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href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/keynote/">Keynote</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/open-government/">Open Government</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/public-education/">Public Education</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/special-events/">Special Events</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/transportation/">Transportation</a></li> </ul> </nav> </div> </header> </div> <div class="big-image-link module show-for-medium-down" id="mobile-register"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150519161755/https://cart-texastribune.sxsw.com/products/show"> <img src="/web/20150519161755im_/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/static/festival/2014/images/TTF14-mobile-register-btn.png" alt="REGISTER"> </a> </div> <div class="big-image-link module show-for-medium-down"> <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/speakers/"> <img src="/web/20150519161755im_/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/static/festival/2014/images/TTF14-mobile-speakers-btn.png" alt="SPEAKERS"> </a> </div> <div class="big-image-link module show-for-medium-down"> <a href="#" id="nav-toggle-two"> <img src="/web/20150519161755im_/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/static/festival/2014/images/TTF14-mobile-tracks-btn.png" alt="TRACKS"> </a> </div> <div class="clearfix wrapper-r"> <div class="content grid"> <div class="cell w-8 main_column"> <div></div> <section> <h1>2014 Speakers</h1> <div class="grid"> <div class="speaker cell w-6 clear" style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="becca-aaronson-mod"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/becca-aaronson-mod.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>Becca Aaronson (mod.)</h2> <div class="twitter"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150519161755/http://www.twitter.com/becca_aa" target="_blank"> @becca_aa </a> </div> <div class="title">News Apps Developer for The Texas Tribune</div> <div class="bio"> <p>Aaronson develops news applications and works on special investigative projects for The Texas Tribune. After joining the Tribune in 2010, she was promoted in 2012 to cover health care, during which time she was nationally recognized for her coverage of women’s health and abortion politics. Aaronson was a founding member of the Tribune’s news apps team.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Session: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/open-government/#putting-the-open-in-open-records"> Putting the "Open" in Open Records</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 " style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="julian-aguilar-mod"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/julian-aguilar-mod.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>Julián Aguilar (mod.)</h2> <div class="twitter"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150519161755/http://www.twitter.com/nachoaguilar" target="_blank"> @nachoaguilar </a> </div> <div class="title">Reporter for The Texas Tribune</div> <div class="bio"> <p>Aguilar reports on politics and border affairs from the Texas-Mexico border for The Texas Tribune. His political coverage has included local, legislative and congressional races in Texas, as well as local and national elections in Mexico. Previously, Aguilar served as a freelance writer for <em>Fort Worth Weekly</em>.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Sessions: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/immigration/#whats-next-for-border-security"> What's Next for Border Security?</a>, <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/immigration/#the-comprehensive-immigration-reform-debate"> The Comprehensive Immigration Reform Debate</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 clear" style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="david-alameel"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/david-alameel.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>David Alameel</h2> <div class="twitter"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150519161755/http://www.twitter.com/DrDavidAlameel" target="_blank"> @DrDavidAlameel </a> </div> <div class="title">Democratic Nominee for U.S. Senate</div> <div class="bio"> <p>Alameel is the founder of the Alameel Foundation, which provides community service in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. He also serves as president of the League of Latin American Citizens Greater Texas LULAC Council. Alameel previously served in the U.S. Army.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Session: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/energy/#what-mexican-energy-reform-means-for-texas"> What Mexican Energy Reform Means for Texas</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 " style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="eddie-aldrete"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/eddie-aldrete.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>Eddie Aldrete</h2> <div class="twitter"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150519161755/http://www.twitter.com/AldreteEddie" target="_blank"> @AldreteEddie </a> </div> <div class="title">Senior Vice President of IBC Bank</div> <div class="bio"> <p>As senior vice president of IBC Bank, Aldrete monitors local, state and federal policies that impact the banking industry and international trade. He serves on the boards of the Texas Border Coalition, Texas Employers for Immigration Reform and the National Immigration Forum. Previously, Aldrete served as chairman of the San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Session: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/immigration/#the-comprehensive-immigration-reform-debate"> The Comprehensive Immigration Reform Debate</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 clear" style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="bill-allison"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/bill-allison.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>Bill Allison</h2> <div class="twitter"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150519161755/http://www.twitter.com/bill_allison" target="_blank"> @bill_allison </a> </div> <div class="title">Editorial Director of the Sunlight Foundation</div> <div class="bio"> <p>Allison is an investigative journalist and editor for nonprofit media. He worked for the Center for Public Integrity, where he co-authored<em> The Cheating of America</em> and served as co-editor of the <em>New York Times</em> bestseller <em>The Buying of the President 2004</em>. Previously, Allison worked for eight years at <em>The Philadelphia Inquirer</em>.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Session: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/open-government/#dark-money-vs-donor-privacy"> "Dark Money" vs. Donor Privacy</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 " style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="carol-alvarado"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/carol-alvarado.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>Carol Alvarado</h2> <div class="twitter"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150519161755/http://www.twitter.com/RepAlvarado145" target="_blank"> @RepAlvarado145 </a> </div> <div class="title">State Representative; Co-chairwoman of the House Select Committee on Transparency in State Agency Operations</div> <div class="bio"> <p>Alvarado, D-Houston, has represented District 145 in the Texas House since 2008. She serves as vice chairwoman of the Urban Affairs Committee and as a member of the House Calendars, Special Purpose Districts and Environmental Flows Advisory committees. Alvarado previously served on the Public Health Committee and has authored legislation to increase health education in public schools.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Session: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/health-care/#the-womens-health-debate"> The Women's Health Debate</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 clear" style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="hope-andrade"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/hope-andrade.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>Hope Andrade</h2> <div class="title">Texas Workforce Commissioner</div> <div class="bio"> <p>Andrade has served as a Texas workforce commissioner since 2013. From 2008 to 2012, she served as the first Latina secretary of state of Texas. She has also served on the Texas Transportation Commission. Andrade has been a leader in the San Antonio business community for more than three decades.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Session: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/immigration/#latinos-and-the-gop"> Latinos and the GOP</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 " style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="david-anthony"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/david-anthony.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>David Anthony</h2> <div class="twitter"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150519161755/http://www.twitter.com/david_danthony" target="_blank"> @david_danthony </a> </div> <div class="title">CEO of Raise Your Hand Texas</div> <div class="bio"> <p>Anthony became CEO of Raise Your Hand Texas in 2011. Previously, he worked for 37 years in public education in Louisiana and Texas and served as the superintendent of Cypress-Fairbanks ISD, the third-largest school district in Texas. Anthony has served a total of 24 years as superintendent in five districts in Texas.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Session: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/public-education/#whats-next-for-education-reform"> What's Next for Education Reform?</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 clear" style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="george-antuna"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/george-antuna.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>George Antuna</h2> <div class="twitter"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150519161755/http://www.twitter.com/GeorgeAntuna" target="_blank"> @GeorgeAntuna </a> </div> <div class="title">Co-founder of Hispanic Republicans of Texas</div> <div class="bio"> <p>Antuna co-founded Hispanic Republicans of Texas in 2009. He sits on the Epilepsy Foundation of Central South Texas fundraising committee and has served on the Texas Lyceum Board of Directors. Previously, Antuna served for three years on the Schertz City Council.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Session: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/immigration/#latinos-and-the-gop"> Latinos and the GOP</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 " style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="ed-archuleta"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/ed-archuleta.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>Ed Archuleta</h2> <div class="title">Former President and CEO of El Paso Water Utilities</div> <div class="bio"> <p>Archuleta serves as director of water initiatives at the University of Texas at El Paso. He led El Paso Water Utilities until January 2013 and served as a transition and special projects manager for El Paso Water Utilities’ Public Service Board. Archuleta was appointed by President Obama to represent the United States as chairman on the Pecos River Compact Commission.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Session: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/environment/#whats-next-for-water"> What's Next for Water?</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 clear" style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="kip-averitt"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/kip-averitt.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>Kip Averitt</h2> <div class="title">Former State Senator</div> <div class="bio"> <p>Averitt is a certified public accountant and consultant who works with the public affairs firm Averitt & Associates. He was elected to represent Senate District 22 in 2002 and previously served in the Texas House for nearly 10 years. He is a former chairman of the Senate Natural Resources Committee and is now a member of the board of trustees for the Texas Water Foundation.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Session: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/environment/#whats-next-for-water"> What's Next for Water?</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 " style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="jorge-baldor"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/jorge-baldor.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>Jorge Baldor</h2> <div class="title">President of ResidentCheck</div> <div class="bio"> <p>Baldor founded and leads ResidentCheck, a national tenant background screening service. He recently started KeepHB1403.com to organize support for maintaining in-state tuition for “Dreamers” in Texas, and he serves on the board of the World Affairs Council of Dallas-Fort Worth.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Session: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/immigration/#what-to-do-with-the-dreamers"> What to Do with the Dreamers</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 clear" style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="dan-balz-mod"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/dan-balz-mod.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>Dan Balz (mod.)</h2> <div class="twitter"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150519161755/http://www.twitter.com/danbalz" target="_blank"> @danbalz </a> </div> <div class="title">Chief Correspondent for The Washington Post</div> <div class="bio"> <p>Balz has served as <em>The Washington Post</em>’s national editor, political editor, White House correspondent and Southwest correspondent. He is co-author of two books, including the New York Times bestseller <em>The Battle for America 2008</em>, a narrative history of the 2008 presidential campaign. In 2011, Balz received the White House Correspondents’ Association’s Merriman Smith Award.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Session: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/keynote/#one-on-one-with-ted-cruz"> One on One with Ted Cruz</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 " style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="wanda-bamberg"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/wanda-bamberg.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>Wanda Bamberg</h2> <div class="twitter"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150519161755/http://www.twitter.com/wbamberg_aldine" target="_blank"> @wbamberg_aldine </a> </div> <div class="title">Superintendent of the Aldine Independent School District</div> <div class="bio"> <p>Bamberg has served as the superintendent of the Aldine Independent School District since 2007. She first joined Aldine ISD in 1982 as an English and reading teacher at Hoffman Middle School. Since then, she has served as the executive director of curriculum and instruction and as the assistant superintendent of curriculum and instruction for the district.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Session: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/public-education/#superintendent-confidential"> Superintendent Confidential</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 clear" style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="john-barton"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/john-barton.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>John Barton</h2> <div class="twitter"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150519161755/http://www.twitter.com/JohnBartonTxDOT" target="_blank"> @JohnBartonTxDOT </a> </div> <div class="title">Deputy Executive Director of the Texas Department of Transportation</div> <div class="bio"> <p>Barton oversees all operations at TxDOT. Before that, he served as assistant executive director for engineering operations. Previously, Barton worked as the director of transportation planning and development for the Wichita Falls district and as district engineer for the Beaumont district.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Session: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/transportation/#planning-for-the-future"> Planning for the Future</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 " style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="aman-batheja-mod"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/aman-batheja-mod.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>Aman Batheja (mod.)</h2> <div class="twitter"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150519161755/http://www.twitter.com/amanbatheja" target="_blank"> @amanbatheja </a> </div> <div class="title">Reporter for The Texas Tribune</div> <div class="bio"> <p>Batheja has covered politics, transportation and economic issues for The Texas Tribune since 2012. Before joining the Tribune, Batheja worked for eight years at the <em>Fort Worth Star-Telegram</em>, where he covered state and local politics. He has a master’s degree in economics from the University of Texas at Arlington.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Sessions: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/transportation/#is-high-speed-rail-really-happening"> Is High Speed Rail Really Happening?</a>, <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/transportation/#planning-for-the-future"> Planning for the Future</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 clear" style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="erika-beltran"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/erika-beltran.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>Erika Beltran</h2> <div class="twitter"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150519161755/http://www.twitter.com/EBeltran4SBOE" target="_blank"> @EBeltran4SBOE </a> </div> <div class="title">Democratic Nominee for State Board of Education</div> <div class="bio"> <p>Beltran is running to represent District 13 on the Texas State Board of Education. She currently serves as the regional director for Leadership for Education Equity, where she works to engage current and former teachers civically and politically. Previously, Beltran served at the Dallas-based nonprofit Teaching Trust, where she directed a leadership development program for teachers.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Session: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/public-education/#whats-next-for-education-reform"> What's Next for Education Reform?</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 " style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="doyle-n-beneby"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/doyle-n-beneby.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>Doyle N. Beneby</h2> <div class="twitter"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150519161755/http://www.twitter.com/Doyle_Beneby" target="_blank"> @Doyle_Beneby </a> </div> <div class="title">President and CEO of CPS Energy</div> <div class="bio"> <p>Beneby has led San Antonio-based CPS Energy, the largest municipal electric and gas utility in the nation, since 2010. He serves on the board of directors for several corporate and industry organizations, including Capital Power Corporation and the Texas Public Power Association. Beneby also serves on the board of directors for the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Session: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/energy/#the-state-of-the-grid"> The State of the Grid</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 clear" style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="jeff-boyd"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/jeff-boyd.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>Jeff Boyd</h2> <div class="twitter"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150519161755/http://www.twitter.com/JeffBoydTX" target="_blank"> @JeffBoydTX </a> </div> <div class="title">Texas Supreme Court Justice</div> <div class="bio"> <p>Boyd was appointed to the Texas Supreme Court by Gov. Rick Perry in 2012. Previously, he served as the governor’s chief of staff and as his general counsel. Previously, he served as senior partner at Thompson & Knight LLP. Boyd also served as deputy attorney general for general litigation for then-Texas Attorney General John Cornyn and again with Attorney General Greg Abbott.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Session: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/justice/#inside-the-texas-supreme-court"> Inside the Texas Supreme Court</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 " style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="malachi-boyuls"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/malachi-boyuls.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>Malachi Boyuls</h2> <div class="twitter"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150519161755/http://www.twitter.com/malachifortexas" target="_blank"> @malachifortexas </a> </div> <div class="title">Founding Partner at St. Augustine Capital Partners</div> <div class="bio"> <p>Boyuls is a partner at St. Augustine Capital Partners, an energy-focused investment firm. He previously worked at Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher, where he specialized in regulatory law. In 2010, Gov. Rick Perry appointed Boyuls to the Texas Appraiser Licensing and Certification Board, where he served as chairman of the budget committee.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Session: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/energy/#what-mexican-energy-reform-means-for-texas"> What Mexican Energy Reform Means for Texas</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 clear" style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="bill-bradley"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/bill-bradley.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>Bill Bradley</h2> <div class="title">Former U.S. Senator</div> <div class="bio"> <p>Bradley, D-New Jersey, served as a U.S. senator from 1979 to 1997 and was a candidate for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2000. Bradley, a 1964 Olympic gold medalist and NBA Hall of Famer, now serves as a managing director for Allen & Company LLC and is the host of a weekly radio show, <em>American Voices</em>.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Session: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/keynote/#can-the-center-hold"> Can the Center Hold?</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 " style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="dan-branch"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/dan-branch.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>Dan Branch</h2> <div class="twitter"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150519161755/http://www.twitter.com/TexansForDan" target="_blank"> @TexansForDan </a> </div> <div class="title">State Representative; Chairman of the House Higher Education Committee</div> <div class="bio"> <p>Branch, R-Dallas, has represented District 108 in the Texas House since 2003. He ran for the Republican nomination for Texas attorney general in 2014. In the House, Branch also serves on the Calendars and Pensions committees. He is a graduate of the Southern Methodist University School of Law.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Session: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/higher-education/#the-completion-crisis"> The Completion Crisis</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 clear" style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="david-brown-mod"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/david-brown-mod.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>David Brown (mod.)</h2> <div class="twitter"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150519161755/http://www.twitter.com/DavidBrownKUT" target="_blank"> @DavidBrownKUT </a> </div> <div class="title">Host and Managing Editor of the Texas Standard</div> <div class="bio"> <p>Brown is host and managing editor of the <em>Texas Standard</em>, a new statewide public radio program produced at the studios of KUT News in Austin in association with The Texas Tribune, NPR and media partners across Texas. Brown is a former host of the business program <em>Marketplace</em> and a longtime public radio correspondent based in Washington, London and Los Angeles.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Session: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/environment/#saving-the-texas-coast"> Saving the Texas Coast</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 " style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="jeff-brown"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/jeff-brown.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>Jeff Brown</h2> <div class="twitter"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150519161755/http://www.twitter.com/judgejeffbrown" target="_blank"> @judgejeffbrown </a> </div> <div class="title">Texas Supreme Court Justice</div> <div class="bio"> <p>Brown was appointed to the Texas Supreme Court by Gov. Rick Perry in 2013. Previously, he served on the 14th Court of Appeals and as a judge of the 55th District Court in Harris County. Brown has also served on several nonprofit boards, including the board for the Christian Community Service Center.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Session: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/justice/#inside-the-texas-supreme-court"> Inside the Texas Supreme Court</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 clear" style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="kelly-brown"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/kelly-brown.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>Kelly Brown</h2> <div class="twitter"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150519161755/http://www.twitter.com/KSBrown12" target="_blank"> @KSBrown12 </a> </div> <div class="title">Editor of The Bryan-College Station Eagle</div> <div class="bio"> <p>Brown is the editor of <em>The Bryan-College Station Eagle</em>, which is considered a boot camp for young journalists. Previously, she served as managing editor, taught at Texas A&M University and worked as a private investigator. Brown has worked in newspapers for 23 years, covering courts, police, politics and other local beats.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Session: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/open-government/#putting-the-open-in-open-records"> Putting the "Open" in Open Records</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 " style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="steve-brown"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/steve-brown.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>Steve Brown</h2> <div class="twitter"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150519161755/http://www.twitter.com/ElectSteveBrown" target="_blank"> @ElectSteveBrown </a> </div> <div class="title">Democratic Nominee for Railroad Commissioner</div> <div class="bio"> <p>Brown is the 2014 Democratic candidate for Texas railroad commissioner. Brown began his political career as a campus organizer for Democratic U.S. Senate nominee Harvey Gantt of North Carolina. He also serves on the board for the Youth Development Center of Houston and the Fifth Ward Enrichment Program.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Session: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/energy/#the-fracas-over-fracking"> The Fracas Over Fracking</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 clear" style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="michael-burgess"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/michael-burgess.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>Michael Burgess</h2> <div class="twitter"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150519161755/http://www.twitter.com/michaelcburgess" target="_blank"> @michaelcburgess </a> </div> <div class="title">U.S. Representative; Vice Chairman of the Health and Oversight & Investigations Subcommittees</div> <div class="bio"> <p>Burgess, R-Lewisville, was first elected in 2002 to represent Texas’ Congressional District 26. He serves on the House Energy & Commerce and Rules committees and is the vice chairman of the Health and Oversight & Investigations subcommittees. Burgess received his M.D. from the University of Texas Medical School at Houston.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Session: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/health-care/#texas-vs-obamacare"> Texas vs. Obamacare</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 " style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="george-p-bush"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/george-p-bush.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>George P. Bush</h2> <div class="twitter"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150519161755/http://www.twitter.com/georgepbush" target="_blank"> @georgepbush </a> </div> <div class="title">2014 Republican Nominee for Land Commissioner</div> <div class="bio"> <p>Bush is an attorney and founder of St. Augustine Partners LLC, a Fort Worth-based investment firm focused on oil and gas transactions. He serves as co-chairman of the Dallas/Fort Worth Celebration of Reading and as Tarrant County chairman for Uplift Education, a public charter network focused on closing the achievement gap. Bush also co-founded the group Hispanic Republicans of Texas.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Session: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/keynote/#one-on-one-with-george-p-bush"> One on One with George P. Bush</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 clear" style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="juan-cabrera"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/juan-cabrera.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>Juan Cabrera</h2> <div class="title">Superintendent of the El Paso Independent School District</div> <div class="bio"> <p>Cabrera was named superintendent of the El Paso ISD in 2013. Most recently, he worked as a school law attorney and served as general counsel to more than 20 Texas school districts. Cabrera is a certified K-8 bilingual teacher and has worked as an international general counsel, corporate executive with publicly traded technology firms, litigator and adviser to technological and investment firms.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Session: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/public-education/#superintendent-confidential"> Superintendent Confidential</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 " style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="javier-trevino-cantu"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/javier-trevino-cantu.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>Javier Treviño Cantú</h2> <div class="twitter"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150519161755/http://www.twitter.com/javier_trevino" target="_blank"> @javier_trevino </a> </div> <div class="title">Member of the lower chamber (Camara de Diputados) of Mexico's Congress</div> <div class="bio"> <p>Treviño, a member of the Institutional Revolutionary Party, or PRI,  is a Mexican congressman from the state of Nuevo Leon. He serves as secretary of the Energy and Finance committees and is also a member of the Migratory Affairs Committee and the Special Committee on Information and Communication Technologies.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Session: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/energy/#what-mexican-energy-reform-means-for-texas"> What Mexican Energy Reform Means for Texas</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 clear" style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="giovanni-capriglione"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/giovanni-capriglione.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>Giovanni Capriglione</h2> <div class="twitter"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150519161755/http://www.twitter.com/VoteGiovanni" target="_blank"> @VoteGiovanni </a> </div> <div class="title">State Representative</div> <div class="bio"> <p>Capriglione, R-Southlake, has represented District 98 in the Texas House since 2012. He serves on the Government Efficiency & Reform and International Trade & Intergovernmental Affairs committees. Capriglione is also president of Texas Adventure Capital LLC, which provides services to largely Texas-based small businesses.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Session: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/open-government/#how-much-should-legislators-disclose"> How Much Should Legislators Disclose?</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 " style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="rick-casey-mod"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/rick-casey-mod.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>Rick Casey (mod.)</h2> <div class="title">Host of KLRN's Texas Week with Rick Casey</div> <div class="bio"> <p>Casey has hosted <em>Texas Week with Rick Casey</em> on San Antonio’s KLRN since 2011. Previously, he served as a metro reporter for the <em>Houston Chronicle</em>, the <em>San Antonio Express-News</em> and the <em>San Antonio Light</em>. Casey has also worked as a freelance writer and has served as night editor for <em>The Seattle Times</em>.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Session: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/transportation/#the-new-urban-mobility"> The New Urban Mobility</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 clear" style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="eva-deluna-castro"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/eva-deluna-castro.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>Eva DeLuna Castro</h2> <div class="twitter"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150519161755/http://www.twitter.com/DeLunaEva" target="_blank"> @DeLunaEva </a> </div> <div class="title">Senior Budget Analyst at the Center for Public Policy Priorities</div> <div class="bio"> <p>DeLuna Castro joined the Center for Public Policy Priorities, an independent policy research organization, in 1998. She has spent 23 years in Texas budget battles including serving as an analyst for the Texas comptroller, researching policy issues related to state revenue and spending.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Session: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/open-government/#is-the-texas-budget-transparent"> Is the Texas Budget Transparent?</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 " style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="joaquin-castro"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/joaquin-castro.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>Joaquin Castro</h2> <div class="twitter"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150519161755/http://www.twitter.com/JoaquinCastrotx" target="_blank"> @JoaquinCastrotx </a> </div> <div class="title">U.S. Representative</div> <div class="bio"> <p>Castro, D-San Antonio, is serving his first term in the U.S. House. He serves on the House Armed Services and Foreign Affairs committees and in 2013 was elected president of the Democratic freshman class. Before his election to Congress in 2012, Castro served for 10 years in the Texas Legislature.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Session: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/higher-education/#making-higher-ed-affordable"> Making Higher Ed Affordable</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 clear" style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="hd-chambers"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/hd-chambers.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>H.D. Chambers</h2> <div class="title">Superintendent of the Alief Independent School District</div> <div class="bio"> <p>Chambers has served as the leader of Alief Independent School District since 2011. Before joining Alief ISD, he served as superintendent of the Stafford Municipal School District. Chambers began his career in education as a teacher and coach in the Aldine school district, and he previously served in campus and central administration roles for 14 years in Cypress-Fairbanks ISD.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Session: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/public-education/#the-algebra-ii-debate"> The Algebra II Debate</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 " style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="jim-clancy"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/jim-clancy.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>Jim Clancy</h2> <div class="title">Chairman of the Texas Ethics Commission</div> <div class="bio"> <p>Clancy was appointed to the Texas Ethics Commission in 2010 and was elected chairman in 2013. He is a managing partner of the Corpus Christi business law firm Branscomb PC, where he focuses on corporate litigation. Clancy received a Bronze Star Medal for his military service in Desert Storm.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Session: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/open-government/#how-much-should-legislators-disclose"> How Much Should Legislators Disclose?</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 clear" style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="garnet-coleman"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/garnet-coleman.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>Garnet Coleman</h2> <div class="twitter"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150519161755/http://www.twitter.com/GFColeman" target="_blank"> @GFColeman </a> </div> <div class="title">State Representative; Chairman of the House County Affairs Committee</div> <div class="bio"> <p>Coleman, D-Houston, was first elected in 1992 to represent House District 147. He currently serves as chairman of the House County Affairs Committee and is a member of the Public Health Committee and Select Committee on Federal Economic Stabilization Funding. Coleman is the president and CEO of Apartments for America, a nonprofit affordable housing cooperation.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Session: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/health-care/#texas-vs-obamacare"> Texas vs. Obamacare</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 " style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="mike-collier"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/mike-collier.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>Mike Collier</h2> <div class="twitter"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150519161755/http://www.twitter.com/CollierForTexas" target="_blank"> @CollierForTexas </a> </div> <div class="title">Democratic Nominee for State Comptroller</div> <div class="bio"> <p>Collier began his career with Exxon Corporation and served as an energy merger and acquisition specialist with PricewaterhouseCoopers. He also served as CFO of Layline Petroleum, an on-shore conventional oil and gas development company.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Session: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/energy/#deconstructing-the-boom"> Deconstructing the Boom</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 clear" style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="byron-cook"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/byron-cook.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>Byron Cook</h2> <div class="title">State Representative; Chairman of the House State Affairs Committee</div> <div class="bio"> <p>Cook, R-Corsicana, was first elected to serve District 8 in the Texas House in 2002. He also sits on the Calendars Committee. He recently served on the Sunset Advisory Commission, which reviews the efficiency of state agencies. Previously, Cook served as chairman of the Environmental Regulation and Civil Practices committees.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Session: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/open-government/#dark-money-vs-donor-privacy"> "Dark Money" vs. Donor Privacy</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 " style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="john-cornyn"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/john-cornyn.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>John Cornyn</h2> <div class="twitter"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150519161755/http://www.twitter.com/JohnCornyn" target="_blank"> @JohnCornyn </a> </div> <div class="title">U.S. Senator</div> <div class="bio"> <p>Cornyn was elected to the U.S. Senate in 2002. He sits on the Finance and Judiciary committees and serves as the top Republican on the Judiciary Committee’s Subcommittee on Immigration, Refugees and Border Security. He is also the Senate minority whip. Previously, Cornyn served as attorney general of Texas.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Session: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/keynote/#one-on-one-with-john-cornyn"> One on One with John Cornyn</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 clear" style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="christi-craddick"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/christi-craddick.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>Christi Craddick</h2> <div class="twitter"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150519161755/http://www.twitter.com/ChristiCraddick" target="_blank"> @ChristiCraddick </a> </div> <div class="title">Chairwoman of the Texas Railroad Commission</div> <div class="bio"> <p>Craddick was elected in 2012 to serve a six-year term on the Texas Railroad Commission. She is an attorney specializing in oil and gas, water, electric deregulation and environmental policy. Prior to serving on the Railroad Commission, Craddick was the chief political and legal adviser to the speaker of the Texas House.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Session: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/energy/#deconstructing-the-boom"> Deconstructing the Boom</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 " style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="myra-crownover"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/myra-crownover.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>Myra Crownover</h2> <div class="twitter"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150519161755/http://www.twitter.com/MyraCrownover" target="_blank"> @MyraCrownover </a> </div> <div class="title">State Representative; Vice Chairwoman of the House Energy Resources Committee</div> <div class="bio"> <p>Crownover, R-Denton, has represented District 64 in the Texas House since 2000. She also chairs the Appropriations Subcommittee on Budget, Transparency and Reform and is a member of the Calendars Committee. Crownover is also president of Crownover Inc. and director of Northstar Bank.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Session: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/environment/#texas-vs-the-epa"> Texas vs. the EPA</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 clear" style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="paul-cruz"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/paul-cruz.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>Paul Cruz</h2> <div class="title">Interim Superintendent of the Austin Independent School District</div> <div class="bio"> <p>Cruz, the interim superintendent of the Austin Independent School District, previously served as chief schools officer, supervising four associate superintendents and more than 120 campus principals. Cruz has worked in education for 28 years and is in his ninth year with Austin ISD.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Session: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/public-education/#superintendent-confidential"> Superintendent Confidential</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 " style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="ted-cruz"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/ted-cruz.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>Ted Cruz</h2> <div class="twitter"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150519161755/http://www.twitter.com/SenTedCruz" target="_blank"> @SenTedCruz </a> </div> <div class="title">U.S. Senator</div> <div class="bio"> <p>Cruz was elected to the U.S. Senate in 2012. He serves on the Judiciary; Rules and Administration; Armed Services; and Commerce, Science and Transportation committees, as well as the Special Committee on Aging. Previously, he served as solicitor general of Texas and worked as a top litigator for Morgan, Lewis & Bockius.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Session: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/keynote/#one-on-one-with-ted-cruz"> One on One with Ted Cruz</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 clear" style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="henry-cuellar"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/henry-cuellar.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>Henry Cuellar</h2> <div class="twitter"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150519161755/http://www.twitter.com/RepCuellar" target="_blank"> @RepCuellar </a> </div> <div class="title">U.S. Representative; Vice Chairman of the House Steering and Policy Committee</div> <div class="bio"> <p>Cuellar, D-Laredo, was first elected in 2005 to represent Texas’ Congressional District 28. He serves on the House Appropriations Committee and on the subcommittees on Homeland Security and State, Foreign Operations and Related Programs. Previously, Cuellar served as the secretary of state of Texas.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Session: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/immigration/#whats-next-for-border-security"> What's Next for Border Security?</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 " style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="sarah-davis"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/sarah-davis.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>Sarah Davis</h2> <div class="twitter"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150519161755/http://www.twitter.com/SarahforHD134" target="_blank"> @SarahforHD134 </a> </div> <div class="title">State Representative</div> <div class="bio"> <p>Davis, R-West University Place, was first elected in 2010 to represent District 134 in the Texas House. She serves on the Public Health, Calendars and Appropriations committees and as secretary of the Women’s Health Caucus. Davis is a partner with Lewis Brisbois Bisgaard & Smith LLP and specializes in personal injury lawsuits.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Session: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/health-care/#texas-vs-obamacare"> Texas vs. Obamacare</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 clear" style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="wendy-davis"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/wendy-davis.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>Wendy Davis</h2> <div class="twitter"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150519161755/http://www.twitter.com/WendyDavisTexas" target="_blank"> @WendyDavisTexas </a> </div> <div class="title">State Senator; 2014 Democratic Candidate for Governor</div> <div class="bio"> <p>Davis, D-Fort Worth, has represented District 10 in the Texas Senate since 2009. She is the Democratic nominee for Texas governor. In the Senate, Davis serves as vice chairwoman of the Open Government Committee and is a member of the Economic Development, Transportation, and Veterans Affairs & Military Installations committees. Previously, Davis served on the Fort Worth City Council for nearly nine years.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Session: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/keynote/#one-on-one-with-wendy-davis"> One on One with Wendy Davis</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 " style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="wilhelmina-delco"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/wilhelmina-delco.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>Wilhelmina Delco</h2> <div class="title">Texas Ethics Commissioner</div> <div class="bio"> <p>Delco was recently re-appointed to the Texas Ethics Commission by Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst. She began her career in public service as a member of the Austin Independent School District Board of Trustees and served 10 terms in the Texas House, including time as chairwoman of the Higher Education Committee and speaker pro tempore. Delco also served on the founding board for Austin Community College.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Session: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/open-government/#how-much-should-legislators-disclose"> How Much Should Legislators Disclose?</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 clear" style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="deirdre-delisi"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/deirdre-delisi.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>Deirdre Delisi</h2> <div class="twitter"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150519161755/http://www.twitter.com/ddelisi" target="_blank"> @ddelisi </a> </div> <div class="title">Former Chairwoman of the Texas Transportation Commission</div> <div class="bio"> <p>Delisi was appointed chairwoman of the Texas Transportation Commission in 2008. She currently is a partner at Delisi communications, a public relations, government and political consulting business. Previously, she served as Gov. Rick Perry’s chief of staff and campaign manager.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Session: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/transportation/#planning-for-the-future"> Planning for the Future</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 " style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="joe-deshotel"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/joe-deshotel.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>Joe Deshotel</h2> <div class="twitter"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150519161755/http://www.twitter.com/RepJoeDeshotel" target="_blank"> @RepJoeDeshotel </a> </div> <div class="title">State Representative; Chairman of the House Land and Resource Management Committee</div> <div class="bio"> <p>Deshotel, D-Beaumont, has represented House District 22 since 1998. He also serves as co-chairman of the Joint Interim Committee to Study a Coastal Barrier System. Previously, Deshotel served on the Beaumont City Council and as vice president for administration and legal counsel at Lamar University.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Session: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/environment/#saving-the-texas-coast"> Saving the Texas Coast</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 clear" style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="bob-deuell"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/bob-deuell.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>Bob Deuell</h2> <div class="twitter"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150519161755/http://www.twitter.com/bobdeuell" target="_blank"> @bobdeuell </a> </div> <div class="title">State Senator; Vice Chairman of the Senate Health and Human Services Committee</div> <div class="bio"> <p>Deuell, R-Greenville, was elected in 2002 to represent District 2 in the Texas Senate. He also serves as chairman of the Economic Development Committee and vice chairman of the State Affairs Committee and sits on the Natural Resources Committee. Deuell has practiced as a board-certified family physician in Greenville for 25 years.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Session: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/health-care/#the-womens-health-debate"> The Women's Health Debate</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 " style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="david-dewhurst"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/david-dewhurst.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>David Dewhurst</h2> <div class="twitter"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150519161755/http://www.twitter.com/DavidHDewhurst" target="_blank"> @DavidHDewhurst </a> </div> <div class="title">Lieutenant Governor of Texas</div> <div class="bio"> <p>Dewhurst has served as Texas’ lieutenant governor since 2003. His term will end in 2015. Dewhurst began his career in public service in the U.S. Air Force, where he served as an intelligence officer. Before serving as lieutenant governor, he was elected Texas land commissioner in 1998.</p> </div> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 clear" style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="david-r-dow"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/david-r-dow.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>David R. Dow</h2> <div class="twitter"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150519161755/http://www.twitter.com/drdow" target="_blank"> @drdow </a> </div> <div class="title">Founder of the Texas Innocence Network; Professor at the University of Houston Law Center</div> <div class="bio"> <p>Dow is a distinguished professor at the University of Houston Law Center, where he founded and runs the Texas Innocence Network, a program in which law students assist in the representation of inmates facing execution. He and his team have represented over 100 death row inmates in their appeals. Dow is also a professor at Rice University.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Session: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/justice/#the-state-of-the-death-penalty"> The State of the Death Penalty</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 " style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="tiffany-dowell"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/tiffany-dowell.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>Tiffany Dowell</h2> <div class="twitter"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150519161755/http://www.twitter.com/TiffDowell" target="_blank"> @TiffDowell </a> </div> <div class="title">Assistant Professor at the Texas A&M University AgriLife Extension</div> <div class="bio"> <p>Dowell is an assistant professor and extension specialist in agricultural law with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension. She focuses on legal issues impacting agricultural operators, including agricultural leases, water, oil and gas law, and agricultural protection statutes. Before joining the AgriLife Extension, Dowell worked for four years at an Albuquerque law firm practicing civil litigation.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Session: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/environment/#the-state-of-agriculture"> The State of Agriculture</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 clear" style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="dawnna-dukes"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/dawnna-dukes.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>Dawnna Dukes</h2> <div class="twitter"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150519161755/http://www.twitter.com/DawnnaDukes" target="_blank"> @DawnnaDukes </a> </div> <div class="title">State Representative; Vice Chairwoman of the House Culture, Recreation and Tourism Committee</div> <div class="bio"> <p>Dukes, D-Austin, has represented District 46 in the Texas House since 1994. She chairs the House Select Committee on Child Protection and serves as vice chairwoman of the Article II Appropriations Subcommittee. In 2009, Dukes received the Child Protection Legislator of the Year award from the Child Protection Roundtable for her commitment to the protection of children.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Session: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/health-care/#the-womens-health-debate"> The Women's Health Debate</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 " style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="robert-duncan"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/robert-duncan.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>Robert Duncan</h2> <div class="twitter"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150519161755/http://www.twitter.com/chancellorRLD" target="_blank"> @chancellorRLD </a> </div> <div class="title">Chancellor of the Texas Tech University System</div> <div class="bio"> <p>Duncan was named chancellor of the Texas Tech University System in June. Previously, he served five terms in the Texas Senate, where he served as chairman of the State Affairs Committee and as president pro tempore. Duncan also served in the Texas House.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Session: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/higher-education/#making-higher-ed-affordable"> Making Higher Ed Affordable</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 clear" style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="robert-eckels"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/robert-eckels.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>Robert Eckels</h2> <div class="title">President of Texas Central Railway</div> <div class="bio"> <p>Eckels is president of Texas Central Railway, a private enterprise seeking to build a high-speed rail system linking the Dallas-Fort Worth area to Houston. He served as the Harris County judge, chairman of the Harris County Toll Road Authority, and chairman of the Houston-Galveston Area Council’s Transportation Policy Council. Previously, Eckels served in the Texas Legislature.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Session: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/transportation/#is-high-speed-rail-really-happening"> Is High Speed Rail Really Happening?</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 " style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="rodney-ellis"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/rodney-ellis.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>Rodney Ellis</h2> <div class="twitter"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150519161755/http://www.twitter.com/RodneyEllis" target="_blank"> @RodneyEllis </a> </div> <div class="title">State Senator; Chairman of the Senate Open Government Committee</div> <div class="bio"> <p>Ellis, D-Houston, was elected in 1990 to represent Senate District 13. He serves on the State Affairs, Natural Resources and Transportation committees and chairs the board of directors for the Texas Innocence Project. Previously, Ellis served three terms on the Houston City Council and as chief of staff to the late U.S. Rep. Mickey Leland.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Session: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/justice/#the-state-of-the-death-penalty"> The State of the Death Penalty</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 clear" style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="veronica-escobar"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/veronica-escobar.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>Veronica Escobar</h2> <div class="twitter"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150519161755/http://www.twitter.com/vgescobar" target="_blank"> @vgescobar </a> </div> <div class="title">El Paso County Judge</div> <div class="bio"> <p>Escobar was sworn in as the El Paso County judge in 2011. During her tenure, she has worked on border issues and has testified before the U.S. Senate’s Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee and before several Texas state legislative committees. Previously, Escobar served as a county commissioner in El Paso.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Session: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/immigration/#what-to-do-with-the-dreamers"> What to Do with the Dreamers</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 " style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="blake-farenthold"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/blake-farenthold.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>Blake Farenthold</h2> <div class="twitter"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150519161755/http://www.twitter.com/farenthold" target="_blank"> @farenthold </a> </div> <div class="title">U.S. Representative</div> <div class="bio"> <p>Farenthold, R-Corpus Christi, has represented Texas’ Congressional District 27 since 2011. He serves as a subcommittee chairman on the House Oversight Committee and is a member of the Transportation & Infrastructure and Judiciary committees. Previously, Farenthold worked as a radio commentator and founded Farenthold Consulting LLC, a computer consulting and web design firm.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Session: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/energy/#deconstructing-the-boom"> Deconstructing the Boom</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 clear" style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="manny-fernandez-mod"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/manny-fernandez-mod.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>Manny Fernandez (mod.)</h2> <div class="twitter"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150519161755/http://www.twitter.com/mannyNYT" target="_blank"> @mannyNYT </a> </div> <div class="title">Houston Bureau Chief for The New York Times</div> <div class="bio"> <p>Fernandez covers Texas and Oklahoma for <em>The New York Times</em>. Previously, he covered New York City for the paper’s Metro section. He has also worked for the <em>San Francisco Chronicle</em> and <em>The Washington Post</em> as a general assignment reporter. Fernandez was part of a team whose coverage of a deadly Bronx fire was named a Pulitzer Prize finalist for breaking news reporting.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Session: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/immigration/#what-to-do-with-the-dreamers"> What to Do with the Dreamers</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 " style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="blair-fitzsimons"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/blair-fitzsimons.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>Blair Fitzsimons</h2> <div class="title">CEO of Texas Agricultural Land Trust</div> <div class="bio"> <p>With a background in public policy, ranching and nonprofit management, Fitzsimons helped found the Texas Agricultural Land Trust in 2007. As founding CEO, Fitzsimons has overseen the conservation of 225,000 acres of private agricultural lands that provide public benefits such as drinking water and clean air.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Session: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/environment/#the-state-of-agriculture"> The State of Agriculture</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 clear" style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="bill-flores"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/bill-flores.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>Bill Flores</h2> <div class="twitter"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150519161755/http://www.twitter.com/RepBillFlores" target="_blank"> @RepBillFlores </a> </div> <div class="title">U.S. Representative</div> <div class="bio"> <p>Flores, R-Waco, has represented Texas’ Congressional District 17 since 2011. He serves on the House Budget, Natural Resources and Veterans’ Affairs committees. Flores also serves on the board of trustees of Houston Baptist University. Flores, a CPA, has worked in the energy industry, serving as president and CEO of Phoenix Exploration Company.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Session: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/energy/#deconstructing-the-boom"> Deconstructing the Boom</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 " style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="pete-gallego"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/pete-gallego.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>Pete Gallego</h2> <div class="twitter"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150519161755/http://www.twitter.com/RepPeteGallego" target="_blank"> @RepPeteGallego </a> </div> <div class="title">U.S. Representative</div> <div class="bio"> <p>Gallego, D-Alpine, was elected in 2012 to represent Texas’ Congressional District 23, which spans 800 miles of the Texas-Mexico border. He currently serves on the House Armed Services and Agriculture committees. Before his election to Congress, Gallego served for 22 years in the Texas House.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Session: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/immigration/#the-comprehensive-immigration-reform-debate"> The Comprehensive Immigration Reform Debate</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 clear" style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="adrian-garcia"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/adrian-garcia.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>Adrian Garcia</h2> <div class="twitter"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150519161755/http://www.twitter.com/SheriffGarcia" target="_blank"> @SheriffGarcia </a> </div> <div class="title">Harris County Sheriff</div> <div class="bio"> <p>Garcia was elected in 2008 to serve as Harris County sheriff, heading the state’s largest sheriff’s office. Previously, he served on the Houston City Council and was appointed mayor pro tempore in 2007. Before becoming Sheriff, Garcia served as an officer for 23 years in the Houston Police Department.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Session: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/health-care/#whats-next-for-mental-health"> What's Next for Mental Health?</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 " style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="juliet-garcia"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/juliet-garcia.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>Juliet García</h2> <div class="twitter"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150519161755/http://www.twitter.com/JulietVGarcia" target="_blank"> @JulietVGarcia </a> </div> <div class="title">President of the University of Texas at Brownsville</div> <div class="bio"> <p>García joined the University of Texas System as president of the University of Texas at Brownsville in 1992, where she has worked to develop the next generation of diverse leadership. During her tenure, UTB formed an educational partnership with Texas Southmost College, with García serving as president. García previously served as president of Texas Southmost College.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Session: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/higher-education/#whats-next-for-closing-the-gaps"> What's Next for "Closing the Gaps"?</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 clear" style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="antonio-garza"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/antonio-garza.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>Antonio Garza</h2> <div class="twitter"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150519161755/http://www.twitter.com/aogarza" target="_blank"> @aogarza </a> </div> <div class="title">Former U.S. Ambassador to Mexico</div> <div class="bio"> <p>Garza served as the U.S. ambassador to Mexico from 2002 to 2009. He was previously chairman of the Texas Railroad Commission and secretary of state of Texas. He serves as counsel in the Mexico City office of White & Case LLP, a global law firm, and as chairman of Vianovo Ventures.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Session: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/energy/#what-mexican-energy-reform-means-for-texas"> What Mexican Energy Reform Means for Texas</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 " style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="brett-giroir"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/brett-giroir.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>Brett Giroir</h2> <div class="twitter"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150519161755/http://www.twitter.com/AggieTopDoc" target="_blank"> @AggieTopDoc </a> </div> <div class="title">CEO of the Texas A&M University Health Science Center</div> <div class="bio"> <p>Giroir assumed leadership of the Texas A&M University Health Science Center in 2013. Previously, he served as vice chancellor for strategic initiatives for the Texas A&M University System and as principal investigator for the Texas A&M Center for Innovation in Advanced Development and Manufacturing, a partnership with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Session: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/health-care/#the-state-of-medical-education"> The State of Medical Education</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 clear" style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="russell-gold-mod"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/russell-gold-mod.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>Russell Gold (mod.)</h2> <div class="twitter"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150519161755/http://www.twitter.com/russellgold" target="_blank"> @russellgold </a> </div> <div class="title">Senior Energy Reporter at The Wall Street Journal</div> <div class="bio"> <p>Gold has been a reporter in Texas for <em>The Wall Street Journal</em> since 2000. He covers fracking and the U.S. energy industry and and is the author of the new book <em>The Boom: How Fracking Ignited the American Energy Revolution and Changed the World</em>. He has previously worked for the <em>San Antonio Express-News</em>.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Session: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/energy/#deconstructing-the-boom"> Deconstructing the Boom</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 " style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="mary-gonzalez"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/mary-gonzalez.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>Mary González</h2> <div class="twitter"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150519161755/http://www.twitter.com/RepMaryGonzalez" target="_blank"> @RepMaryGonzalez </a> </div> <div class="title">State Representative</div> <div class="bio"> <p>González, D-Clint, was first elected in 2012 to represent District 75 in the Texas House. She serves on the County Affairs and Agriculture & Livestock committees. Previously, González worked for state Reps. Paul Moreno and Richard Peña Raymond and served as assistant director in the Office of Research and Demonstration at the National Hispanic Institute.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Session: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/justice/#texas-vs-same-sex-marriage"> Texas vs. Same-Sex Marriage</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 clear" style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="gene-green"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/gene-green.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>Gene Green</h2> <div class="twitter"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150519161755/http://www.twitter.com/RepGeneGreen" target="_blank"> @RepGeneGreen </a> </div> <div class="title">U.S. Representative</div> <div class="bio"> <p>Green, D-Houston, has represented Texas’ Congressional District 29 for over 20 years. He has been a member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee since 1996 and sits on the subcommittees on Health, Energy and Power, Environment and Economy, and Oversight and Investigations. Previously, Green served for 20 years in the Texas Legislature.<br/> <br/></p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Session: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/energy/#the-state-of-the-grid"> The State of the Grid</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 " style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="paul-green"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/paul-green.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>Paul Green</h2> <div class="title">Texas Supreme Court Justice</div> <div class="bio"> <p>Green was elected to the Texas Supreme Court in 2004. He has served as president of the San Antonio Bar Association and director of the State Bar of Texas. Before joining the court, Green also served for 10 years as a justice on the 4th Court of Appeals in San Antonio.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Session: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/justice/#inside-the-texas-supreme-court"> Inside the Texas Supreme Court</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 clear" style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="erica-grieder-mod"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/erica-grieder-mod.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>Erica Grieder (mod.)</h2> <div class="twitter"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150519161755/http://www.twitter.com/EricaGrieder" target="_blank"> @EricaGrieder </a> </div> <div class="title">Senior Editor at Texas Monthly</div> <div class="bio"> <p>Grieder is a senior editor at <em>Texas Monthly</em>. Previously, she was the southwest correspondent for The Economist. Her work has also appeared in <em>The New York Times</em>, <em>The Wall Street Journal</em> and <em>Politico</em> magazine. She authored <em>Big, Hot, Cheap, and Right: What America Can Learn from the Strange Genius of Texas</em>.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Session: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/transportation/#whats-next-for-road-funding"> What's Next for Road Funding?</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 " style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="andrew-grossman"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="/web/20150519161755im_/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/static/festival/2014/images/Women-silhouette.png"> </div> <h2>Andrew Grossman</h2> <div class="twitter"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150519161755/http://www.twitter.com/andrewmgrossman" target="_blank"> @andrewmgrossman </a> </div> <div class="title">Associate at Baker Hostetler</div> <div class="bio"> <p>Grossman is an associate in the Washington office of Baker Hostetler, where he specializes in litigation and constitutional law. He has filed numerous briefs before the U.S. Supreme Court and the federal courts of appeals, and he frequently advises members of Congress on complex legal and policy issues. Grossman has testified before the congressional judiciary committees on issues of constitutional law.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Session: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/open-government/#dark-money-vs-donor-privacy"> "Dark Money" vs. Donor Privacy</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 clear" style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="eva-guzman"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/eva-guzman.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>Eva Guzman</h2> <div class="twitter"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150519161755/http://www.twitter.com/JusticeGuzman" target="_blank"> @JusticeGuzman </a> </div> <div class="title">Texas Supreme Court Justice</div> <div class="bio"> <p>Guzman was appointed to the Texas Supreme Court by Gov. Rick Perry in 2009. Previously, she served as an associate justice on the Houston-based 14th Court of Appeals and as a trial court judge on the 309th Family District Court. Guzman also serves as co-chairwoman of the Houston Bar Association’s Continuing Legal Education Committee.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Session: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/justice/#inside-the-texas-supreme-court"> Inside the Texas Supreme Court</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 " style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="maggie-haberman"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/maggie-haberman.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>Maggie Haberman</h2> <div class="twitter"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150519161755/http://www.twitter.com/maggiepolitico" target="_blank"> @maggiepolitico </a> </div> <div class="title">Senior Political Reporter at Politico</div> <div class="bio"> <p>Haberman is a senior political writer for Politico, where she primarily covers Hillary Clinton’s potential 2016 presidential campaign. She got her start in journalism working for the<em> New York Post</em> and the <em>New York Daily News</em> and covering Clinton’s first U.S. Senate campaign. Haberman joined Politico in 2010 and covered the midterm elections that year.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Sessions: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/keynote/#ready-for-2016"> Ready for 2016</a>, <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/special-events/#live-tribcast-recording-at-kutkutx-studios"> Live TribCast Recording at KUT/KUTX Studios</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 clear" style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="reeve-hamilton-mod"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/reeve-hamilton-mod.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>Reeve Hamilton (mod.)</h2> <div class="twitter"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150519161755/http://www.twitter.com/reevehamilton" target="_blank"> @reevehamilton </a> </div> <div class="title">Reporter for The Texas Tribune</div> <div class="bio"> <p>Hamilton covers higher education and politics for The Texas Tribune and hosts the Tribune’s weekly podcast. His writing has also appeared in <em>Texas Monthly </em>and <em>The Texas Observer</em>. Hamilton received his bachelor’s degree in English from Vanderbilt University.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Sessions: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/higher-education/#whats-next-for-closing-the-gaps"> What's Next for "Closing the Gaps"?</a>, <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/higher-education/#the-completion-crisis"> The Completion Crisis</a>, <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/higher-education/#making-higher-ed-affordable"> Making Higher Ed Affordable</a>, <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/special-events/#live-tribcast-recording-at-kutkutx-studios"> Live TribCast Recording at KUT/KUTX Studios</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 " style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="bill-hammond"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/bill-hammond.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>Bill Hammond</h2> <div class="twitter"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150519161755/http://www.twitter.com/texashammond" target="_blank"> @texashammond </a> </div> <div class="title">President and CEO of the Texas Association of Business</div> <div class="bio"> <p>Since 1988, Hammond has served as the president and CEO of the Texas Association of Business, the state’s largest business organization. Previously, he served on the Texas Workforce Commission and was appointed chairman by then-Gov. George W. Bush. Hammond also served four terms in the Texas House.<br/></p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Session: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/public-education/#the-algebra-ii-debate"> The Algebra II Debate</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 clear" style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="kelly-hancock"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/kelly-hancock.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>Kelly Hancock</h2> <div class="twitter"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150519161755/http://www.twitter.com/KHancock4TX" target="_blank"> @KHancock4TX </a> </div> <div class="title">State Senator; Vice Chairman, Senate Economic Development Committee</div> <div class="bio"> <p>Hancock, R-Fort Worth, was first elected in 2012 to represent District 9 in the Texas Senate. He is vice chairman of the Economic Development Committee. Previously, Hancock served three terms in the Texas House and 13 years on the Birdville Independent School District board.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Session: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/public-education/#whats-next-for-education-reform"> What's Next for Education Reform?</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 " style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="chris-hayes"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/chris-hayes.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>Chris Hayes</h2> <div class="twitter"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150519161755/http://www.twitter.com/chrislhayes" target="_blank"> @chrislhayes </a> </div> <div class="title">Host of All In with Chris Hayes</div> <div class="bio"> <p>Hayes hosts the MSNBC program <em>All In with Chris Hayes</em> and serves as editor at large of <em>The Nation</em>. He joined MSNBC as a contributor in 2010 and previously hosted the weekend program <em>Up with Chris Hayes</em>. Hayes has written on a variety of political and social issues, including climate change and the intersection of politics and technology.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Sessions: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/special-events/#franklin-barbecue-feast"> Franklin Barbecue Feast</a>, <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/keynote/#ready-for-2016"> Ready for 2016</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 clear" style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="nathan-hecht"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/nathan-hecht.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>Nathan Hecht</h2> <div class="twitter"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150519161755/http://www.twitter.com/NathanLHecht" target="_blank"> @NathanLHecht </a> </div> <div class="title">Chief Justice of the Texas Supreme Court</div> <div class="bio"> <p>Hecht was first elected to the Texas Supreme Court in 1988 and was appointed chief justice by Gov. Rick Perry in 2013. He is the senior Texas appellate judge in active service. Hecht has overseen revisions to the rules of administration, practice and procedure in Texas courts.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Session: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/justice/#inside-the-texas-supreme-court"> Inside the Texas Supreme Court</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 " style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="glenn-hegar"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/glenn-hegar.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>Glenn Hegar</h2> <div class="twitter"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150519161755/http://www.twitter.com/Glenn_Hegar" target="_blank"> @Glenn_Hegar </a> </div> <div class="title">State Senator; Republican Nominee for State Comptroller</div> <div class="bio"> <p>Hegar, R-Katy, has represented District 18 in the Texas Senate since 2007. He is the 2014 Republican candidate for Texas comptroller. In the Senate, Hegar serves as chairman of the Nominations Committee and the Subcommittee on Fiscal Matters. He previously chaired the Sunset Advisory Commission, which eliminates inefficiency in government agencies.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Session: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/open-government/#is-the-texas-budget-transparent"> Is the Texas Budget Transparent?</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 clear" style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="mike-heiligenstein"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/mike-heiligenstein.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>Mike Heiligenstein</h2> <div class="twitter"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150519161755/http://www.twitter.com/MHeiligenstein" target="_blank"> @MHeiligenstein </a> </div> <div class="title">Executive Director of the Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority</div> <div class="bio"> <p>Heiligenstein leads an independent government agency created to design a modern transportation network for Central Texas. He also serves as the president of the International Bridge, Tunnel and Turnpike Association. Previously, Heiligenstein worked as a public official in Williamson County for 23 years.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Session: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/transportation/#planning-for-the-future"> Planning for the Future</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 " style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="nia-malika-henderson"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/nia-malika-henderson.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>Nia-Malika Henderson</h2> <div class="twitter"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150519161755/http://www.twitter.com/NiaWaPo" target="_blank"> @NiaWaPo </a> </div> <div class="title">National Political Reporter for The Washington Post</div> <div class="bio"> <p>Henderson is a national political reporter for <em>The Washington Post</em> and a senior writer for <em>The Post</em>’s She The People blog. She covered Mitt Romney and every other GOP contender during the 2012 presidential campaign, and she covers the White House. Previously, Henderson covered the White House for <em>Politico</em> and the 2008 presidential race for <em>Newsday</em>.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Session: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/keynote/#ready-for-2016"> Ready for 2016</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 clear" style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="james-henson-mod"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/james-henson-mod.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>James Henson (mod.)</h2> <div class="twitter"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150519161755/http://www.twitter.com/jamesrhenson" target="_blank"> @jamesrhenson </a> </div> <div class="title">Director of the Texas Politics Project</div> <div class="bio"> <p>Henson directs the Texas Politics Project at the University of Texas at Austin. He is a founder and co-director of the University of Texas/Texas Tribune Poll, the only open-source statewide survey of public opinion in Texas. Henson is also the co-author of the Texas Politics web-based textbook published by Soomo Learning, used at universities throughout the state.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Session: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/public-education/#why-early-college-high-school-works"> Why Early College High School Works</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 " style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="abel-herrero"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/abel-herrero.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>Abel Herrero</h2> <div class="twitter"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150519161755/http://www.twitter.com/abelherrero" target="_blank"> @abelherrero </a> </div> <div class="title">State Representative; Chairman of the House Criminal Jurisprudence Committee</div> <div class="bio"> <p>Herrero, D-Robstown, was first elected in 2003 to serve District 34 in the Texas House. He is also a member of the Land and Resource Management Committee. Previously, Herrero served on the Robstown City Council. He is an attorney at Herrero & Loftin in Corpus Christi.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Session: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/justice/#whats-next-for-criminal-justice-reform"> What's Next for Criminal Justice Reform?</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 clear" style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="juan-chuy-hinojosa"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/juan-chuy-hinojosa.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa</h2> <div class="twitter"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150519161755/http://www.twitter.com/TxChuy" target="_blank"> @TxChuy </a> </div> <div class="title">State Senator; Chairman of the Senate Intergovernmental Relations Committee</div> <div class="bio"> <p>Hinojosa, D-McAllen, has represented Senate District 20 since 2003. In addition to chairing the Intergovernmental Relations Committee, he is the vice chairman of the Finance Committee. Hinojosa sits on the Agriculture, Rural Affairs and Homeland Security, Criminal Justice, and Natural Resources committees.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Session: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/energy/#what-mexican-energy-reform-means-for-texas"> What Mexican Energy Reform Means for Texas</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 " style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="sam-houston"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/sam-houston.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>Sam Houston</h2> <div class="twitter"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150519161755/http://www.twitter.com/samhoustonfortx" target="_blank"> @samhoustonfortx </a> </div> <div class="title">Democratic Candidate for Attorney General</div> <div class="bio"> <p>Houston is as a partner at Shepherd, Scott, Clawater & Houston LLP, where he focuses on professional liability, real estate and commercial litigation. He has been a practicing attorney for 26 years, beginning his career at Andrews & Kurth in Houston. He is a graduate of Baylor Law School.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Session: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/open-government/#putting-the-open-in-open-records"> Putting the "Open" in Open Records</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 clear" style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="donna-howard"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/donna-howard.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>Donna Howard</h2> <div class="twitter"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150519161755/http://www.twitter.com/DonnaHowardTX" target="_blank"> @DonnaHowardTX </a> </div> <div class="title">State Representative; Vice Chairwoman of the House Administration Committee</div> <div class="bio"> <p>Howard, D-Austin, was first elected in 2006 to serve District 48 in the Texas House. As a member of the House Appropriations Committee, she sits on the Article III Subcommittee (Education Funding) and the Subcommittee on Budget Transparency and Reform. Before her election to the Legislature, Howard worked as a critical care nurse.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Sessions: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/open-government/#is-the-texas-budget-transparent"> Is the Texas Budget Transparent?</a>, <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/special-events/#live-tribcast-recording-at-kutkutx-studios"> Live TribCast Recording at KUT/KUTX Studios</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 " style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="dan-huberty"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/dan-huberty.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>Dan Huberty</h2> <div class="twitter"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150519161755/http://www.twitter.com/DanHuberty" target="_blank"> @DanHuberty </a> </div> <div class="title">State Representative</div> <div class="bio"> <p>Huberty, R-Houston, was first elected in 2010 to represent Texas House District 127. He is a member of the Public Education and State Affairs committees. He also serves as an executive vice president for SP Plus Corporation, a professional parking management business. Previously, Huberty served as president of the Humble ISD school board.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Session: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/public-education/#the-algebra-ii-debate"> The Algebra II Debate</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 clear" style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="joan-huffman"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/joan-huffman.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>Joan Huffman</h2> <div class="twitter"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150519161755/http://www.twitter.com/joanhuffman" target="_blank"> @joanhuffman </a> </div> <div class="title">State Senator; Vice Chairwoman of the Senate Criminal Justice Committee</div> <div class="bio"> <p>Huffman, R-Houston, has represented Texas Senate District 17 since 2008. In addition to her role on the Criminal Justice committee, she chairs the Texas Senate Republican Caucus and is a member of the Finance, State Affairs, and Health and Human Services committees. Previously, Huffman worked as a prosecutor and judge.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Session: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/health-care/#whats-next-for-mental-health"> What's Next for Mental Health?</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 " style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="laura-huffman"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/laura-huffman.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>Laura Huffman</h2> <div class="twitter"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150519161755/http://www.twitter.com/laurajhuffman" target="_blank"> @laurajhuffman </a> </div> <div class="title">North American Urban Strategies Lead and Texas State Director for The Nature Conservancy</div> <div class="bio"> <p>As director for The Nature Conservancy in Texas, Huffman heads a team of conservation experts whose work protects the integrity of Texas’ natural resources and some of its most iconic landscapes. She also heads the Conservancy’s Urban Strategies Initiative. Before joining the Conservancy, she spent 20 years in city management.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Session: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/environment/#saving-the-texas-coast"> Saving the Texas Coast</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 clear" style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="stephanie-bond-huie"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="/web/20150519161755im_/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/static/festival/2014/images/Women-silhouette.png"> </div> <h2>Stephanie Bond Huie</h2> <div class="title">Vice Chancellor for the Office of Strategic Initiatives for the University of Texas System</div> <div class="bio"> <p>Huie is responsible for monitoring higher education issues and making recommendations on trends and best practices. Previously, she served as director and then assistant vice chancellor for the Office of Strategic Initiatives. Huie has more than a decade of experience in higher education administration and research.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Session: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/higher-education/#making-higher-ed-affordable"> Making Higher Ed Affordable</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 " style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="woody-hunt"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/woody-hunt.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>Woody Hunt</h2> <div class="title">Chairman of the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Boardâs Higher Education Strategic Planning Committee</div> <div class="bio"> <p>In addition to his duties on the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, Hunt serves as chairman and CEO of Hunt Companies Inc., a real estate company. He is a member of the board of directors for Complete College America and a foundation trustee of the College for all Texans Foundation. Previously, he served as vice chairman of the University of Texas System Board of Regents.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Session: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/higher-education/#whats-next-for-closing-the-gaps"> What's Next for "Closing the Gaps"?</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 clear" style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="jon-m-huntsman-jr"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/jon-m-huntsman-jr.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>Jon M. Huntsman Jr.</h2> <div class="twitter"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150519161755/http://www.twitter.com/JonHuntsman" target="_blank"> @JonHuntsman </a> </div> <div class="title">Former U.S. Ambassador to China</div> <div class="bio"> <p>Huntsman has served in critical roles around the world, including U.S. trade ambassador and U.S. ambassador to China. He has also served two terms as the governor of Utah. Huntsman is the co-founder and honorary co-chairman of No Labels, a nonpartisan group aiming to improve how the federal government functions.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Session: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/keynote/#can-the-center-hold"> Can the Center Hold?</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 " style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="kay-bailey-hutchison"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/kay-bailey-hutchison.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>Kay Bailey Hutchison</h2> <div class="twitter"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150519161755/http://www.twitter.com/kaybaileyhutch" target="_blank"> @kaybaileyhutch </a> </div> <div class="title">Former U.S. Senator</div> <div class="bio"> <p>Hutchison, R-Texas, served as a U.S. senator from 1993-2013. During that time, she moved up in the Senate leadership, becoming the fourth-highest ranking Republican senator. Hutchison previously served as Texas State Treasurer and as a member of the Texas House. She currently serves as a senior counsel at Bracewell & Giuliani.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Session: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/keynote/#can-the-center-hold"> Can the Center Hold?</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 clear" style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="ed-ireland"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/ed-ireland.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>Ed Ireland</h2> <div class="twitter"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150519161755/http://www.twitter.com/BSEEC" target="_blank"> @BSEEC </a> </div> <div class="title">Executive Director of the Barnett Shale Energy Education Council</div> <div class="bio"> <p>Since 2007, Ireland has led the Barnett Shale Energy Education Council, an organization dedicated to promoting energy education and best practices in the Barnett Shale. Previously, he founded Energy Planning Associates and GasMark Inc. and served as president of GeoSource Inc. Ireland serves on the board of directors of the TCU Energy Institute.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Session: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/energy/#the-fracas-over-fracking"> The Fracas Over Fracking</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 " style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="kyle-janek"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/kyle-janek.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>Kyle Janek</h2> <div class="title">Texas Health and Human Services Executive Commissioner</div> <div class="bio"> <p>Janek was appointed in 2012 to lead the Texas Health and Human Services Commission by Gov. Rick Perry. He oversees five state health and human services agencies. Previously, Janek served in the Texas House for eight years and in the Texas Senate for five years. He is also a board-certified anesthesiologist.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Session: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/health-care/#texas-vs-obamacare"> Texas vs. Obamacare</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 clear" style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="clay-jenkins"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/clay-jenkins.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>Clay Jenkins</h2> <div class="twitter"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150519161755/http://www.twitter.com/JudgeClayJ" target="_blank"> @JudgeClayJ </a> </div> <div class="title">Dallas County Judge</div> <div class="bio"> <p>Jenkins began his first term as Dallas County judge in 2011. He also serves as president of the Jenkins and Jenkins law practice, and is the co-owner of Brown Dental Health Services. Jenkins is a member of the Dallas Criminal Justice Advisory Board Executive Committee, the county’s Juvenile Board and the Dallas County Benefits Committee.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Session: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/transportation/#is-high-speed-rail-really-happening"> Is High Speed Rail Really Happening?</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 " style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="clay-johnston"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/clay-johnston.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>Clay Johnston</h2> <div class="twitter"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150519161755/http://www.twitter.com/DellMedSchool" target="_blank"> @DellMedSchool </a> </div> <div class="title">Dean of Dell Medical School</div> <div class="bio"> <p>Johnston is the inaugural dean of the Dell Medical School at the University of Texas at Austin. Johnston came from the University of California, San Francisco, where he served as associate vice chancellor of research, professor of neurology, and director of the Clinical and Translational Science Institute and the Center for Healthcare Value.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Session: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/health-care/#the-state-of-medical-education"> The State of Medical Education</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 clear" style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="dan-jones"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/dan-jones.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>Dan Jones</h2> <div class="title">President and CEO of Texas A&M University-Commerce</div> <div class="bio"> <p>Jones assumed the presidency of Texas A&M University-Commerce in 2008. Previously, he served as provost and vice president for academic affairs at Texas A&M International University in Laredo and as dean of University College at the University of Houston-Downtown. Jones began his teaching career as an English instructor at Casper College in Wyoming.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Session: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/higher-education/#making-higher-ed-affordable"> Making Higher Ed Affordable</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 " style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="lee-jones"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/lee-jones.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>Lee Jones</h2> <div class="title">Director of Sales for B-cycle</div> <div class="bio"> <p>Jones has led the B-cycle sales and business development effort globally since the company’s founding in 2009. He frequently writes on bike share business development, trends and models. Previously, Jones served as business and brand manager for Nike Cycling at Trek Bicycle Corporation and as sales development manager for the Bontrager line of cycling accessories.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Session: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/transportation/#the-new-urban-mobility"> The New Urban Mobility</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 clear" style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="kathryn-kase"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/kathryn-kase.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>Kathryn Kase</h2> <div class="title">Executive Director of Texas Defender Service</div> <div class="bio"> <p>Kase has worked since 2002 at Texas Defender Service, which advocates on criminal justice policy reform. She has represented capital clients at trial in Texas and New York state courts and has served as learned counsel in federal court. Kase is also a faculty member of the National Criminal Defense College in Georgia.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Session: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/justice/#the-state-of-the-death-penalty"> The State of the Death Penalty</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 " style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="david-keating"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/david-keating.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>David Keating</h2> <div class="title">President of the Center for Competitive Politics</div> <div class="bio"> <p>Keating is the president of the Center for Competitive Politics, an organization dedicated to protecting political free speech rights through litigation and education. He founded SpeechNow.org in 2007. Previously, Keating served as executive director of the Club for Growth and as the executive vice president of the National Taxpayers Union.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Session: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/open-government/#dark-money-vs-donor-privacy"> "Dark Money" vs. Donor Privacy</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 clear" style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="jim-keffer"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/jim-keffer.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>Jim Keffer</h2> <div class="title">State Representative; Chairman of the House Energy Resources Committee</div> <div class="bio"> <p>Keffer, R-Eastland, was first elected in 1996 to represent District 60 in the Texas House. He is a member of the Natural Resources and Redistricting committees. He also serves as president of EBAA Iron Sales Inc. Keffer is a graduate of Texas Tech University.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Session: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/energy/#deconstructing-the-boom"> Deconstructing the Boom</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 " style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="bill-keller-mod"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/bill-keller-mod.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>Bill Keller (mod.)</h2> <div class="twitter"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150519161755/http://www.twitter.com/billkeller2014" target="_blank"> @billkeller2014 </a> </div> <div class="title">Editor-in-Chief of The Marshall Project</div> <div class="bio"> <p>In 2014, Keller became editor-in-chief of The Marshall Project, a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization focused on crime and punishment in the United States. Previously, he spent 30 years with <em>The New York Times</em> as a correspondent, editor and, most recently, an op-ed columnist. Keller won a Pulitzer Prize in 1989 for his work as a Moscow correspondent for the <em>Times</em>.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Session: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/justice/#whats-next-for-criminal-justice-reform"> What's Next for Criminal Justice Reform?</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 clear" style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="renu-khator"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/renu-khator.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>Renu Khator</h2> <div class="twitter"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150519161755/http://www.twitter.com/UHpres" target="_blank"> @UHpres </a> </div> <div class="title">Chancellor of the University of Houston System; President of the University of Houston</div> <div class="bio"> <p>Khator has served as University of Houston System chancellor and University of Houston president since January 2008. During her tenure, the system has experienced record-breaking research funding and enrollment. She previously served as provost and senior vice president at the University of South Florida.<br/></p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Session: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/higher-education/#the-completion-crisis"> The Completion Crisis</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 " style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="daniel-king"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/daniel-king.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>Daniel King</h2> <div class="title">Superintendent of Pharr-San Juan-Alamo Independent School District</div> <div class="bio"> <p>King has led Pharr-San Juan-Alamo ISD since 2007, where he heads the College³ initiative to develop a network of early college high schools, concurrent and dual enrollment, and college and career pathways. Previously, King led Hidalgo ISD, which became the nation’s first early college school district under his leadership.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Session: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/public-education/#why-early-college-high-school-works"> Why Early College High School Works</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 clear" style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="susan-king"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/susan-king.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>Susan King</h2> <div class="title">State Representative; Chairwoman of the House Select Committee on Health Care Education and Training</div> <div class="bio"> <p>King, R-Abilene, has represented House District 71 since 2006. She sits on the Appropriations, Public Health and House Administration committees. Previously, she served as co-director of surgery at St. Luke’s Episcopal, Texas Children’s Hospital and Texas Heart Institute in Houston. King co-owns and co-directs the Elm Place Ambulatory Surgical Center, where she is a practicing surgical nurse.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Session: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/health-care/#the-womens-health-debate"> The Women's Health Debate</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 " style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="tracy-king"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/tracy-king.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>Tracy King</h2> <div class="title">State Representative; Chairman of the House Agriculture and Livestock Committee</div> <div class="bio"> <p>King, D-Uvalde, has represented District 80 in the Texas House since 1995. In addition to serving as chairman of the House Agriculture and Livestock Committee, he is a member of the House Natural Resources Committee. Previously, he owned and operated the Beltone Hearing Aid Center.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Session: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/environment/#the-state-of-agriculture"> The State of Agriculture</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 clear" style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="justin-kintz"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/justin-kintz.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>Justin Kintz</h2> <div class="twitter"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150519161755/http://www.twitter.com/JKintz" target="_blank"> @JKintz </a> </div> <div class="title">Head of North America Public Policy at Uber</div> <div class="bio"> <p>Kintz is head of North American public policy at Uber Technologies, a software platform that connects consumers with transportation options in more than 150 cities worldwide. Previously, he managed government affairs at Orbitz Worldwide, focusing on global legislative and regulatory matters. Kintz also held public policy and communications roles at the European-American Business Council.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Session: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/transportation/#the-new-urban-mobility"> The New Urban Mobility</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 " style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="ron-kirk"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/ron-kirk.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>Ron Kirk</h2> <div class="title">Former U.S. Trade Representative</div> <div class="bio"> <p>Kirk most recently served as the U.S. trade representative in the Obama administration, where he acted as the president’s adviser, negotiator and spokesman on trade issues. Previously, he served as secretary of state of Texas and as mayor of Dallas. Kirk is senior counsel for Gibson, Dunn and Crutcher’s Dallas and Washington offices.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Session: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/keynote/#can-the-center-hold"> Can the Center Hold?</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 clear" style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="matt-krause"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/matt-krause.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>Matt Krause</h2> <div class="twitter"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150519161755/http://www.twitter.com/RepMattKrause" target="_blank"> @RepMattKrause </a> </div> <div class="title">State Representative</div> <div class="bio"> <p>Krause, R-Fort Worth, was elected in 2012 to represent District 93 in the Texas House. He serves on the Special Purpose Districts and County Affairs committees. He also serves as a constitutional attorney, college professor and the executive director of the Torch of Freedom Foundation. Previously, Krause served as litigation counsel for the Liberty Counsel.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Session: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/justice/#texas-vs-same-sex-marriage"> Texas vs. Same-Sex Marriage</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 " style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="david-lakey"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/david-lakey.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>David Lakey</h2> <div class="title">Commissioner of the Texas Department of State Health Services</div> <div class="bio"> <p>Lakey has served as the Texas Department of State Health Services commissioner since 2007. He oversees programs such as disease prevention, family and community health services, and environmental and consumer safety. Previously, Lakey served as chief of the Division of Clinical Infectious Disease at the University of Texas Health Science Center in Tyler.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Session: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/health-care/#whats-next-for-mental-health"> What's Next for Mental Health?</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 clear" style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="daniel-mcneel-lane-jr"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="/web/20150519161755im_/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/static/festival/2014/images/Women-silhouette.png"> </div> <h2>Daniel McNeel Lane Jr.</h2> <div class="title">Partner at Akin, Gump, Straus, Hauer & Feld</div> <div class="bio"> <p>Lane’s practice primarily consists of representing insurers in class-action litigation, reinsurance arbitration proceedings and other disputes. He is a member of the firm’s litigation practice steering committee and has conducted more than 30 jury trials, bench trials and arbitrations. He is also a member of the Texas Law Review Association.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Session: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/justice/#texas-vs-same-sex-marriage"> Texas vs. Same-Sex Marriage</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 " style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="terri-langford-mod"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/terri-langford-mod.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>Terri Langford (mod.)</h2> <div class="twitter"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150519161755/http://www.twitter.com/tlangford" target="_blank"> @tlangford </a> </div> <div class="title">Reporter for The Texas Tribune</div> <div class="bio"> <p>Langford covers criminal justice and legal systems for The Texas Tribune. Previously, she worked for The Associated Press in Dallas and for<em> The Dallas Morning News</em> and the <em>Houston Chronicle</em>, where she covered everything from airport security to the strains of the Texas Child Protective Services system. Most recently, Langford worked in public radio, covering New Jersey government for WNYC in Trenton.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Session: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/justice/#the-state-of-the-death-penalty"> The State of the Death Penalty</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 clear" style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="joe-larsen"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/joe-larsen.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>Joe Larsen</h2> <div class="title">First Amendment Lawyer for Sedgwick LLP; Freedom of Information Foundation of Texas Board Member</div> <div class="bio"> <p>Larsen focuses his law practice on the First Amendment and media representation, including state and federal freedom of information acts and access to court and agency proceedings and records. In 2010, the Freedom of Information Foundation of Texas honored him with its James Madison Award.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Session: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/open-government/#putting-the-open-in-open-records"> Putting the "Open" in Open Records</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 " style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="jeff-leach"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/jeff-leach.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>Jeff Leach</h2> <div class="twitter"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150519161755/http://www.twitter.com/leachfortexas" target="_blank"> @leachfortexas </a> </div> <div class="title">State Representative</div> <div class="bio"> <p>Leach, R-Plano, has represented District 67 in the Texas House since 2012. He serves on the House Criminal Jurisprudence, Urban Affairs, and Rules & Regulations committees. Leach practices law with Gray Reed & McGraw P.C., where he specializes in general business, real estate and construction law.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Session: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/open-government/#how-much-should-legislators-disclose"> How Much Should Legislators Disclose?</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 clear" style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="lee-leffingwell"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/lee-leffingwell.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>Lee Leffingwell</h2> <div class="twitter"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150519161755/http://www.twitter.com/TheLeeTeam" target="_blank"> @TheLeeTeam </a> </div> <div class="title">Mayor of Austin</div> <div class="bio"> <p>Leffingwell was first elected mayor of Austin in 2009. Previously, he held the Place 1 seat on the Austin City Council and served as chairman of the council’s Environmental Board. Prior to his public service, Leffingwell was a pilot with Delta Air Lines for more than 31 years.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Session: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/transportation/#the-new-urban-mobility"> The New Urban Mobility</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 " style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="debra-lehrmann"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="/web/20150519161755im_/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/static/festival/2014/images/Women-silhouette.png"> </div> <h2>Debra Lehrmann</h2> <div class="title">Texas Supreme Court Justice</div> <div class="bio"> <p>Lehrmann was appointed to the Texas Supreme Court by Gov. Rick Perry in 2010. Previously, she served as the judge for the 360th District Court in Fort Worth and as a family law judge in Tarrant County for 22 years. In 2005, Perry appointed Lehrmann to serve on the National Conference of Commissioners on Uniform State Laws.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Session: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/justice/#inside-the-texas-supreme-court"> Inside the Texas Supreme Court</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 clear" style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="dave-levinthal-mod"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/dave-levinthal-mod.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>Dave Levinthal (mod.)</h2> <div class="twitter"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150519161755/http://www.twitter.com/davelevinthal" target="_blank"> @davelevinthal </a> </div> <div class="title">Senior Political Reporter at the Center for Public Integrity</div> <div class="bio"> <p>Levinthal leads the federal politics team at the Center for Public Integrity, a Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit news organization. Previously, he reported on campaign finance and lobbying issues for <em>Politico</em> and co-wrote the daily Politico Influence column, and he edited OpenSecrets.org.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Session: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/open-government/#dark-money-vs-donor-privacy"> "Dark Money" vs. Donor Privacy</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 " style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="julie-linn"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/julie-linn.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>Julie Linn</h2> <div class="twitter"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150519161755/http://www.twitter.com/julie_linn" target="_blank"> @julie_linn </a> </div> <div class="title">Executive Director of Texans for Education Reform</div> <div class="bio"> <p>Linn leads Texans for Education Reform, an education advocacy group. She previously served as education adviser to Gov. Rick Perry and as director of international partnerships at the College Board. Linn began her career in the Texas House, where she served as chief committee clerk on the House Committee on Public Education.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Session: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/public-education/#whats-next-for-education-reform"> What's Next for Education Reform?</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 clear" style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="tom-luce"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/tom-luce.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>Tom Luce</h2> <div class="title">President and CEO of the Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute</div> <div class="bio"> <p>In 2014, Luce became the founding president and CEO of the Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute with the mission of improving mental health services for Texans. Previously, he served as a U.S. assistant secretary of education for planning, evaluation and policy development during the George W. Bush administration. Luce is a also founding partner of Hughes & Luce LLP.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Session: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/health-care/#whats-next-for-mental-health"> What's Next for Mental Health?</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 " style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="corrie-maclaggan-mod"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/corrie-maclaggan-mod.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>Corrie MacLaggan (mod.)</h2> <div class="twitter"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150519161755/http://www.twitter.com/corriemac" target="_blank"> @corriemac </a> </div> <div class="title">News Editor at The Texas Tribune</div> <div class="bio"> <p>MacLaggan is The Texas Tribune’s news editor. Previously, the Austin native worked as a national correspondent for Reuters, writing and editing stories about Texas and nearby states and overseeing a network of freelance writers. Before joining Reuters, she covered Texas government and politics for the <em>Austin American-Statesman</em>.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Session: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/open-government/#how-much-should-legislators-disclose"> How Much Should Legislators Disclose?</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 clear" style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="jim-malewitz-mod"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/jim-malewitz-mod.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>Jim Malewitz (mod.)</h2> <div class="twitter"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150519161755/http://www.twitter.com/Jmalewitz" target="_blank"> @Jmalewitz </a> </div> <div class="title">Reporter for The Texas Tribune</div> <div class="bio"> <p>Malewitz covers energy for The Texas Tribune. Before arriving, he spent two years covering energy and environmental issues for Stateline, a nonprofit news service in Washington, D.C. A native of Michigan, he has an undergraduate degree from Grinnell College in Iowa and a master’s degree from the University of Iowa.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Sessions: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/energy/#the-state-of-the-grid"> The State of the Grid</a>, <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/energy/#the-fracas-over-fracking"> The Fracas Over Fracking</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 " style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="james-marston"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/james-marston.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>James Marston</h2> <div class="twitter"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150519161755/http://www.twitter.com/JimMarston" target="_blank"> @JimMarston </a> </div> <div class="title">Environmental Defense Fund Vice President for U.S. Climate and Energy</div> <div class="bio"> <p>Marston is the founding director of the Environmental Defense Fund’s Texas office, where he has served since its beginning in 1988. He is also a leader of the Pecan Street Inc. partnership, aimed at changing the nation's electricity grid. Marston is on the boards of the Texas League of Conservation and <em>The Texas Observer</em>.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Session: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/energy/#the-state-of-the-grid"> The State of the Grid</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 clear" style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="jonathan-martin"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/jonathan-martin.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>Jonathan Martin</h2> <div class="twitter"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150519161755/http://www.twitter.com/jmartNYT" target="_blank"> @jmartNYT </a> </div> <div class="title">National Political Correspondent for The New York Times</div> <div class="bio"> <p>Martin joined <em>The Times</em> in 2013. He previously served as senior political writer for Politico since its founding in 2007. Martin is also co-author of the <em>New York Times</em> best-seller <em>The End of the Line: Romney vs. Obama: The 34 Days That Decided the Election</em>.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Session: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/keynote/#ready-for-2016"> Ready for 2016</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 " style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="luis-farias-martinez"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="/web/20150519161755im_/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/static/festival/2014/images/Women-silhouette.png"> </div> <h2>Luis Farías Martínez</h2> <div class="title">Senior Vice President of Energy and Sustainability at CEMEX</div> <div class="bio"> <p>Farías has served as senior vice president of energy and sustainability at CEMEX since 1991. Previously, he served as manager of HYLSA Technology Planning. Farías is also a co-inventor of and holds a patent on a method for recovering energy from combustion in industrial waste furnaces.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Session: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/energy/#what-mexican-energy-reform-means-for-texas"> What Mexican Energy Reform Means for Texas</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 clear" style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="nelda-martinez"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="/web/20150519161755im_/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/static/festival/2014/images/Women-silhouette.png"> </div> <h2>Nelda Martinez</h2> <div class="twitter"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150519161755/http://www.twitter.com/Nelda4Mayor" target="_blank"> @Nelda4Mayor </a> </div> <div class="title">Mayor of Corpus Christi</div> <div class="bio"> <p>Martinez was elected mayor of Corpus Christi in 2012, becoming the city’s first female Hispanic to hold the position. She currently serves as president-elect of the Texas Municipal League and president and owner of Adlen Enterprises Inc., an asset management company. Martinez also serves as a trustee for the Christus Spohn Health System Foundation.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Session: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/transportation/#the-new-urban-mobility"> The New Urban Mobility</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 " style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="brandy-marty"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="/web/20150519161755im_/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/static/festival/2014/images/Women-silhouette.png"> </div> <h2>Brandy Marty</h2> <div class="title">Texas Public Utility Commissioner</div> <div class="bio"> <p>Marty was appointed to the Texas Public Utility Commission by Gov. Rick Perry in 2013. Previously, Marty served as the governor’s chief of staff. She has also served as Perry’s deputy chief of staff and as his director of budget, planning and policy.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Session: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/energy/#the-state-of-the-grid"> The State of the Grid</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 clear" style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="garry-mauro"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/garry-mauro.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>Garry Mauro</h2> <div class="title">Former Texas Land Commissioner</div> <div class="bio"> <p>Mauro served four terms as Texas land commissioner and ran as the Democratic nominee for governor in 1998 against Republican George W. Bush. As land commissioner, Mauro helped create the Texas Adopt-a-Beach Program to raise awareness for the Gulf Coast, and he authored the Texas Coastal Coordination Plan, enabling Texas to receive grant money for coastal restoration projects.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Session: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/environment/#saving-the-texas-coast"> Saving the Texas Coast</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 " style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="brian-mccall"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/brian-mccall.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>Brian McCall</h2> <div class="title">Chancellor of the Texas State University System</div> <div class="bio"> <p>McCall has been the Texas State University System chancellor since 2010. Previously, he served in the Texas House, representing parts of North Dallas, Frisco, Allen and Plano. He also served as chairman of the House Calendars and Ways and Means committees and as a member of the House Higher Education Committee.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Session: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/higher-education/#the-completion-crisis"> The Completion Crisis</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 clear" style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="steve-mccraw"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/steve-mccraw.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>Steve McCraw</h2> <div class="title">Director of the Texas Department of Public Safety</div> <div class="bio"> <p>McCraw assumed leadership of the Texas Department of Public Safety in 2009. Previously, he served as Gov. Rick Perry’s chief of homeland security for almost five years, overseeing efforts to increase border security and curb violence caused by drug-trafficking cartels. Before that, McCraw had a 21-year career with the FBI.</p> </div> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 " style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="mark-mckinnon"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/mark-mckinnon.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>Mark McKinnon</h2> <div class="twitter"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150519161755/http://www.twitter.com/mmckinnon" target="_blank"> @mmckinnon </a> </div> <div class="title">Texas Co-chairman of Freedom to Marry</div> <div class="bio"> <p>McKinnon is an award-winning media producer and communications strategist. He is also a co-founder of the nonpartisan, nonprofit group No Labels, and he serves as an adviser to Hill + Knowlton Strategies. Previously, McKinnon served as the principal media strategist for George W. Bush’s presidential campaigns.<br/></p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Session: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/justice/#texas-vs-same-sex-marriage"> Texas vs. Same-Sex Marriage</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 clear" style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="sue-mcmillin"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/sue-mcmillin.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>Sue McMillin</h2> <div class="title">President and CEO of the Texas Guaranteed Student Loan Corporation</div> <div class="bio"> <p>McMillin has served as Texas Guaranteed’s president and CEO since 2004 and has worked in nonprofit management related to higher education for over 20 years. She also serves on several national postsecondary education councils and is a member of the board of directors for the National College Access Network.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Session: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/higher-education/#making-higher-ed-affordable"> Making Higher Ed Affordable</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 " style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="bill-meadows"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/bill-meadows.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>Bill Meadows</h2> <div class="title">Chairman of the Commission for High-Speed Rail in the Dallas/Fort Worth Region</div> <div class="bio"> <p>Meadows has led the Commission for High-Speed Rail since its creation in January 2014. He is a former Fort Worth city councilman and state transportation commissioner. Meadows also serves as chairman emeritus of Hub International Insurance Services, chairman of the North Texas High Speed Rail Commission and is on the board of directors of the Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Session: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/transportation/#is-high-speed-rail-really-happening"> Is High Speed Rail Really Happening?</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 clear" style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="luke-metzger"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/luke-metzger.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>Luke Metzger</h2> <div class="twitter"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150519161755/http://www.twitter.com/lukemetzger" target="_blank"> @lukemetzger </a> </div> <div class="title">Director of Environment Texas</div> <div class="bio"> <p>Metzger is the founder and director of Environment Texas, a statewide organization advocating for clean air, water and open spaces. He also serves as a commissioner on the Austin Resource Management Commission. Metzger has previously served on the Pollution Prevention Advisory Committee of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Session: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/environment/#texas-vs-the-epa"> Texas vs. the EPA</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 " style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="mike-miles"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/mike-miles.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>Mike Miles</h2> <div class="twitter"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150519161755/http://www.twitter.com/MMilesDISD" target="_blank"> @MMilesDISD </a> </div> <div class="title">Superintendent of the Dallas Independent School District</div> <div class="bio"> <p>Miles began his tenure as Dallas ISD superintendent in 2012. Under his leadership, the district has implemented Destination 2020 to raise student achievement and college preparedness and change the face of urban public education. Before joining the district, Miles served as an Army officer and as a diplomat in Poland and Russia.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Session: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/public-education/#superintendent-confidential"> Superintendent Confidential</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 clear" style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="laura-miller"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/laura-miller.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>Laura Miller</h2> <div class="title">Director of Texas Projects at Summit Power Group</div> <div class="bio"> <p>Miller joined Summit in 2008 to work on the Texas Clean Energy Project, an integrated gasification combined cycle project. Previously, she served as mayor of Dallas, where she advocated for coal gasification, carbon sequestration and energy efficiency. Miller has also served on the Dallas City Council and was an award-winning investigative journalist.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Session: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/environment/#texas-vs-the-epa"> Texas vs. the EPA</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 " style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="sid-miller"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/sid-miller.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>Sid Miller</h2> <div class="twitter"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150519161755/http://www.twitter.com/MillerForTexas" target="_blank"> @MillerForTexas </a> </div> <div class="title">Former State Representative; 2014 Republican Candidate for Agriculture Commissioner</div> <div class="bio"> <p>Miller, who served six terms representing District 59 in the Texas House, is the 2014 Republican nominee for Texas agriculture commissioner. While in the House, he served as chairman of the Homeland Security and Public Safety Committee and as chairman of the House Republican Caucus. Miller also served on the State Agriculture Policy Board.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Session: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/environment/#the-state-of-agriculture"> The State of Agriculture</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 clear" style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="tedd-mitchell"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/tedd-mitchell.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>Tedd Mitchell</h2> <div class="title">President of the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center</div> <div class="bio"> <p>Mitchell is the eighth president of the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center. Previously, he served as president and CEO of Cooper Clinic and as medical director for the Cooper Wellness Program. Mitchell was also appointed in 2002 by President George W. Bush to serve on the President’s Council for Physical Fitness and Sports.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Session: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/health-care/#the-state-of-medical-education"> The State of Medical Education</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 " style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="jerry-morales"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/jerry-morales.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>Jerry Morales</h2> <div class="twitter"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150519161755/http://www.twitter.com/Morales4Midland" target="_blank"> @Morales4Midland </a> </div> <div class="title">Mayor of Midland</div> <div class="bio"> <p>Morales was elected mayor of Midland in 2013. He serves as president-elect of the Texas Restaurant Association and on the board of governors of the Permian Basin Area Foundation. Previously, Morales was a founding board member of the Midland Community Development Corporation. He also owns his family restaurant, Gerardo’s Casita.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Session: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/immigration/#latinos-and-the-gop"> Latinos and the GOP</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 clear" style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="michael-morris"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/michael-morris.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>Michael Morris</h2> <div class="title">Director of Transportation for the North Central Texas Council of Governments</div> <div class="bio"> <p>Morris has served in the Transportation Department of the North Central Texas Council of Governments since 1979 and as director of transportation since 1990. He is a member of the Association of Metropolitan Planning Organizations and the Institute of Transportation Engineers. Previously, Morris served as assistant director of transportation and senior transportation planner for NCTCOG.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Session: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/transportation/#planning-for-the-future"> Planning for the Future</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 " style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="michael-morton"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/michael-morton.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>Michael Morton</h2> <div class="title">Author; Exoneree</div> <div class="bio"> <p>Morton was wrongfully convicted of the brutal murder of his wife and spent nearly 25 years in prison before being exonerated in 2011 through the efforts of the Innocence Project, pro bono lawyer John Raley and advances in DNA technology. He is author of the recently released memoir <em>Getting Life: An Innocent Man’s 25-Year Journey From Prison to Peace</em>.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Session: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/justice/#whats-next-for-criminal-justice-reform"> What's Next for Criminal Justice Reform?</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 clear" style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="diana-natalicio"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/diana-natalicio.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>Diana Natalicio</h2> <div class="title">President of the University of Texas at El Paso</div> <div class="bio"> <p>Natalicio has been the University of Texas at El Paso president since 1988. Previously, she served as the university’s vice president for academic affairs, dean of liberal arts and chairwoman of the modern languages department. Natalicio also served as chairwoman for the ACE board and as a trustee of the Rockefeller Foundation.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Session: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/higher-education/#the-completion-crisis"> The Completion Crisis</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 " style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="heather-nevitt-mod"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/heather-nevitt-mod.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>Heather Nevitt (mod.)</h2> <div class="twitter"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150519161755/http://www.twitter.com/HeatherDNevitt" target="_blank"> @HeatherDNevitt </a> </div> <div class="title">Editor-in-Chief of Texas Lawyer</div> <div class="bio"> <p>Nevitt, the editor-in-chief of <em>Texas Lawyer</em>, has worked with ALM Media Properties LLC for over 10 years. Previously, she practiced law with a focus on class-action litigation. She is a graduate of the Michigan State University College of Law.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Session: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/justice/#inside-the-texas-supreme-court"> Inside the Texas Supreme Court</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 clear" style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="robert-nichols"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/robert-nichols.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>Robert Nichols</h2> <div class="title">State Senator; Chairman of the Senate Transportation Committee</div> <div class="bio"> <p>Nichols, R-Jacksonville, was first elected in 2006 to Senate District 3. In addition to chairing the Transportation Committee, he is the vice chairman of the Intergovernmental Relations Committee and a member of the State Affairs, Health and Human Services, and Natural Resources committees. Previously, Nichols served for eight years as a transportation commissioner.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Session: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/transportation/#whats-next-for-road-funding"> What's Next for Road Funding?</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 " style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="ali-noorani"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/ali-noorani.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>Ali Noorani</h2> <div class="twitter"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150519161755/http://www.twitter.com/anoorani" target="_blank"> @anoorani </a> </div> <div class="title">Executive Director of the National Immigration Forum</div> <div class="bio"> <p>Noorani has led the National Immigration Forum since 2008 in its mission to tout the value of immigrants and immigration to the United States. He has more than a decade of experience in public policy advocacy, nonprofit management and coalition organizing.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Session: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/immigration/#the-comprehensive-immigration-reform-debate"> The Comprehensive Immigration Reform Debate</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 clear" style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="angela-oriano"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/angela-oriano.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>Angela Oriano</h2> <div class="title">Executive Director of the Texas Success Center</div> <div class="bio"> <p>Oriano is the founding executive director for the Texas Success Center, a program sponsored by the Texas Association of Community Colleges. Previously, she served as the associate director for college relations at the Center for Community College Student Engagement. Oriano also serves as senior associate for CCCSE and as a lecturer in the Department of Educational Administration at UT-Austin.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Session: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/higher-education/#the-state-of-community-colleges"> The State of Community Colleges</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 " style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="charles-ornstein-mod"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="/web/20150519161755im_/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/static/festival/2014/images/Women-silhouette.png"> </div> <h2>Charles Ornstein (mod.)</h2> <div class="twitter"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150519161755/http://www.twitter.com/charlesornstein" target="_blank"> @charlesornstein </a> </div> <div class="title">Senior Reporter at ProPublica</div> <div class="bio"> <p>Ornstein joined ProPublica, a nonprofit investigative news organization, in 2008. Previously, he was a member of the metro investigative projects team at the <em>Los Angeles Times</em>, and he covered health care on the business desk for <em>The Dallas Morning News</em>. His project Dollars for Docs was awarded the 2010 Gannett Award for Innovation in Watchdog Journalism.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Session: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/health-care/#texas-vs-obamacare"> Texas vs. Obamacare</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 clear" style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="beto-orourke"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/beto-orourke.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>Beto O’Rourke</h2> <div class="twitter"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150519161755/http://www.twitter.com/RepBetoORourke" target="_blank"> @RepBetoORourke </a> </div> <div class="title">U.S. Representative</div> <div class="bio"> <p>O’Rourke, D-El Paso, is serving his first term in Congress representing Texas’ Congressional District 16. He sits on the Homeland Security and Veterans’ Affairs committees. Previously, O’Rourke served on the El Paso City Council for six years. He is also a co-founder of Stanton Street Technology.</p> </div> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 " style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="gaby-pacheco"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/gaby-pacheco.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>Gaby Pacheco</h2> <div class="twitter"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150519161755/http://www.twitter.com/GabyPacheco1" target="_blank"> @GabyPacheco1 </a> </div> <div class="title">Program Director of The Dream.US</div> <div class="bio"> <p>Pacheco works at The Dream.US, a national scholarship fund for DREAMers. She led a national campaign walk to the nation’s capital in 2010 to call attention to the plight of immigrants in the country. Pacheco became the first undocumented Latina to testify in front of Congress.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Session: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/immigration/#what-to-do-with-the-dreamers"> What to Do with the Dreamers</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 clear" style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="raymund-a-paredes"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/raymund-a-paredes.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>Raymund A. Paredes</h2> <div class="title">Texas Higher Education Commissioner</div> <div class="bio"> <p>Paredes was appointed Texas higher education commissioner in 2004. He also serves on the Education Commission of the States and the State Higher Education Executive Officers Association. Previously, Paredes served as the vice chancellor for academic development at the University of California, Los Angeles.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Session: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/higher-education/#whats-next-for-closing-the-gaps"> What's Next for "Closing the Gaps"?</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 " style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="dan-patrick"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/dan-patrick.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>Dan Patrick</h2> <div class="twitter"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150519161755/http://www.twitter.com/DanPatrick" target="_blank"> @DanPatrick </a> </div> <div class="title">State Senator; 2014 Republican Candidate for Lieutenant Governor</div> <div class="bio"> <p>Patrick, R-Houston, has represented Senate District 7 since 2006. He serves as chairman of the Education Committee and sits on the Higher Education, Transportation, Criminal Justice, Finance and Redistricting committees. Patrick founded the first conservative talk radio station in Houston and hosts a daily afternoon talk show.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Session: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/keynote/#one-on-one-with-dan-patrick-and-one-on-one-with-leticia-van-de-putte"> One on One with Dan Patrick and One on One with Leticia Van de Putte</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 clear" style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="jerry-patterson"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/jerry-patterson.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>Jerry Patterson</h2> <div class="twitter"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150519161755/http://www.twitter.com/Patterson4TX" target="_blank"> @Patterson4TX </a> </div> <div class="title">Texas Land Commissioner</div> <div class="bio"> <p>Patterson has served as commissioner of the Texas General Land Office since 2003, and he was a Republican primary candidate in the 2014 race for lieutenant governor. Patterson previously represented Texas Senate District 11, where he served as chairman of the Veteran Affairs Committee and authored the state’s concealed handgun law in 1995.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Session: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/immigration/#what-to-do-with-the-dreamers"> What to Do with the Dreamers</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 " style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="aaron-pena"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/aaron-pena.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>Aaron Peña</h2> <div class="twitter"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150519161755/http://www.twitter.com/AaronPena" target="_blank"> @AaronPena </a> </div> <div class="title">Former State Representative</div> <div class="bio"> <p>Peña represented District 40 in the Texas House from 2003 to 2013, serving as chairman of two House committees. In 2011, Peña founded and chaired the Hispanic Republican Conference. Peña currently serves as assistant general counsel with the Texas Department of Agriculture.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Session: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/immigration/#latinos-and-the-gop"> Latinos and the GOP</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 clear" style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="rick-perry"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/rick-perry.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>Rick Perry</h2> <div class="twitter"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150519161755/http://www.twitter.com/GovernorPerry" target="_blank"> @GovernorPerry </a> </div> <div class="title">Texas Governor</div> <div class="bio"> <p>Perry has served as the state’s chief executive since 2000, making him the longest-serving governor in Texas history. In 2013, he announced he would not seek re-election. During his tenure, he has made over 4,000 appointments across the broad spectrum of Texas agencies and commissions. As governor, Perry has maintained a record of strong pro-business social conservativism.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Session: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/keynote/#one-on-one-with-rick-perry"> One on One with Rick Perry</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 " style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="ben-philpott-mod"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/ben-philpott-mod.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>Ben Philpott (mod.)</h2> <div class="twitter"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150519161755/http://www.twitter.com/BenPhilpottKUT" target="_blank"> @BenPhilpottKUT </a> </div> <div class="title">Senior Reporter for KUT News</div> <div class="bio"> <p>Philpott has covered state politics and other topics for KUT since 2002. Previously, he worked in public radio and at several television stations in Alabama and Tennessee. He has been recognized for outstanding radio journalism by the Radio and Television News Directors Association and has been named Radio Journalist of the Year by the Houston Press club three times.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Sessions: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/higher-education/#the-state-of-community-colleges"> The State of Community Colleges</a>, <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/special-events/#live-tribcast-recording-at-kutkutx-studios"> Live TribCast Recording at KUT/KUTX Studios</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 clear" style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="joe-pickett"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/joe-pickett.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>Joe Pickett</h2> <div class="title">State Representative; Chairman of the Select Committee on Transportation Funding, Expenditures and Financing</div> <div class="bio"> <p>Pickett, D-El Paso, has represented Texas’ House District 79 since 1995. He previously served as chairman of the Defense and Veterans’ Affairs and Transportation committees. In addition to his current chairmanships, Pickett is a member of the Transportation and Redistricting committees.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Session: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/transportation/#whats-next-for-road-funding"> What's Next for Road Funding?</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 " style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="jorge-pinon-mod"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/jorge-pinon-mod.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>Jorge Piñon (mod.)</h2> <div class="twitter"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150519161755/http://www.twitter.com/utaustinpinon" target="_blank"> @utaustinpinon </a> </div> <div class="title">Interim Director of the Center for International Energy and Environment Policy</div> <div class="bio"> <p>Piñon heads the University of Texas at Austin’s Center for International Energy and Environment Policy. Previously, he served as president and CEO of Transworld Oil USA and as president of Amoco Corporate Development Company Latin America. Piñon has also served as president of Amoco Oil de México and of Amoco Oil Latin America, based in Mexico City.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Session: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/energy/#what-mexican-energy-reform-means-for-texas"> What Mexican Energy Reform Means for Texas</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 clear" style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="jim-pitts"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/jim-pitts.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>Jim Pitts</h2> <div class="title">State Representative; Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee</div> <div class="bio"> <p>Pitts, R-Waxahachie, was first elected in 1992 to serve Texas’ House District 10. The House’s chief budget writer for most of the last decade, Pitts will leave office when his current term expires. Previously, he served as president of the Waxahachie Independent School District board and spent 36 years practicing law.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Session: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/open-government/#is-the-texas-budget-transparent"> Is the Texas Budget Transparent?</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 " style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="daniel-k-podolsky"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/daniel-k-podolsky.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>Daniel K. Podolsky</h2> <div class="title">President of the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center</div> <div class="bio"> <p>Podolsky was selected to be UT Southwestern Medical Center president in 2008. Previously, he was appointed chief of gastroenterology at Massachusetts General Hospital and served as president of the American Gastroenterological Association. Podolsky is a member of GlaxoSmithKline’s board of directors.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Session: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/health-care/#the-state-of-medical-education"> The State of Medical Education</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 clear" style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="matt-powell"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/matt-powell.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>Matt Powell</h2> <div class="title">Lubbock County District Attorney</div> <div class="bio"> <p>Powell was first appointed Lubbock County’s district attorney by Gov. Rick Perry in 2005. He has served in the DA’s office since 1995, and he has been a prosecutor since 1993. Powell was named “Prosecutor of the Year” for 2012 by the State Bar of Texas.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Session: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/justice/#the-state-of-the-death-penalty"> The State of the Death Penalty</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 " style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="bill-powers"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/bill-powers.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>Bill Powers</h2> <div class="title">President of the University of Texas at Austin</div> <div class="bio"> <p>Powers assumed leadership of the University of Texas at Austin in 2006. Before that, he served as the dean of the university’s School of Law, where he won recognition for recruiting a world-class faculty and attracting diverse and talented students. Powers has worked as a legal consultant with the U.S. Congress, the Brazilian legislature and the Texas Legislature.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Session: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/higher-education/#the-completion-crisis"> The Completion Crisis</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 clear" style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="ross-ramsey-mod"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/ross-ramsey-mod.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>Ross Ramsey (mod.)</h2> <div class="twitter"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150519161755/http://www.twitter.com/rossramsey" target="_blank"> @rossramsey </a> </div> <div class="title">Executive Editor at The Texas Tribune</div> <div class="bio"> <p>Ramsey is the executive editor and co-founder of The Texas Tribune. Before joining the Tribune, he served as editor and co-owner of Texas Weekly, the premier newsletter on government and politics in Texas. Previously, he served as associate deputy comptroller for policy and director of communications at the state comptroller’s office.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Sessions: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/keynote/#one-on-one-with-joe-straus"> One on One with Joe Straus</a>, <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/open-government/#is-the-texas-budget-transparent"> Is the Texas Budget Transparent?</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 " style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="emily-ramshaw-mod"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/emily-ramshaw-mod.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>Emily Ramshaw (mod.)</h2> <div class="twitter"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150519161755/http://www.twitter.com/eramshaw" target="_blank"> @eramshaw </a> </div> <div class="title">Editor of The Texas Tribune</div> <div class="bio"> <p>Ramshaw oversees The Texas Tribune’s editorial operations, from daily coverage to major projects. Under her leadership, the Tribune has won three national Edward R. Murrow Awards, IRE’s Gannett Award for Innovation in Watchdog Journalism and a general excellence award from the Online News Association. Previously, Ramshaw spent six years reporting for <em>The Dallas Morning News</em>.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Sessions: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/justice/#texas-vs-same-sex-marriage"> Texas vs. Same-Sex Marriage</a>, <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/health-care/#the-womens-health-debate"> The Women's Health Debate</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 clear" style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="vikrant-reddy"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/vikrant-reddy.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>Vikrant Reddy</h2> <div class="twitter"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150519161755/http://www.twitter.com/vpreddy" target="_blank"> @vpreddy </a> </div> <div class="title">Senior Policy Analyst at the Texas Public Policy Foundationâs Center for Effective Justice</div> <div class="bio"> <p>Reddy coordinates the Right On Crime campaign at the Texas Public Policy Foundation’s Center for Effective Justice. He has authored several reports on criminal justice policy. Previously, Reddy worked as a research assistant at The Cato Institute and as an attorney focusing on trial and appellate litigation.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Session: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/justice/#whats-next-for-criminal-justice-reform"> What's Next for Criminal Justice Reform?</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 " style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="kasim-reed"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/kasim-reed.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>Kasim Reed</h2> <div class="twitter"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150519161755/http://www.twitter.com/KasimReed" target="_blank"> @KasimReed </a> </div> <div class="title">Mayor of Atlanta</div> <div class="bio"> <p>Reed was elected to serve as mayor of Atlanta in 2009 and has largely focused on fiscal reform. He is the chairman of the Transportation and Communications Committee of the U.S. Conference of Mayors and also chairs the Regional Transit Committee of the Atlanta Regional Commission. Previously, Reed served in the Georgia House and Senate.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Session: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/keynote/#can-the-center-hold"> Can the Center Hold?</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 clear" style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="shirley-reed"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/shirley-reed.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>Shirley Reed</h2> <div class="title">President of South Texas College</div> <div class="bio"> <p>Reed serves as the founding president of South Texas College, formerly South Texas Community College. Under her leadership, South Texas College has instituted numerous dual enrollment programs, early college high schools, technical early college high schools and dropout recovery programs.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Session: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/public-education/#why-early-college-high-school-works"> Why Early College High School Works</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 " style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="john-reynolds-mod"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/john-reynolds-mod.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>John Reynolds (mod.)</h2> <div class="twitter"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150519161755/http://www.twitter.com/johnreynoldstt" target="_blank"> @johnreynoldstt </a> </div> <div class="title">Newsletters Editor for The Texas Tribune</div> <div class="bio"> <p>Reynolds is the newsletters editor at The Texas Tribune. Previously, he worked as a reporter for the Quorum Report covering everything from health and human services and redistricting to pensions and elections. He began his career in journalism at the <em>Lubbock Avalanche-Journal</em>. Reynolds received his bachelor’s degree from George Washington University.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Session: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/environment/#the-state-of-agriculture"> The State of Agriculture</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 clear" style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="lizzette-gonzalez-reynolds"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/lizzette-gonzalez-reynolds.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>Lizzette González Reynolds</h2> <div class="title">Chief Deputy Commissioner for the Texas Education Agency</div> <div class="bio"> <p>González Reynolds has served as a deputy commissioner for the Texas Education Agency since 2007. Previously, she served as a special assistant in the federal Office of Legislation and Congressional Affairs. González Reynolds began her career in education policy as legislative director to the late state Sen. Teel Bivins.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Session: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/public-education/#the-algebra-ii-debate"> The Algebra II Debate</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 " style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="richard-rhodes"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/richard-rhodes.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>Richard Rhodes</h2> <div class="title">President and CEO of Austin Community College</div> <div class="bio"> <p>Rhodes has served as the president and CEO of the Austin Community College District since 2011 after serving as president of El Paso Community College for 10 years. He is closely involved with ACC’s Early College High School program and actively works to increase graduation rates. Rhodes also serves as chairman of the Texas Association of Community Colleges.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Session: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/higher-education/#the-state-of-community-colleges"> The State of Community Colleges</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 clear" style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="alana-rocha-mod"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/alana-rocha-mod.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>Alana Rocha (mod.)</h2> <div class="twitter"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150519161755/http://www.twitter.com/viaAlana" target="_blank"> @viaAlana </a> </div> <div class="title">Reporter for The Texas Tribune</div> <div class="bio"> <p>Rocha joined the Texas Tribune staff as the multimedia reporter after working eight years in television and radio news. She has covered politics for stations in Florida, Kansas and, most recently, in Austin as YNN’s lead political reporter. Born and raised in Tampa, Rocha received bachelor’s degrees in journalism and Spanish from the University of Florida.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Sessions: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/health-care/#whats-next-for-mental-health"> What's Next for Mental Health?</a>, <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/health-care/#the-state-of-medical-education"> The State of Medical Education</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 " style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="george-rodriguez"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/george-rodriguez.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>George Rodriguez</h2> <div class="twitter"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150519161755/http://www.twitter.com/el_conservador" target="_blank"> @el_conservador </a> </div> <div class="title">South Texas Coordinator of the National Tea Party Patriots</div> <div class="bio"> <p>Rodriguez is also the co-host of Raging Elephants Radio. Previously, he served as an office director in the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and as the chairman of outreach for the Harris County GOP. Rodriguez writes a weekly column for several South Texas newspapers.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Session: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/immigration/#what-to-do-with-the-dreamers"> What to Do with the Dreamers</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 clear" style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="jose-rodriguez"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/jose-rodriguez.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>José Rodríguez</h2> <div class="twitter"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150519161755/http://www.twitter.com/JoseforTexas" target="_blank"> @JoseforTexas </a> </div> <div class="title">State Senator; Chairman of the Senate Hispanic Caucus</div> <div class="bio"> <p>Rodríguez, D-El Paso, has represented Senate District 29, which includes more than 350 miles of the Texas-Mexico border, since 2011. He also serves as the vice chairman of the Senate Jurisprudence Committee and is a member of the Criminal Justice, Veteran Affairs & Military Installations, and Government Organization committees.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Session: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/immigration/#the-comprehensive-immigration-reform-debate"> The Comprehensive Immigration Reform Debate</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 " style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="wynn-rosser"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/wynn-rosser.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>Wynn Rosser</h2> <div class="twitter"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150519161755/http://www.twitter.com/GTF_Wynn" target="_blank"> @GTF_Wynn </a> </div> <div class="title">President and CEO of the Greater Texas Foundation</div> <div class="bio"> <p>Rosser joined the Greater Texas Foundation in 2007 and was named president and CEO in 2012. He is a member of the board of directors of the Texas Lyceum and the Grantmakers for Education, and serves as treasurer. Previously, Rosser served as chief of staff and assistant to the vice president of student affairs at Texas A&M University.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Session: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/public-education/#why-early-college-high-school-works"> Why Early College High School Works</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 clear" style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="carlos-rubinstein"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/carlos-rubinstein.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>Carlos Rubinstein</h2> <div class="twitter"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150519161755/http://www.twitter.com/TWDB_Carlos" target="_blank"> @TWDB_Carlos </a> </div> <div class="title">Chairman of the Texas Water Development Board</div> <div class="bio"> <p>Before serving as chairman of the Texas Water Development Board, Rubinstein was appointed by Gov. Rick Perry to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality in 2009. Rubinstein serves as the Texas representative to the Western States Water Council and is a member of the Border Governors’ Conference Sustainable Development worktable and the Commission for Environmental Cooperation.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Session: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/environment/#whats-next-for-water"> What's Next for Water?</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 " style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="jonathan-saenz"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/jonathan-saenz.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>Jonathan Saenz</h2> <div class="twitter"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150519161755/http://www.twitter.com/jonathansaenzTX" target="_blank"> @jonathansaenzTX </a> </div> <div class="title">President of Texas Values</div> <div class="bio"> <p>Saenz heads Texas Values, a nonprofit group dedicated to advancing a culture of family values in Texas. He has assisted in the passage of Texas laws to protect religious liberty and Bible curriculum in public schools. Previously, Saenz served as director of legislative affairs and attorney for the Liberty Institute.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Session: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/justice/#texas-vs-same-sex-marriage"> Texas vs. Same-Sex Marriage</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 clear" style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="victor-saenz"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/victor-saenz.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>Victor Sáenz</h2> <div class="twitter"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150519161755/http://www.twitter.com/VictorSaenzPhD" target="_blank"> @VictorSaenzPhD </a> </div> <div class="title">Associate Professor in the Department of Educational Administration at the University of Texas at Austin</div> <div class="bio"> <p>Sáenz has focused his research largely on students of color in higher education. Sáenz is a Sid W. Richardson Regents Chair in Community College Leadership fellow, and he holds a faculty appointment with the UT Center for Mexican American Studies.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Session: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/public-education/#why-early-college-high-school-works"> Why Early College High School Works</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 " style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="andrew-sansom"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/andrew-sansom.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>Andrew Sansom</h2> <div class="title">Executive Director of the Meadows Center for Water and the Environment at Texas State University</div> <div class="bio"> <p>Before joining the Meadows Center, Sansom served as executive director of the Texas Nature Conservancy and executive director of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. Sansom also founded the Parks and Wildlife Foundation of Texas, which funds numerous department programs through private donations.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Session: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/environment/#whats-next-for-water"> What's Next for Water?</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 clear" style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="jim-sartwelle"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/jim-sartwelle.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>Jim Sartwelle</h2> <div class="title">Director of Public Policy at the Texas Farm Bureau</div> <div class="bio"> <p>Sartwelle oversees the legislative, commodity and regulatory activities and the research, education and policy development divisions at the Texas Farm Bureau. Previously, he served as the livestock economist for the American Farm Bureau Federation. Sartwelle and his father own and operate Sartwelle Brahman Ranch in Sealy, Texas.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Session: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/environment/#the-state-of-agriculture"> The State of Agriculture</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 " style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="neena-satija-mod"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/neena-satija-mod.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>Neena Satija (mod.)</h2> <div class="twitter"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150519161755/http://www.twitter.com/neenareports" target="_blank"> @neenareports </a> </div> <div class="title">Reporter for The Texas Tribune</div> <div class="bio"> <p>Satija covers the environment for The Texas Tribune. Previously, she worked for a number of East Coast news outlets, including the New Haven Independent, the Connecticut Mirror and WNPR/Connecticut Public Radio. Satija received her bachelor’s degree from Yale University.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Sessions: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/environment/#whats-next-for-water"> What's Next for Water?</a>, <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/environment/#texas-vs-the-epa"> Texas vs. the EPA</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 clear" style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="hadassah-schloss"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/hadassah-schloss.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>Hadassah Schloss</h2> <div class="title">Open Records Coordinator for the Texas General Land Office</div> <div class="bio"> <p>Schloss began her career in open records in 1990. Previously, she served as the cost rules administrator in the attorney general’s office. She received the Freedom Fighter Medal presented by the Baylor University School of Journalism in 2012.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Session: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/open-government/#putting-the-open-in-open-records"> Putting the "Open" in Open Records</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 " style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="charles-schwertner"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/charles-schwertner.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>Charles Schwertner</h2> <div class="twitter"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150519161755/http://www.twitter.com/DrSchwertner" target="_blank"> @DrSchwertner </a> </div> <div class="title">State Senator; Chairman of the Senate Health and Human Services Committee</div> <div class="bio"> <p>Schwertner, R-Georgetown, was first elected to represent District 5 in the Texas Senate in 2012. In addition to chairing the Health and Human Services Committee, he is a member of the Criminal Justice and the Agriculture, Rural Affairs and Homeland Security committees. Previously, he served one term in the Texas House. Schwertner is a practicing orthopedic surgeon.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Session: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/health-care/#texas-vs-obamacare"> Texas vs. Obamacare</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 clear" style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="kel-seliger"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/kel-seliger.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>Kel Seliger</h2> <div class="twitter"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150519161755/http://www.twitter.com/kseliger" target="_blank"> @kseliger </a> </div> <div class="title">State Senator; Chairman of the Senate Higher Education Committee</div> <div class="bio"> <p>Seliger, R-Amarillo, was first elected to represent Senate District 31 in 2004. In addition to chairing the Higher Education Committee, he is a member of the Finance, Natural Resources and Open Government committees. Before joining the Legislature, Seliger served four terms as mayor of Amarillo.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Session: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/higher-education/#whats-next-for-closing-the-gaps"> What's Next for "Closing the Gaps"?</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 " style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="william-serrata"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/william-serrata.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>William Serrata</h2> <div class="twitter"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150519161755/http://www.twitter.com/WSerrata" target="_blank"> @WSerrata </a> </div> <div class="title">President of El Paso Community College</div> <div class="bio"> <p>Serrata was named president of the El Paso County Community College District in 2012. Previously, he served as the vice president for student affairs and enrollment management at South Texas College. Serrata has served on the Texas Workforce Education Leadership Committee and is a member of the Board of Directors of the United Way of El Paso.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Session: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/public-education/#why-early-college-high-school-works"> Why Early College High School Works</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 clear" style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="john-sharp"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/john-sharp.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>John Sharp</h2> <div class="title">Chancellor of the Texas A&M University System</div> <div class="bio"> <p>Sharp was appointed chancellor by the Texas A&M University System’s Board of Regents in 2011. Previously, he was a principal with Ryan & Company, a tax consulting firm. Sharp has served in numerous public offices, including the Texas House, the state Senate, the Railroad Commission and as comptroller.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Session: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/higher-education/#whats-next-for-closing-the-gaps"> What's Next for "Closing the Gaps"?</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 " style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="daniel-sharphorn"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/daniel-sharphorn.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>Daniel Sharphorn</h2> <div class="title">Vice Chancellor and General Counsel for the University of Texas System</div> <div class="bio"> <p>Sharphorn was appointed permanent vice chancellor and general counsel for the University of Texas System in June. He manages all UT System legal affairs and various business needs. Previously, Sharphorn served in the vice president and general counsel’s office at the University of Michigan.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Session: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/open-government/#putting-the-open-in-open-records"> Putting the "Open" in Open Records</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 clear" style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="bryan-shaw"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/bryan-shaw.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>Bryan Shaw</h2> <div class="title">Chairman of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality</div> <div class="bio"> <p>Shaw was appointed chairman of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality in 2009 by Gov. Rick Perry. Shaw has also served as chairman of the Texas Advisory Panel on Federal Environmental Regulations. As an associate professor of biological and agricultural engineering at Texas A&M University, Shaw conducts research on air pollution abatement.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Session: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/environment/#texas-vs-the-epa"> Texas vs. the EPA</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 " style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="ron-simmons"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="/web/20150519161755im_/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/static/festival/2014/images/Women-silhouette.png"> </div> <h2>Ron Simmons</h2> <div class="twitter"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150519161755/http://www.twitter.com/RonSimmonsTexas" target="_blank"> @RonSimmonsTexas </a> </div> <div class="title">State Representative</div> <div class="bio"> <p>Simmons, R-Carrollton, was first elected to represent District 65 in the Texas House in 2012. He serves on the Homeland Security and Public Safety and Elections committees.He co-founded Retirement Advisors of America and remains its chairman. Simmons also serves on the board for the Autism Society of America.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Session: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/transportation/#whats-next-for-road-funding"> What's Next for Road Funding?</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 clear" style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="david-simpson"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/david-simpson.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>David Simpson</h2> <div class="twitter"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150519161755/http://www.twitter.com/davidsimpsontx" target="_blank"> @davidsimpsontx </a> </div> <div class="title">State Representative</div> <div class="bio"> <p>Simpson, R-Longview, was first elected to represent House District 7 in 2010. He serves on the County Affairs and the Land and Resource Management committees. Previously, he served as mayor of Avinger, Texas, and as an appointed member of the Ark-Tex Regional Review Committee. Simpson also serves as president and CEO of Avinger Timber.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Session: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/open-government/#is-the-texas-budget-transparent"> Is the Texas Budget Transparent?</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 " style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="ryan-sitton"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/ryan-sitton.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>Ryan Sitton</h2> <div class="twitter"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150519161755/http://www.twitter.com/RyanSitton" target="_blank"> @RyanSitton </a> </div> <div class="title">Republican nominee for Texas Railroad Commissioner</div> <div class="bio"> <p>Sitton is the founder of PinnacleAIS, an engineering company focused on integrity programs for the oil, gas and petrochemical industries, is the Republican nominee for railroad commissioner after winning a May runoff. Sitton is a member of the Texas Alliance of Energy Producers and American Society of Mechanical Engineers.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Session: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/energy/#the-fracas-over-fracking"> The Fracas Over Fracking</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 clear" style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="evan-smith-mod"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/evan-smith-mod.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>Evan Smith (mod.)</h2> <div class="twitter"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150519161755/http://www.twitter.com/evanasmith" target="_blank"> @evanasmith </a> </div> <div class="title">CEO and Editor-in-Chief of The Texas Tribune</div> <div class="bio"> <p>Smith is the CEO and editor-in-chief of The Texas Tribune. Before co-founding the Tribune, Smith spent nearly 18 years at <em>Texas Monthly</em>, including eight years as editor and a year as president and editor-in-chief. Smith currently hosts <em>Overheard with Evan Smith</em>, airing on PBS stations nationally.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Sessions: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/keynote/#one-on-one-with-george-p-bush"> One on One with George P. Bush</a>, <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/keynote/#one-on-one-with-dan-patrick-and-one-on-one-with-leticia-van-de-putte"> One on One with Dan Patrick and One on One with Leticia Van de Putte</a>, <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/keynote/#can-the-center-hold"> Can the Center Hold?</a>, <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/keynote/#one-on-one-with-wendy-davis"> One on One with Wendy Davis</a>, <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/special-events/#franklin-barbecue-feast"> Franklin Barbecue Feast</a>, <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/keynote/#ready-for-2016"> Ready for 2016</a>, <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/keynote/#one-on-one-with-rick-perry"> One on One with Rick Perry</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 " style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="morgan-smith-mod"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/morgan-smith-mod.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>Morgan Smith (mod.)</h2> <div class="twitter"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150519161755/http://www.twitter.com/MorganSmith" target="_blank"> @MorganSmith </a> </div> <div class="title">Reporter for The Texas Tribune</div> <div class="bio"> <p>Smith reports on politics and education for The Texas Tribune. She writes about the effects of the state budget, school finance reform, accountability and testing in Texas public schools. In 2014, she received a national Education Writers Association award for "Faking the Grade," a series on the for-profit tutoring industry.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Sessions: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/public-education/#whats-next-for-education-reform"> What's Next for Education Reform?</a>, <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/public-education/#the-algebra-ii-debate"> The Algebra II Debate</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 clear" style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="barry-smitherman"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/barry-smitherman.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>Barry Smitherman</h2> <div class="twitter"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150519161755/http://www.twitter.com/SmithermanTX" target="_blank"> @SmithermanTX </a> </div> <div class="title">Texas Railroad Commissioner</div> <div class="bio"> <p>Smitherman, who was appointed to his position in 2011, has also served as chairman of the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners’ Gas Committee. Previously, he served as chairman of the Public Utility Commission of Texas, as a bond attorney, and as a prosecutor.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Session: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/energy/#the-state-of-the-grid"> The State of the Grid</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 " style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="tony-solomon"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/tony-solomon.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>Tony Solomon</h2> <div class="title">Director of the Veterans Behavioral Health Initiative for Mental Health America of Greater Houston</div> <div class="bio"> <p>In addition to his work with Mental Health America of Greater Houston, Solomon leads the Harris County Veterans’ Court mentoring program and oversees collaborative outreach initiatives. Previously, he served as a growth founder and executive director for the Lone Star Veterans Association. Solomon has worked as a veterans advocate since 2010 and is a veteran of the U.S. Army.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Session: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/health-care/#whats-next-for-mental-health"> What's Next for Mental Health?</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 clear" style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="todd-staples"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/todd-staples.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>Todd Staples</h2> <div class="twitter"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150519161755/http://www.twitter.com/Todd_Staples" target="_blank"> @Todd_Staples </a> </div> <div class="title">Texas Agriculture Commissioner</div> <div class="bio"> <p>Staples was first elected commissioner of the Texas Department of Agriculture in 2007. Previously, he served as a member of the Texas House and Senate and as mayor pro-tempore of the Palestine City Council. Staples is also a business owner, real estate agent and former rancher.</p> </div> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 " style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="jonathan-stickland"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/jonathan-stickland.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>Jonathan Stickland</h2> <div class="twitter"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150519161755/http://www.twitter.com/RepStickland" target="_blank"> @RepStickland </a> </div> <div class="title">State Representative</div> <div class="bio"> <p>Stickland, R-Bedford, is serving his first term representing House District 92. He sits on the County Affairs and Special Purpose Districts committees. Stickland owns and operates an oil and gas consulting business He assists companies in areas including data management, marketing and sales of new exploration opportunities.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Session: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/transportation/#is-high-speed-rail-really-happening"> Is High Speed Rail Really Happening?</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 clear" style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="joe-straus"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/joe-straus.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>Joe Straus</h2> <div class="twitter"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150519161755/http://www.twitter.com/SpeakerStraus" target="_blank"> @SpeakerStraus </a> </div> <div class="title">Speaker of the Texas House</div> <div class="bio"> <p>Straus, R-San Antonio, who was elected in 2005 to represent House District 121, is serving his third term as speaker. He is joint chairman on the Legislative Budget Board, the Legislative Audit Committee and the Texas Legislative Council. Previously, Straus served on numerous campaigns for federal, state and local candidates.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Session: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/keynote/#one-on-one-with-joe-straus"> One on One with Joe Straus</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 " style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="brian-sweany-mod"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/brian-sweany-mod.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>Brian Sweany (mod.)</h2> <div class="twitter"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150519161755/http://www.twitter.com/Brian_Sweany" target="_blank"> @Brian_Sweany </a> </div> <div class="title">Editor-in-Chief of Texas Monthly</div> <div class="bio"> <p>In July, Sweany was named editor-in-chief of <em>Texas Monthly</em>, where he began his career in journalism as an intern in 1996. He has also worked as an assistant professor in the journalism department at Ithaca College, as a senior editor at<em> D Magazine</em> and, most recently, as a senior executive editor at <em>Texas Monthly</em>.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Session: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/public-education/#superintendent-confidential"> Superintendent Confidential</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 clear" style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="ivy-taylor"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/ivy-taylor.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>Ivy Taylor</h2> <div class="twitter"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150519161755/http://www.twitter.com/IvyRTaylor" target="_blank"> @IvyRTaylor </a> </div> <div class="title">Mayor of San Antonio</div> <div class="bio"> <p>Taylor was appointed to serve as mayor of San Antonio to fulfill Julián Castro’s unexpired term. Previously, she served as the District 2 councilwoman and as vice president of Merced Housing Texas. Taylor began her career working for the city in the Housing and Community Development Department and the Neighborhood Action Department.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Session: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/transportation/#the-new-urban-mobility"> The New Urban Mobility</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 " style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="larry-taylor"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/larry-taylor.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>Larry Taylor</h2> <div class="twitter"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150519161755/http://www.twitter.com/Taylor4Senate" target="_blank"> @Taylor4Senate </a> </div> <div class="title">State Senator; Co-chairman of the Joint Interim Committee to Study a Coastal Barrier System</div> <div class="bio"> <p>Taylor, R-Friendswood, has represented Senate District 11 since 2013. He also serves as vice chairman of the Business and Commerce Committee and has led the effort to reform the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association. Previously, he served five terms in the Texas House. Taylor is owner of Truman Taylor Insurance Agency in Friendswood.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Session: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/environment/#saving-the-texas-coast"> Saving the Texas Coast</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 clear" style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="karen-tumulty-mod"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/karen-tumulty-mod.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>Karen Tumulty (mod.)</h2> <div class="twitter"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150519161755/http://www.twitter.com/ktumulty" target="_blank"> @ktumulty </a> </div> <div class="title">National Political Correspondent for The Washington Post</div> <div class="bio"> <p>Tumulty joined<em> The Post</em> in 2010. Previously, she worked as a national political correspondent at <em>Time </em>magazine, where she wrote or co-wrote more than three dozen cover stories. She served as a congressional correspondent and a White House correspondent at <em>Time</em>. Before that, Tumulty spent 14 years at the <em>Los Angeles Times</em>.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Session: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/keynote/#one-on-one-with-john-cornyn"> One on One with John Cornyn</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 " style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="chase-untermeyer"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/chase-untermeyer.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>Chase Untermeyer</h2> <div class="title">Former U.S. Ambassador to Qatar; Texas Ethics Commissioner</div> <div class="bio"> <p>Untermeyer is an international business consultant who served for three years as the U.S. ambassador to Qatar. Previously, he served in the Texas House, as the director of presidential personnel to President George H.W. Bush and as the director of Voice of America. Untermeyer currently serves on the Texas Ethics Commission and on the Council on Foreign Relations.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Session: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/open-government/#dark-money-vs-donor-privacy"> "Dark Money" vs. Donor Privacy</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 clear" style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="alexa-ura-mod"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/alexa-ura-mod.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>Alexa Ura (mod.)</h2> <div class="twitter"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150519161755/http://www.twitter.com/alexazura" target="_blank"> @alexazura </a> </div> <div class="title">Reporter for The Texas Tribune</div> <div class="bio"> <p>Ura covers politics and demographics, with an emphasis on the state’s surging Hispanic population, for The Texas Tribune, where she started as an intern. While obtaining her bachelor's degree in journalism from the University of Texas at Austin, Ura worked as a reporter and editor at <em>The Daily Texan</em>.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Session: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/immigration/#latinos-and-the-gop"> Latinos and the GOP</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 " style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="carlos-uresti"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/carlos-uresti.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>Carlos Uresti</h2> <div class="twitter"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150519161755/http://www.twitter.com/CarlosUresti" target="_blank"> @CarlosUresti </a> </div> <div class="title">State Senator; Vice Chairman of the Agriculture, Rural Affairs and Homeland Security Committee</div> <div class="bio"> <p>Uresti, D-San Antonio, was first elected to represent Senate District 19 in 2006. He serves as vice chairman of the Redistricting, Administration, and the Agriculture, Rural Affairs and Homeland Security committees. Previously, he served four terms in the Texas House. Uresti is a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Session: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/energy/#deconstructing-the-boom"> Deconstructing the Boom</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 clear" style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="leticia-van-de-putte"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/leticia-van-de-putte.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>Leticia Van de Putte</h2> <div class="twitter"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150519161755/http://www.twitter.com/leticiavdp" target="_blank"> @leticiavdp </a> </div> <div class="title">State Senator; 2014 Democratic Candidate for Lieutenant Governor</div> <div class="bio"> <p>Van de Putte, D-San Antonio, has represented District 26 in the Texas Senate since 1999. She is the 2014 Democratic nominee for lieutenant governor of Texas. In the Senate, she chairs the Veterans Affairs and Military Installations Committee and sits on the Business & Commerce, Education, and State Affairs committees. Previously, Van de Putte served as a state representative.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Session: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/keynote/#one-on-one-with-dan-patrick-and-one-on-one-with-leticia-van-de-putte"> One on One with Dan Patrick and One on One with Leticia Van de Putte</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 " style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="jennifer-vanos"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/jennifer-vanos.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>Jennifer Vanos</h2> <div class="twitter"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150519161755/http://www.twitter.com/JenniVanos" target="_blank"> @JenniVanos </a> </div> <div class="title">Assistant Professor of Atmospheric Science at Texas Tech University</div> <div class="bio"> <p>Vanos studies the impacts of weather and climate on humans. She works with the U.S. Interior Department’s South Central Climate Science Center, focusing largely on adapting to the changing climate. Vanos has worked on biometeorological research for South Korea, New Zealand and North America.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Session: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/environment/#texas-vs-the-epa"> Texas vs. the EPA</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 clear" style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="tom-vaughan"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="/web/20150519161755im_/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/static/festival/2014/images/Women-silhouette.png"> </div> <h2>Tom Vaughan</h2> <div class="title">President of the Rio Grande International Study Center</div> <div class="bio"> <p>Vaughan is a founder and president of the Rio Grande International Study Center, a Laredo-based environmental nonprofit organization whose mission is to protect and preserve the Rio Grande and local green spaces. Vaughan is also a professor emeritus in the Department of Biology and Chemistry at Texas A&M International University.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Session: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/environment/#whats-next-for-water"> What's Next for Water?</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 " style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="marc-veasey"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/marc-veasey.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>Marc Veasey</h2> <div class="twitter"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150519161755/http://www.twitter.com/RepVeasey" target="_blank"> @RepVeasey </a> </div> <div class="title">U.S. Representative</div> <div class="bio"> <p>Veasey, D-Fort Worth, was elected to represent Congressional District 33 in 2012. He sits on the House Armed Services and the Science, Space and Technology committees. Previously, he served four terms in the Texas House, where he held the positions of Democratic whip and chairman of the Democratic Caucus. Veasey also worked as a congressional staffer.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Session: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/immigration/#what-to-do-with-the-dreamers"> What to Do with the Dreamers</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 clear" style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="jason-villalba"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/jason-villalba.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>Jason Villalba</h2> <div class="twitter"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150519161755/http://www.twitter.com/JasonVillalba" target="_blank"> @JasonVillalba </a> </div> <div class="title">State Representative</div> <div class="bio"> <p>Villalba, R-Dallas, has represented Texas House District 114 since 2013. He serves on the Business and Industry and Environmental Regulation committees as well as the special select Committee on Redistricting. Villalba founded the Freshman Delegation, a bipartisan group dedicated to building relationships through the legislative process. Villalba is a partner at Haynes and Boone, a Dallas law firm.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Sessions: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/immigration/#latinos-and-the-gop"> Latinos and the GOP</a>, <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/special-events/#live-tribcast-recording-at-kutkutx-studios"> Live TribCast Recording at KUT/KUTX Studios</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 " style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="lynda-villanueva"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/lynda-villanueva.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>Lynda Villanueva</h2> <div class="title">Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs at Brazosport College</div> <div class="bio"> <p>Villanueva, in addition to her position at Brazosport College, is a data coach for Achieving the Dream, where she consults with a focus on student success courses, college readiness and developmental education. She also serves as core team leader for Achieving the Dream, an initiative focused on higher education. Previously, Villanueva was a consultant for various organizations.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Session: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/higher-education/#the-state-of-community-colleges"> The State of Community Colleges</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 clear" style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="mike-villarreal"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/mike-villarreal.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>Mike Villarreal</h2> <div class="twitter"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150519161755/http://www.twitter.com/MikeVillarreal" target="_blank"> @MikeVillarreal </a> </div> <div class="title">State Representative; Chairman of the House Investments and Financial Services Committee</div> <div class="bio"> <p>Villarreal, D-San Antonio, has House District 123 since 2000. In addition to chairing the Investments and Financial Services Committee, he is a member of the Public Education Committee. Villarreal has declared his candidacy for the 2015 race to be San Antonio mayor.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Session: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/public-education/#the-algebra-ii-debate"> The Algebra II Debate</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 " style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="kirk-watson"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/kirk-watson.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>Kirk Watson</h2> <div class="twitter"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150519161755/http://www.twitter.com/KirkPWatson" target="_blank"> @KirkPWatson </a> </div> <div class="title">State Senator; Vice Chairman of the Senate Higher Education Committee</div> <div class="bio"> <p>Watson, D-Austin, has represented Senate District 14 since 2007.  He also sits on the Nominations, Business and Commerce, Transportation, and Economic Development committees. He is a partner with Husch Blackwell. Previously, Watson served as the mayor of Austin.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Session: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/health-care/#the-state-of-medical-education"> The State of Medical Education</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 clear" style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="chris-watts"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/chris-watts.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>Chris Watts</h2> <div class="title">Mayor of Denton</div> <div class="bio"> <p>Watts was elected mayor of Denton in May. He serves as vice chairman for public power for the United States Conference of Mayors’ Energy Standing Committee and as board president for the Texas Municipal Power Agency. Previously, he served as a Denton city councilman and owned a real estate investment firm for more than 20 years.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Session: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/energy/#the-fracas-over-fracking"> The Fracas Over Fracking</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 " style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="w-david-watts"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/w-david-watts.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>W. David Watts</h2> <div class="title">President of the University of Texas of the Permian Basin</div> <div class="bio"> <p>Watts was appointed in 2001 to serve as the fifth president of the University of Texas of the Permian Basin. Under his leadership, UTPB has started early college high schools using virtual technologies in remote areas. Previously, he served as vice president for academic and student affairs at Jacksonville State University in Alabama.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Session: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/public-education/#why-early-college-high-school-works"> Why Early College High School Works</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 clear" style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="cj-wax"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/cj-wax.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>C.J. Wax</h2> <div class="title">Mayor of Rockport</div> <div class="bio"> <p>Wax was first elected as mayor of Rockport in 2010. He also represents the city on the Coastal Bend Council of Governments and the Aransas County Pathways and Stormwater Advisory committees. Previously, Wax served as a task force director in the Department of Defense and in the U.S. Air Force.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Session: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/environment/#saving-the-texas-coast"> Saving the Texas Coast</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 " style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="michael-webber"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/michael-webber.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>Michael Webber</h2> <div class="twitter"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150519161755/http://www.twitter.com/MichaelEWebber" target="_blank"> @MichaelEWebber </a> </div> <div class="title">Deputy Director of the Energy Institute and Co-director of the Clean Energy Incubator</div> <div class="bio"> <p>Webber is the Josey Centennial Fellow in Energy Resources and an associate professor of mechanical engineering at the University of Texas at Austin. He is also the co-director of the Clean Energy Incubator at the Austin Technology Incubator. Webber’s research focuses on the convergence of policy and technology related to energy and the environment.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Session: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/energy/#the-fracas-over-fracking"> The Fracas Over Fracking</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 clear" style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="joe-weber"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/joe-weber.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>Joe Weber</h2> <div class="title">Executive Director of the Texas Department of Transportation</div> <div class="bio"> <p>Weber was named executive director of TxDOT in April. Previously, he served as vice president for student affairs at Texas A&M University. Weber spent 36 years in the U.S. Marine Corps in numerous command and leadership positions, including lieutenant general.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Session: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/transportation/#whats-next-for-road-funding"> What's Next for Road Funding?</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 " style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="david-weigel"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/david-weigel.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>David Weigel</h2> <div class="twitter"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150519161755/http://www.twitter.com/daveweigel" target="_blank"> @daveweigel </a> </div> <div class="title">Political Reporter for Slate</div> <div class="bio"> <p>Weigel is a frequent contributor to MSNBC. He hosts WeigelCast, a <em>Slate</em> podcast featuring candid discussions with Washington politicians and personalities. His <em>Slate</em> blog was recently named one of the best political blogs by <em>Time</em>. Previously, he wrote for <em>The Washington Post</em>, <em>Reason</em> and <em>USA Today</em>.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Sessions: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/keynote/#ready-for-2016"> Ready for 2016</a>, <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/special-events/#live-tribcast-recording-at-kutkutx-studios"> Live TribCast Recording at KUT/KUTX Studios</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 clear" style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="royce-west"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="/web/20150519161755im_/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/static/festival/2014/images/Women-silhouette.png"> </div> <h2>Royce West</h2> <div class="twitter"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150519161755/http://www.twitter.com/SenRoyceWest" target="_blank"> @SenRoyceWest </a> </div> <div class="title">State Senator; Chairman of the Senate Jurisprudence Committee</div> <div class="bio"> <p>West, D-Dallas, was first elected in 1992 to represent District 23 in the Texas Senate. He serves as chairman of the Jurisprudence Committee and sits on the Higher Education, Education, Finance and Health and Human Services committees. West was appointed by Gov. Rick Perry to the Education Commission of the States in 2005.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Session: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/public-education/#whats-next-for-education-reform"> What's Next for Education Reform?</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 " style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="james-white"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/james-white.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>James White</h2> <div class="twitter"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150519161755/http://www.twitter.com/James_E_White" target="_blank"> @James_E_White </a> </div> <div class="title">State Representative; Vice Chairman of the House Corrections Committee</div> <div class="bio"> <p>White, R-Woodville, was first elected to represent House District 19 in 2010. In addition to serving as vice chairman of the Corrections Committee, he is a member of the Agriculture and Livestock Committee. Previously, White served as an instructor at the U.S. Infantry School and a professor of government at Angelina College.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Session: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/justice/#whats-next-for-criminal-justice-reform"> What's Next for Criminal Justice Reform?</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 clear" style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="molly-white"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/molly-white.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>Molly White</h2> <div class="twitter"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150519161755/http://www.twitter.com/MollyWhiteTX" target="_blank"> @MollyWhiteTX </a> </div> <div class="title">2014 Republican Candidate for Texas House District 55</div> <div class="bio"> <p>White, the founder of the nonprofit Women for Life International, is the Republican nominee for Texas House District 55. She has served as the legislative director for Operation Outcry, as a member of the Central Texas Republican Women’s club and as a delegate to the Republican National Convention.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Session: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/health-care/#the-womens-health-debate"> The Women's Health Debate</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 " style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="don-willett"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="/web/20150519161755im_/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/static/festival/2014/images/Women-silhouette.png"> </div> <h2>Don Willett</h2> <div class="twitter"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150519161755/http://www.twitter.com/JusticeWillett" target="_blank"> @JusticeWillett </a> </div> <div class="title">Texas Supreme Court Justice</div> <div class="bio"> <p>Willett was appointed to the Texas Supreme Court by Gov. Rick Perry in 2005. Prior to joining the court, Willett served as a deputy Texas attorney general and counsel to a Texas Governor. He has also worked as a deputy Assistant U.S. Attorney General, and as a special assistant to President George W. Bush.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Session: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/justice/#inside-the-texas-supreme-court"> Inside the Texas Supreme Court</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 clear" style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="jim-willett"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/jim-willett.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>Jim Willett</h2> <div class="title">Director of the Texas Prison Museum</div> <div class="bio"> <p>Willett has served as the director of the Texas Prison Museum in Huntsville since 2003. He is a retired warden of the Huntsville “Walls” Unit, and he spent more than 30 years with the Texas prison system. Between 1998 and 2001, Willett oversaw 89 executions.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Session: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/justice/#the-state-of-the-death-penalty"> The State of the Death Penalty</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 " style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="gregory-williams"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/gregory-williams.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>Gregory Williams</h2> <div class="title">President of Odessa College</div> <div class="bio"> <p>Williams has served as president of Odessa College since 2007. He also serves as secretary-treasurer of the Texas Association of Community Colleges and is a member of the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board’s Formula Funding Committee. He also serves on the Ector County ISD’s Education Foundation Board.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Session: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/higher-education/#the-state-of-community-colleges"> The State of Community Colleges</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 clear" style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="marc-williams"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/marc-williams.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>Marc Williams</h2> <div class="title">Director of Planning at the Texas Department of Transportation</div> <div class="bio"> <p>Williams serves as director of planning within the Texas Department of Transportation’s Planning and Projects Office, where he is responsible for directing statewide multimodal planning and environmental programs. Williams has experience in transportation planning and program efforts in both public and private sector organizations.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Session: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/transportation/#is-high-speed-rail-really-happening"> Is High Speed Rail Really Happening?</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 " style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="michael-williams"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/michael-williams.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>Michael Williams</h2> <div class="twitter"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150519161755/http://www.twitter.com/MichaelWilliams" target="_blank"> @MichaelWilliams </a> </div> <div class="title">Texas Education Commissioner</div> <div class="bio"> <p>Williams was appointed education commissioner by Gov. Rick Perry in 2012. Williams heads the Texas Education Agency, which oversees pre-kindergarten through high school education in both traditional public schools and charter schools. He previously served as a Texas railroad commissioner.<br/></p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Session: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/public-education/#whats-next-for-education-reform"> What's Next for Education Reform?</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 clear" style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="roger-williams"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/roger-williams.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>Roger Williams</h2> <div class="twitter"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150519161755/http://www.twitter.com/RepRWilliams" target="_blank"> @RepRWilliams </a> </div> <div class="title">U.S. Representative</div> <div class="bio"> <p>Williams, R-Austin, was elected to represent Congressional District 25 in 2012. Previously, he served as the secretary of state of Texas, the state’s chief liaison for Texas border and Mexican affairs, and chairman of the state’s 2005 Base Realignment and Closure Response Strike Force. Williams has also served as state finance chairman for John Cornyn’s 2002 Senate campaign.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Session: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/transportation/#planning-for-the-future"> Planning for the Future</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 " style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="tommy-williams"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/tommy-williams.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>Tommy Williams</h2> <div class="twitter"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150519161755/http://www.twitter.com/TexansForTommy" target="_blank"> @TexansForTommy </a> </div> <div class="title">Vice Chancellor of the Texas A&M University System; Former State Senator</div> <div class="bio"> <p>Williams has served as the vice chancellor of the Texas A&M University system since 2013. He directs the A&M System’s efforts for federal and state relations. Previously, he served in the Texas House and the Senate where he was based out of The Woodlands. While in the Senate, he served as chairman of the Finance Committee.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Session: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/transportation/#whats-next-for-road-funding"> What's Next for Road Funding?</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 clear" style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="daniel-witt"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="/web/20150519161755im_/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/static/festival/2014/images/Women-silhouette.png"> </div> <h2>Daniel Witt</h2> <div class="title">Senior Manager of Business Development and U.S. Policy at Tesla Motors</div> <div class="bio"> <p>Witt has served for three years as senior manager at Tesla Motors, where he addresses federal, state and local policy issues related to electric vehicles, infrastructure deployment and energy storage. Previously, he served as a policy aide in the U.S. Senate, where he focused on transportation issues.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Session: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/transportation/#the-new-urban-mobility"> The New Urban Mobility</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 " style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="steve-wolens"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/steve-wolens.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>Steve Wolens</h2> <div class="title">Former State Representative</div> <div class="bio"> <p>Wolens is a Dallas attorney and former Democratic state legislator, representing House District 103. During his 24 years in the Legislature, he authored legislation on ethics reform, antitrust laws and electric deregulation. As an attorney with McKool Smith, Wolens focuses on class-action and commercial litigation claims.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Session: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/open-government/#how-much-should-legislators-disclose"> How Much Should Legislators Disclose?</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 clear" style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="brian-woods"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/brian-woods.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>Brian Woods</h2> <div class="title">Superintendent of the Northside Independent School District</div> <div class="bio"> <p>Woods assumed leadership of San Antonio’s Northside ISD in 2012. Before that, he served as deputy superintendent for administration and assistant superintendent for secondary administration. He also serves on the executive and legislative committees for the Texas Association of School Administrators. Woods began his career in Northside ISD as a social studies teacher in 1992.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Session: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/public-education/#superintendent-confidential"> Superintendent Confidential</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 " style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="ana-yanez-correa"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/ana-yanez-correa.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>Ana Yáñez-Correa</h2> <div class="title">Executive Director of the Texas Criminal Justice Coalition</div> <div class="bio"> <p>Yáñez-Correa has served as executive director of the Texas Criminal Justice Coalition since 2005.  Previously, she served as director of the coalition’s Solution for Sentencing and Incarceration Project, as policy director for LULAC of Texas, and as chief of staff for a Texas state representative.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Session: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/justice/#whats-next-for-criminal-justice-reform"> What's Next for Criminal Justice Reform?</a> </p> </div> <div class="speaker cell w-6 clear" style="margin-bottom: 1em;" id="helen-young"> <div class="headshot"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150519161755im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/festival/headshots/2014/helen-young.jpg" alt=""> </div> <h2>Helen Young</h2> <div class="title">Deputy Commissioner of Coastal Resources at the General Land Office</div> <div class="bio"> <p>Young has served as deputy commissioner of coastal resources since 2010 and has worked in the General Land Office since 2000. She served as the Texas delegate to the Coastal States Organization and serves on its executive committee. Young is also a member of the American Shore and Beach Preservation Association.</p> </div> <p class="panel-link"> Session: <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/environment/#saving-the-texas-coast"> Saving the Texas Coast</a> </p> </div> </div> </section> </div> <div id="right_rail" class="cell w-4 rail"> <div class="big-image-link module hide-for-medium-down"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150519161755/https://cart-texastribune.sxsw.com/products/show"> <img src="/web/20150519161755im_/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/static/festival/2014/images/TTF14-web-register-btn.png" alt="REGISTER"> </a> </div> <div class="big-image-link module hide-for-medium-down"> <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/speakers/"> <img src="/web/20150519161755im_/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/static/festival/2014/images/TTF14-web-speakers-btn.png" alt="SPEAKERS"> </a> </div> <div class="big-image-link module hide-for-medium-down"> <a href="#" id="nav-toggle-two"> <img src="/web/20150519161755im_/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/static/festival/2014/images/TTF14-web-tracks-btn.png" alt="TRACKS"> </a> </div> <aside class="module hide-for-medium-down"> <div class="ad adunit tablet standard" data-dimensions="300x250" data-adunit="Festival_Sponsor_RightRail1_MediumRectangle_300x250"> </div> </aside> <aside class="festival_wire module hide-for-medium-down"> <header> <h1>Festival Updates</h1> </header> <div class="festival_wire_content"> <ul> <li> <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/updates/#update-29">Thank You - Tribune Festival 2014!</a> <div>Sep 30, 2014</div> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/updates/#update-12">A Look Back to 2014: Keynotes</a> <div>Sep 30, 2014</div> </li> </ul> </div> <footer class="festival_wire_actions"> <div class="ad adunit mobile tablet standard" data-dimensions="200x38" data-adunit="Festival_UpdatesWidget"> </div> <a class="festival_wire_actions" href="/web/20150519161755/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/updates/">+ View All</a> </footer> </aside> <div id="signup" class="box module"> <form action="https://web.archive.org/web/20150519161755/http://texastribune.us3.list-manage.com/subscribe/post?u=3d0ce87edeeb6df90043897db&id=4d51e36b5a" method="post" id="mc-embedded-subscribe-form" name="mc-embedded-subscribe-form" class="validate" target="_blank" novalidate> <div id="signup-top"> <label for="mce-EMAIL"> <h2>Sign Up:</h2> </label> <input type="email" value="" name="EMAIL" class="input_neue required email" id="mce-EMAIL" placeholder="Enter your email for updates"> </div> <ul class="actions simple"> <li> <input type="submit" value="Submit" name="subscribe" id="mc-embedded-subscribe" class="btn"> </li> </ul> <div style="position: absolute; 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