, informed by more than two decades of experience advancing institutional priorities across higher education, civic engagement, and community development.

Prior to joining the DRC, Cheves served as Senior Vice President for Development and External Affairs at Southern Methodist University (SMU), where he advanced the university’s strategic priorities by overseeing fundraising, alumni engagement, marketing and communications, and community relations. As SMU’s chief development officer, he led the University’s comprehensive campaign, SMU Ignited: Boldly Shaping Tomorrow, a multiyear $1.656 billion initiative that exceeded its $1.5 billion goal three years ahead of schedule and became one of the largest campaigns in the history of private Texas universities.

In addition to directing SMU Ignited, Cheves played a key leadership role in the university’s previous comprehensive campaign, SMU Unbridled: The Second Century Campaign, which strengthened academic programs, expanded student scholarships, supported faculty excellence, and enhanced campus facilities. He also contributed to the university leadership team that successfully developed the proposal to bring the George W. Bush Presidential Center to the SMU campus.

Since his appointment at SMU in 2004, Cheves championed innovative approaches to outreach and engagement, including the strategic use of emerging technologies to connect with alumni, prospective students, donors, and national media. These efforts contributed to significant growth in donor participation, increased endowments for scholarships and faculty positions, and an enhanced national and global reputation for the institution.

Earlier in his career, Cheves held senior leadership roles at Pepperdine University, serving as Vice President for Advancement and Public Affairs and as an Assistant Professor of Public Policy. He also served as Associate Dean at Pepperdine’s School of Public Policy and Director of Alumni Relations at Pepperdine’s School of Law, where he led organizational restructuring efforts and helped establish the university’s Office of Marketing.

A native of Albuquerque, New Mexico, Cheves earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration and finance from Abilene Christian University and a Juris Doctor degree from Pepperdine University School of Law. He is a member of the State Bar of Texas and has worked with the Texas State Legislature.

Cheves is actively engaged in civic leadership across the Dallas Region, serving on numerous boards and community organizations focused on arts, education, public policy, and youth development. He and his wife, Angela, have three sons.

J.J. Childress

Director Strategy and Operations, Public Affairs
Microsoft

J.J. Childress is a leader in economic development, technology policy, and technology-enabled community transformation. As Director of Strategy and Operations for Microsoft's Public Affairs Americas Community team, he delivers the strategies, tools, and field enablement that make Microsoft a premier neighbor in the communities where it operates, He spearheads the TechSpark Initiative in Texas. He has helped launch innovation accelerators, broadband access initiatives, AI and cybersecurity skilling programs, computer science education, and entrepreneurship programs across the U.S. and Mexico. A founder and investor, he received the SBA's Young Entrepreneur Award in 2017. He holds a BBA and MBA from UTEP.

Carlos Contreras

President / CEO
Goodwill Industries of San Antonio

Carlos Contreras is President and Chief Executive Officer of Goodwill Industries of San Antonio, leading the nonprofit social enterprise’s operations across a 24-county region in Southwest Texas and a workforce of approximately 1,800 employees. During his tenure, Goodwill has grown revenue by approximately 50% from about $90M in 2020 (prior to his arrival) to over $148M budget this year—while increasing starting hourly pay for team members by more than 50%. Over the same period, Goodwill’s Academy and Career Services unit trained and/or placed nearly 8,000 residents in high demand occupations at no cost.

Previously, Carlos served as Assistant City Manager for the City of San Antonio (2012–March 2021), with oversight responsibility for multiple city departments, including aviation, convention and sports facilities, economic development, government and public affairs, and Pre-K 4 SA. Earlier in his career, he led government affairs for KB Home’s San Antonio division and practiced law for 18 years, advising clients on administrative, legislative, regulatory, and corporate matters.

Carlos earned a J.D. from The University of Texas School of Law and a Master of Public Affairs from the LBJ School of Public Affairs. He also earned a Bachelor of Arts from St. Mary’s University in San Antonio.

He remains active in civic and regional leadership, including board and advisory service with the Federal Reserve System and regional education and economic development initiatives.

Community Advisory Council, Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas (2023-present)
Community Advisory Council, Federal Reserve Board of Governors (Past Chair, 2025)
Executive Committee, greater:SATX (2024–present) — a regional economic development partnership focused on accelerating inclusive growth and strengthening regional competitiveness
Board Member, VelocityTX (May 2025–present) — a nonprofit innovation hub focused on advancing bioscience and technology commercialization, entrepreneurship, and workforce development
Advisory/Board Service, Early Matters San Antonio (August 2025–present) — an early childhood initiative focused on improving kindergarten readiness and long-term student outcomes

Goodwill Industries of San Antonio was named the San Antonio Business Journal’s 2024 Impact Award Honoree of the Year.

Carlos was named to the San Antonio Business Journal’s Texas 100 and South Texas Power Players (2024).

Roberto Coronado '19

Senior Vice President
Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas

Roberto Coronado is a senior vice president and senior economist at the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas. He is responsible for the bank’s community engagement and development function.

Coronado leads the team that builds deep, strategic partnerships with community and business leaders to help shape the Dallas Fed’s understanding of the economy in Texas, southern New Mexico and northern Louisiana. The team’s conversations with people in the region inform the Dallas Fed’s policy views. The Dallas Fed also relies on these relationships to support community development initiatives focused on breaking down barriers to education and employment, particularly in low- and moderate-income communities.

As an economist, Coronado focuses his research on the Mexican economy, U.S.–Mexico economic integration, and the border economy, and he has written articles for Federal Reserve publications and academic journals in both the U.S. and Mexico. With this expertise, Coronado is a key adviser on regional economic conditions and a liaison between the Bank and stakeholders in Texas and Mexico.

Coronado serves as a board member for the National Association for Business Economics, Texas 2036 and the El Paso Collaborative for Academic Excellence.

He earned his doctorate in economics from the University of Houston, and he holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting and economics and a master’s degree in economics from the University of Texas at El Paso.

Lizzy de la Garza Putegnat is Vice President of Marketing and Public Relations at Titan Fuel, where she leads government affairs, marketing, and community outreach. Previously, she worked at Schneider Electric, providing energy management consulting to public-sector clients. Earlier she served as Director of Business Recruitment, Retention, and Expansion at the Brownsville Economic Development Council, where she helped recruit businesses and create thousands of jobs, including through the recruitment of SpaceX. She is a Maxwell Leadership Certified Speaker, Coach, and Trainer specializing in leadership development, organizational excellence, women’s empowerment, and inspiring the next generation of leaders.

A Duke University graduate with a B.A. in Public Policy, Lizzy returned to the Rio Grande Valley after college with a commitment to serve and make a meaningful impact in her community. She has served on 16 boards and currently serves on 10. In 2021, she was appointed by Governor Greg Abbott to the Texas State Technical College Board of Regents. Her current leadership roles also include Chairwoman of the Greater Chamber of Harlingen, Treasurer of the Harlingen Economic Development Corporation, Vice President of United Way of Northern Cameron County, and board member of the Texas Lyceum, RGV Partnership, Business Development Fund of Texas, RGV Philanthropic Foundation, Children’s Museum of Brownsville, and Texas Campaign for Mothers. Lizzy also serves on the Duke University Alumni Admissions Advisory Committee and the Hispanic Scholarship Fund Advisory Council. Previously, she served as Board President for the Rio Grande Valley Linking Economic and Academic Development and the Children’s Advocacy Centers of Cameron and Willacy Counties, Board Chairwoman of Leadership Brownsville, and Co-founder and Board Secretary of Asociacion de Empresarios Mexicanos (Brownsville Chapter), among others.

Lizzy has received multiple awards and recognitions including: “Legacy of Inspiration Award” by Persistence in Adversity Foundation, “Moms & Industry Honoree” by RGV Linking Economic & Academic Development,  “Woman of the Year for Community Service Award” by Zonta Club of Brownsville, “RGV Remarkable Women Finalists” by Nexstar Media Group, “Hispanic Women Making History Award” by Hispanic Women’s Network of Texas RGV Chapter, “Trailblazing Women Award” by State Representative Janie Lopez, “Distinguished Alumni Award” by Leadership Brownsville, “Women Empowerment Award” by Greater Chamber of Harlingen, “Women of Distinction Award” by RGV Hispanic Chamber, “Women on the Rise in the RGV” by Woman2Woman Magazine, andthe “Distinguished Service Award” by Children’s Advocacy Centers of Cameron and Willacy Counties.

Lizzy enjoys running and is a six-time marathon runner. Above all, she is most proud to be the wife of Steven and mother of their two daughters, Isabella and Elliana.

Laolu Davies-Yemitan '22

Principal
Five Woods Realty

Laolu Davies-Yemitan is founding principal of Five Woods Realty, a development firm focused on workforce housing for working and middle-class families. Collectively his development efforts have directly resulted in the creation of nearly 1,500 affordable housing units.

Laolu is a current director of the Texas Lyceum. He also serves on the board of directors for the Houston Housing Collaborative, and the University of Houston-Downtown president’s council. Laolu also serves as a commissioner for the Harris County Housing Authority and as a trustee for the Houston City College System.

Aaron Demerson

President and CEO
Texas Economic Development Corporation (TxEDC)

Aaron Demerson currently serves as the President and CEO of the Texas Economic Development Corporation (TxEDC). TxEDC is an independently funded and operated 501 (c) (3) organization that strategically partners and markets Texas both domestically and internationally as a premier business destination for companies looking to locate, relocate, and/or expand their existing business footprint.

Previously, Demerson was appointed by Governor Greg Abbot to serve as the Commissioner Representing Employers for the Texas Workforce Commission. In this role, Demerson advocated for over 660,000 Texas employers and over 3 million small businesses. Prior to his appointment, he led activities as the Director of the Office of Employer Initiatives at the Texas Workforce Commission.

Prior to employment at the Texas Workforce Commission, he served as a Senior Advisor to then, Governor Rick Perry and Executive Director of the Economic Development & Tourism Division in the Governor’s Office, leading a team that marketed the State of Texas as a premier destination for both business and travel. He has also served as the Director of Business Development, the Director of Administration, and managed the Finance Division for the Texas Economic Development Agency.

He is a graduate of Texas A&M University-Kingsville, Leadership Austin, and is proud to have participated as a civilian in both the Army War College and National Training Center programs.

Chairman Joe Esparza

Commissioner Representing Employers
Texas Workforce Commission

Joe Esparza currently serves as Chairman and Commissioner Representing Employers for the Texas Workforce Commission.

In his role, Chairman Esparza serves as an advocate for over 660,000 Texas employers and over 3 million small businesses. He and his team serve as a key resource for all Texas employers to help businesses grow and thrive in Texas.

Chairman Esparza has served TWC as the Commissioner Representing Employers over the past two years. Prior to his appointment, Chairman Esparza served as the Texas Deputy Secretary of State, having previously served as a Senior Appointments Manager in the office of the Governor, overseeing numerous gubernatorial appointments during Governor Abbott’s first term. Chairman Esparza is a volunteer for the Native Prairies Association of Texas and a member of the Knights of Columbus at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Marble Falls. A graduate of Texas Tech University, Chairman Esparza earned a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Communications. Chairman Esparza received an Honorable Discharge from the United States Marine Corps after 8 years of active and reserve service.

Dr. Margaret Ford Fisher

Chancellor
Houston City College

Dr. Margaret Ford Fisher serves as the ninth Chancellor of Houston City College, leading a dynamic seven-college system that serves more than 88,000 students annually across 22 locations. Since joining the institution in 1985, she has advanced through progressively responsible leadership roles, building a distinguished career defined by innovation, excellence, and an unwavering commitment to student success.

A pioneering educator, Dr. Ford Fisher was the inaugural president of HCC Online College, where she expanded access to education and helped establish one of the nation’s most recognized online programs, honored by Newsweek as one of “America’s Best Online Colleges.” She is also a prolific scholar and thought leader who has authored more than 50 publications and four books, including High School Students Earning College Credit: Guide to Creating Dual Credit Programs, the first book focused on high school dual credit.

Her influence extends nationally and internationally. She has presented at distinguished forums, including the University & College Teaching and Learning Conference in Lausanne, Switzerland, sharing innovative practices and strengthening global dialogue in higher education.

Dr. Ford Fisher’s contributions have earned numerous prestigious honors, including recognition by the Houston Business Journal as one of the region’s most influential leaders. Above all, she is a steadfast advocate for students and believes deeply in the power of education to transform lives, strengthen communities, and open doors to limitless possibilities.

Alexa Garza

Executive Director
Texas Center for Higher Education in Prison (TexCHEP)

Alexa’s advocacy is grounded in her lived experience with incarceration and the stigma she encountered upon release. That experience shaped her commitment to transforming systems and expanding opportunity for others. Today, she is a leading voice for equitable access to higher education within the criminal justice system, advancing policy, legislative change, and statewide collaboration. Alexa holds a B.A. in Business Administration from Tarleton State University and an M.B.A. from Texas Woman’s University, where she focused on women in leadership. She is also a Library of Congress-certified braille transcriber. As Executive Director of the Texas Center for Higher Education in Prison (TexCHEP), Alexa brings stakeholders together to strengthen pathways to higher education for incarcerated and formerly incarcerated individuals.

Dr. Bruce Gnade

Professor Emeritus, The University of Texas at Dallas
Chief Scientist, Mustang Optics

Bruce Gnade is Professor Emeritus at The University of Texas at Dallas and Chief Scientist at Mustang Optics. He was the Executive Director of the Hart Center for Engineering Leadership in the Lyle School of Engineering at SMU from 2017-2022, the Vice President for Research and the Distinguished Chair in Microelectronics at UT Dallas from 2006-2016, and a program manager in the Microsystems Technology Office at DARPA from 1996-1999. At Texas Instruments he led several research and technology groups from 1982-1996. He is a Fellow of APS, IEEE, National Academy of Inventors, and is a member of NAE. He was awarded the IEEE J.J. Ebers award in 2021.

James L. Grimsley

Executive Director - Advanced Technology Initiatives / Regional Innovation Officer
Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma / Texoma Semiconductor Tech Hub

James Grimsley serves as the Executive Director for Advanced Technology Initiatives with the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma and a Regional Innovation Officer (RIO) for the Texoma Semiconductor Tech Hub led by SMU.  Mr. Grimsley is a former Oklahoma Transportation Commissioner.  Mr. Grimsley currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Commercial Drone Alliance  as well as a variety of other boards/ advisory groups.  Mr. Grimsley currently leads the Choctaw Nation’s FAA-designated Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) Test Site.  Mr. Grimsley has also served on multiple FAA Aviation Rulemaking Committees including the BVLOS ARC.

Dr. Michael Hinojosa '94

Superintendent in Residence
Council of Great City of Schools and the Texas Urban Council

Dr. Michael Hinojosa served more than 27 years as a superintendent/CEO of six public education systems, including two of the 25 largest school systems in America, Dallas ISD in Texas and the Cobb County School District in suburban Atlanta, Georgia. His career in public education, from teacher and coach to superintendent/CEO, spans more than four decades. He retired from the Dallas ISD in June 2022 after a long career in public education.

With a firm belief that education and not environment is the key to a student’s success, he has led several school districts to improved student achievement. Dr. Hinojosa’s recognitions include being named 2002 Superintendent of the Year by the Texas Association of School Boards and 2005 Superintendent of the Year by the University of Texas at Austin. He was honored as Distinguished Alumnus by the College of Education at Texas Tech University and as the Outstanding Latino Educator by the Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents in 2014.

In 2019, D Magazine named Dr. Hinojosa the “Best Public Official” in Dallas. The Council of the Great City Schools awarded him the Green-Garner Award, the highest honor in urban education, as the 2020 Urban Educator of the Year. Dr. Hinojosa is a recipient of the CoSN (Consortium for School Networking) and AASA (American Association of School Administrators) 2021 EmpowerED Digital Superintendent Award. In 2022 he received the Champion of Science and Medicine from the Dallas County Medical Society. He is also a past president of the Texas Association of School Administrators. He currently serves as Superintendent in Residence for both the Council of Great City of Schools and the Texas Urban Council.

Dr. Hinojosa, a proud graduate of Dallas ISD, holds a doctorate in education from the University of Texas at Austin. He and his wife, Kitty, have two sons, graduates of Princeton University and Harvard University. He has a son from a previous marriage who graduated from Texas Tech University. All three attended Dallas ISD for a significant portion of their K-12 careers.

John Hryhorchuk '24

Senior Vice President, Policy and Advocacy
Texas 2036

John leads policy development and advocacy at Texas 2036, directing a team of subject-matter experts who use data to identify challenges Texas will face over the coming decades, help lawmakers build effective solutions, support agency implementation, and track whether the reforms are working.

That work includes the 2021 law formalizing the Tri-Agency Workforce Initiative, the 2023 move to outcomes-based community college funding, and 2025 legislation to improve connectivity within state education, postsecondary, and workforce systems.

Before joining Texas 2036, John held budget and policy roles for Governor Greg Abbott and former Lieutenant Governor David Dewhurst.

Steven Jarrett

Manufacturing and Initiatives Manager
Toyota

Steven Jarrett, as the Manager of Manufacturing Initiatives at Toyota, plays a crucial role in enhancing operational efficiency across North American plants. With a background in managing a cross-functional consulting team, Steven brings valuable experience in addressing selection and training challenges for manufacturing clients. He obtained his Ph. D in Industrial Organizational Psychology at Texas A&M university in employee selection and training. By leveraging his academic background and practical experience, Steven and his team are positioned to drive significant improvements in workforce management and operational effectiveness, ultimately contributing to Toyota's commitment to excellence in manufacturing.

John McGrath

SVP, Chief Engagement and Reach Officer
College Board

John and his team are responsible for building and protecting the College Board reputation and brand. He oversees the organization's engagement and reach efforts, which are designed to increase educational access and opportunity for all students.

John's communications expertise comes from many years of varied experience in the field. Immediately prior to joining College Board, he was a partner at Brand Community Strategies, a communications agency where he helped companies understand, engage with, and grow their key audiences. Before that, he was senior vice president of communications at GSD&M, one of the country's premier advertising agencies, and managing director at Public Strategies, a global strategic communications agency. Earlier, as chief speechwriter and head of communications for the Office of the Chairman at Dell, he was responsible for global communications positioning, planning, and content development.

John began his career as an officer in the Air Force, where he served as a vice squadron commander, an executive officer, and the speechwriter and communications adviser to the four-star commander of the Air Education and Training Command.

John earned his MBA from the University of Texas at Austin and a bachelor's degree in economics and political science from Duke University. He is based in Austin, Texas.

Dr. Jeremy McMillen

President
Grayson College

As the fifth President of Grayson College, Dr. Jeremy P. McMillen has made student success a strategic priority, driving enrollment growth, increased completion, and expanded workforce pathways. He serves as Secretary/Treasurer of the Texas Association of Community Colleges and Chair of the HB 1786 Certificate Programs Taskforce. Under his leadership, Grayson has expanded semiconductor, nursing, health sciences, and technical programs while advancing dual credit and transfer opportunities. Supported by a voter-approved $454.5 million bond, the College continues significant campus growth. Guided by his philosophy, “Onward,” Dr. McMillen remains committed to opportunity, economic mobility, and regional vitality.

Mike Morath

Texas Commissioner of Education
Texas Education Agency

Appointed by Governor Greg Abbott in 2016 and unanimously confirmed by the Texas Senate in 2017, Mike Morath serves as Texas Commissioner of Education, leading the Texas Education Agency and overseeing public education for more than 5.5 million students. A Garland High School graduate and former Dallas ISD trustee, he has championed improving student outcomes and strong academic achievement. Morath holds a summa cum laude business degree from George Washington University and is deeply committed to public education, service, and ensuring every Texas student is prepared for success.

Meloni Raney

President 
TEXO, The Construction Association

Meloni Raney is the genuine, authentic leader of one of the largest construction associations in the country, an advocate for women, and passionate about advancing the construction industry.

Meloni graduated from the University of Oklahoma with a degree in Architecture and minor in Construction Science. She attained her architecture license while working at The Beck Group.

In 2013, she joined TEXO, the largest commercial contractor’s association in Texas, with members combined annual revenues of more than $45 billion.

In 2015, Meloni was promoted to President / CEO after the board recognized her passion to serve the entire construction industry.

Mike Reeser

Chancellor/CEO
Texas State Technical College

Mike Reeser has served as the Chancellor & CEO of the Texas State Technical College system since 2010 and in other executive roles within the system since 1999. Under his leadership, TSTC adopted the first of its kind outcomes-based funding formula known as the Returned-Value method, an approach that provides public funding based solely on the employment successes realized by TSTC students. TSTC is also the home of the Money Back Guarantee for students. Prior to joining TSTC, Reeser spent twenty years as a banker in Texas. Mike holds a BS from Texas A&M University and an MBA from UT-Arlington.

Dr. Wynn Rosser '11

Commissioner of Higher Education
Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board

Dr. Wynn Rosser is the Commissioner of Higher Education and CEO of the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB), where he provides statewide leadership and oversees higher education budget and policy for the world’s eighth-largest economy.

With a background in cultivating cross-sector collaboration, Dr. Rosser has extensive experience partnering with others to advance shared goals for education across Texas. Through these experiences, he brings deep knowledge and commitment to advancing Texas higher education and the goals of the state's strategic plan for higher education, Building a Talent Strong Texas.

Before joining THECB, Dr. Rosser spent almost two decades in philanthropic leadership, serving as president and CEO of the T.L.L. Temple Foundation, a family foundation focused on issues facing rural East Texas, and as chief executive of the Greater Texas Foundation, a foundation that focuses on improving postsecondary access and success. Prior to that, he worked for 14 years at Texas A&M University in faculty, staff, and senior administrative roles.

He holds an associate degree from Kilgore College and bachelor's, master’s, and doctoral degrees from Texas A&M University. Additionally, he completed emergency medical technician (EMT) training through the School of EMS and is a nationally registered and Texas state-licensed EMT.

A native of rural Texas, Commissioner Rosser and his wife come from multigenerational rural families and are raising three children.

Jenna Saucedo-Herrera '19

Head of Corporate Impact
USAA

As Head of Corporate Impact at USAA, a Fortune 93 financial services organization, Jenna Saucedo-Herrera leads initiatives focused on strengthening military family resilience and fostering community development. She is the Vice Chair of both the USAA Foundation and the USAA Educational Foundation, and oversees civic engagement, belonging, corporate philanthropy, and military advocacy, driving change through partnerships and employee engagement on behalf of the association's more than 14 million members and approximately 40 thousand employees.

Prior to joining USAA in 2025, she served as President and CEO of the greater:SATX Regional Economic Partnership, where she was instrumental in attracting new companies, cultivating global business relationships, and developing the regional talent pipeline, resulting in over 40,000 high-quality jobs. Under her leadership, greater:SATX was recognized as a Top 20 Performing Economic Development Organization.

Jenna began her career at CPS Energy, the nation's largest municipally-owned electric and gas utility, where she became the youngest Vice President in the company's history. She has received numerous accolades, including the San Antonio Business Journal's ‘2015 Women in Leadership Award’ and was recognized as a ‘Top 100 Texan.’ She was also recently inducted into the San Antonio Business Hall of Fame.

Jenna currently serves on the boards of Texas Biomed, the Elizabeth Dole Foundation, and the Central Texas Alliance.

Carlton Schwab

CEO/President
Texas Economic Development Council

Carlton Schwab has been President/CEO of the Texas Economic Development Council (TEDC) since February 1st, 1999. During that time, the 1,000-member TEDC has developed into a recognized leader in the professional development of its members and a powerful voice for economic development policy in the state of Texas.

In his role as President/CEO of the TEDC, Mr. Schwab has served on numerous boards and commissions. In 2012, he was named by Governor Perry to the Select Committee on Economic Development – a committee created by the 83rd Texas Legislature to review economic development policy for the state of Texas. In 2015 and 2016 he was the Chair of the Advisory Committee of the Texas Legislative Conference.

In 2017, Mr. Schwab was named an Honorary Life Member of the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) and in November 2022 received the Council of Development Finance Agencies (CDFA) Lifetime Achievement Award.

Prior to his tenure at the TEDC, Mr. Schwab was Director of Development at the LBJ School of Public Affairs at the University of Texas at Austin (1996-1999). From 1989 to 1996, Mr. Schwab was a Director with Deloitte Consulting where he specialized in corporate site location analysis and economic development strategic planning. Mr. Schwab also spent time working in economic development at the local level, having served as Vice President of the Lubbock Board of City Development from 1986 to 1989.

Mr. Schwab raises registered Texas Longhorn cattle and is a Texas Certified Master Naturalist, affiliated with the Balcones Canyonlands Chapter in Austin, Texas.

Emma Thomas

Recent Master's Graduate of Public Service and Administration at the Bush School of Government and Public Service
The Bush School of Government and Public Service at Texas A&M University

Emma Grace Thomas is a recent graduate from the Bush School of Government and Public Service at Texas A&M University. In May of 2026, Emma Grace received her Master’s in Public Service and Administration with concentrations in Nonprofit Management and Education Policy. Prior to her studies at the Bush School, she completed her undergraduate degree in International Studies and minored in Mandarin Chinese in December of 2023. Emma Grace is the 2026 TX Lyceum Fellow for the Bush School of Government and Public Service and the Mosbacher Institute at Texas A&M University.

Justin Yancy '04

President & CEO
Texas Business Leadership Council

Justin Yancy joined the Texas Business Leadership Council (TBLC) as its President & CEO in July 2001. Yancy is responsible for all aspects of the TBLC’s mission including managing membership involvement and overseeing policy work and general operations. Yancy is also Executive Director of the Foundation for a Globally Competitive Texas.

Yancy previously served in the administrations of Governors’ George W. Bush and Rick Perry. From February 1995 to February 2001, he served as Director of International Protocol to the Governor and Secretary of State. During the 77th Legislative Session, Yancy worked as an analyst in the Governor’s Policy Office.