Day 1 - Thursday, November 21st
Economic Development Panel
Time: Thursday, November 21st 10:30 – 11:30 AM
Moderator
Drew Scheberle
Texas Association of Business
Senior Advisor and Reshore Supply Chain Project Manager
Drew is the Senior Advisor and Reshore Supply Chain Project Manager for the Texas Association of Business and staff leader for the Texas Chamber of Commerce Executives. With over two decades in economic development, he co-founded the National Security Innovation Council to position Texas as a key partner in national security. Previously, Drew was SVP at the Austin Chamber of Commerce, where he led initiatives like passing road and school bonds, expanding air service, and attracting Army Futures Command. He also led the National Center for State Scholars under President George W. Bush, partnering with state leaders to promote educational achievement.
Panelists
Aaron Demerson
Texas Economic Development Corporation
President and CEO
Aaron Demerson leads the Texas Economic Development Corporation (TxEDC), a 501(c)(3) organization that markets Texas as a top business destination. Previously, he served as Commissioner Representing Employers at the Texas Workforce Commission, advocating for over 660,000 employers and 3 million small businesses. He also led the Office of Employer Initiatives and served as a Senior Advisor to Governor Rick Perry, promoting Texas for business and tourism. He has a background in business development, administration, and finance with the Texas Economic Development Agency. A Texas A&M University-Kingsville graduate, he also completed programs at the Army War College and National Training Center.
Carlos Guzman
Fort Bend County
Director of Economic Opportunity & Development
Carlos Guzman is an experienced economic development professional with over 16 years of success in various communities. He currently serves as the Director of Economic Opportunity & Development for Fort Bend County, where he leads efforts to drive economic growth, support business recruitment, and foster partnerships. He has previously worked with the City of Dallas, The Greater Houston Partnership, and served as Executive Director of the Pasadena Economic Development Corporation. Carlos holds degrees from Georgetown University and George Mason University, along with certifications as a Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) and Economic Development Finance Professional (EDFP).
www.fortbendcountytx.gov/government/departments/economic-opportunity-development
Elizabeth Huff
City of Sugar Land
Director of Economic Development & Tourism
As the Executive Director of Economic Development, Elizabeth directs the City’s comprehensive and proactive economic development strategy and annual business plan; oversees the Primary Employment, Business and Community Development and Visit Sugar Land divisions; and coordinates with various local and regional organizations and partners. Elizabeth has over 15 years of direct Economic Development experience including four years with the Greater Houston Partnership and working for the City of Lubbock EDC. She has a bachelor’s degree in marketing from Louisiana State University.
Texas Take
Time: Thursday, November 21st 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM
Scott Braddock
The Quorum Report
Scott Braddock is a journalist and political analyst based in Austin, Texas, covering the state’s politics and Legislature. He works with Harvey Kronberg to produce The Quorum Report, Texas’s leading political newsletter, where he became editor in 2015. Scott also hosts the top-rated politics podcast, Texas Take, with the Houston Chronicle. Previously, he was the Chief Political Reporter for Newsradio 1080 KRLD in Dallas and Newsradio 740 KTRH in Houston. Scott has won multiple awards for his investigative journalism and political reporting. A native of rural Texas, he began his radio career at 16 and is a dedicated advocate for Texas issues.
Jeremy Wallace
Houston Chronicle
Reporter
Jeremy Wallace has covered politics and campaigns for more than 20 years. Before joining the Hearst Texas newspapers in 2017 he covered government and politics for the Tampa Bay Times, The Miami Herald and the Sarasota Herald-Tribune. Previously he covered Congress for the Boston Globe and Detroit Free-Press. Originally from San Antonio, he attended the University of North Texas and earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Missouri. Jeremy also authors the Texas Take with Jeremy Wallace newsletter, where he shares insights from inside the Capitol along with the occasional Willie Nelson reference.
Mayoral Panel
Time: Thursday, November 21st 1:15 – 2:30 PM
Moderator
Diana Miller
Schwartz, Page & Harding, L.L.P.
Partner
Diana Miller’s practice focuses on public finance, local government, and land development in the Houston area, as well as state legislative issues. She serves as bond and general counsel to special purpose districts that provide water, sewer, drainage, recreational, and road infrastructure to master-planned communities. Diana advises developers and landowners on land development, special district, and infrastructure finance matters, representing clients before the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, Attorney General’s Office, and local governments. A registered lobbyist, Diana advocates for special district and public law issues in the Texas Legislature. Previously, she served as an Assistant Attorney General, representing the Texas Department of Transportation.
Panelists
MAYOR Don McCoy
City of Fulshear
Mayor Don McCoy, elected in 2024, has served as the President of the Fulshear Regional Chamber of Commerce since its founding in 2013, driving its growth to over 500 business members. With over 40 years of experience, McCoy is a seasoned marketing professional known for visionary ideas. He holds a degree in Management and Marketing with a minor in Spanish from Stephen F. Austin State University. McCoy is active in the Brazos River Rotary Club and the Fulshear Simonton Lions Club, and his dynamic approach is reflected in his favorite sayings: “I have another great idea” and “Be significant and keep leading.”
Mayor Audrey St. Germain
City of Meadows Place
Mayor Audrey St. Germain became a resident of Meadows Place in November 2020, drawn by its small-town feel, beautiful parks, and community events. A long-time public school teacher, she established the Pre-K program at Meadows Elementary and was a 2024 Teacher of the Year Finalist for all FBISD Elementary Schools. St. Germain holds a master’s degree in Educational Leadership and a school principal certification. Now serving as Mayor of Meadows Place, she is committed to education, community safety, and maintaining the city’s infrastructure. St. Germain is dedicated to keeping the “one square mile of wonderful” a vibrant and welcoming community for future generations.
MAYOR Chad Nesvadba
City of Needville
Mayor Chad Nesvadba brings over 20 years of civil engineering experience to the City of Needville. Since 1997, he has supported municipalities like Rosenberg, Friendswood, and Sugar Land, along with Harris and Fort Bend Counties, on critical infrastructure projects. Currently with Huitt-Zollars, he previously served as Utilities Engineer for Sugar Land, managing long-term capital improvements. As Mayor, Chad is focused on Needville’s growth while preserving its small-town character. His priorities include developing a 5-10 year Capital Improvement Plan, enhancing code enforcement, and ensuring strong safety resources. Chad’s vision is to support both residents and businesses for a thriving community.
Veeda V. Williams, PhD
City of Arcola
Mayor Veeda Williams was elected as Mayor of Arcola on May 4, 2024, bringing a new voice and vision to the city. A proud Arcola native, she is committed to building a united, thriving community. As an educator and U.S. Air Force veteran, Veeda has dedicated her life to empowering under-represented populations and is now focused on amplifying the voices of Arcola’s residents with common-sense solutions. She co-founded a nonprofit to support local youth, reflecting her commitment to the well-being of Arcola’s families and her collaborative approach to working with neighboring governments for positive change.
Joe R. Zimmerman
City of Sugar Land
Mayor Joe R. Zimmerman was elected as the 10th Mayor of Sugar Land on June 11, 2016, after serving four years as the At-Large, Position 2 City Councilman. He serves on the Economic Development Committee, Intergovernmental Relations Committee, Sugar Land Development Corporation Board, and as the city's representative on the HGAC Board and Transportation Policy Council. Before City Council, he spent eight years on the Planning and Zoning Commission, including six years as Chairman. Professionally, Joe is a Senior Consultant for Halff Associates, Inc., with extensive experience in senior management. He holds an MBA from Houston Baptist University and a BS in Civil Engineering from the University of Houston.
Public Health Panel
Time: Thursday, November 21st 2:45 – 3:45 PM
Moderator
Freddy Warner
Memorial Hermann Health System
Chief Government Relations Officer
Freddy Warner has been with Memorial Hermann Health System since 2008, serving as Chief Government Relations Officer, overseeing federal, state, and local advocacy efforts. With over 20 years of experience in government relations, regulatory affairs, and business development, he has worked across more than 30 states and in Washington, DC, with a focus on Texas. Prior to joining Memorial Hermann, he was Vice President of Governmental Affairs for the largest building materials company in the U.S. He has also served in senior roles for members of the Texas Congressional Delegation and Texas state officials. Freddy holds degrees in Journalism and Political Science from Southern Methodist University and a law degree from South Texas College of Law.
Panelists
Mike Dotson
AccessHealth
CEO
Michael R. Dotson, MBA, CPA, serves as Chief Executive Officer of AccessHealth, a Federally Qualified Health Center providing care to patients across the Greater Houston area. Joining AccessHealth in 2016 as Chief Financial Officer, he was promoted to CEO in 2017. In this role, he leads strategic initiatives, ensuring operational success and adherence to healthcare regulations. With over 19 years of experience, Dotson has held leadership roles in finance, auditing, consulting, and healthcare management. He holds an MBA from Rice University and is a licensed CPA in Texas and Louisiana. He actively participates in several professional associations and community organizations.
Jamie Dudensing
Texas Association of Health Plans
CEO
Jamie Dudensing advocates for improved access to quality health care and affordable insurance for Texans. A graduate of the University of Texas LBJ School of Public Affairs and Texas Tech School of Nursing, Jamie began her career as the Capitol nurse in Austin. She later served as a Health and Human Services Budget Analyst for the House Appropriations Committee and as Senior Advisor, Deputy Chief of Staff, and Policy Director for Lt. Governor Dewhurst. With nearly two decades in health care and policy, she brings a wealth of legislative and strategic expertise to her work with the Texas Association of Health Plans.
LindsAy Lanagan
University of Houston
Associate Vice Chancellor of Government Relations
Lindsay Lanagan is the Associate Vice Chancellor of Government Relations, Health, for the University of Houston System. In this role, she secures government support for the System’s Colleges of Medicine, Pharmacy, Nursing, Optometry, and other health programs, driving legislative strategy that aligns with the University’s mission. With over 17 years of experience in healthcare policy and finance, Lindsay has built strong relationships with legislators to advance UH’s health initiatives.Before joining UH, she served as Vice President of Government Relations at Legacy Community Health and held leadership roles at McKesson Specialty Health and the City of Houston’s Intergovernmental Relations office.
Dexter L. McCoy
Fort Bend County
Commissioner Precinct 4
Commissioner Dexter L. McCoy grew up in the Mission Bend community and graduated from Travis High School. After graduating from Boston University, Commissioner McCoy served as an appointee in the Obama Administration, where he focused on college access issues and implemented the administration’s agenda addressing harassment in our nation’s schools. Since being sworn into office, he and his team have advanced policy initiatives focused on engaging historically excluded communities and improving quality of life. They passed the first paid parental leave policy and nearly doubled the amount of sick time offered to county employees, invested millions in mobility and parks improvements, and appointed the precinct’s first Latina justice of the peace.
www.fortbendcountytx.gov/government/departments/commissioners-court/commissioner-precinct-4
Water Infrastructure Panel
Time: Thursday, November 21st 3:45 – 4:45 PM
Moderator
Taylor Landin
Greater Houston Partnership
Executive Vice President and Chief Policy Officer
Taylor Landin works at the Greater Houston Partnership, representing over 1,000 member companies that employ about a fifth of the metro Houston workforce. He leads a team focused on advancing the region’s business policy priorities at the federal, state, and local levels. This is Taylor’s second tenure with the Partnership, having previously served as Vice President of Public Policy before joining AT&T as Regional Vice President for External Affairs. Taylor’s career includes roles in presidential campaigns, the White House Office of Legislative Affairs, and staff positions for two Texas members of Congress.
Panelists
Jeremy B. Mazur
Texas 2036
Senior Policy Advisor
Jeremy leads Texas 2036’s work on infrastructure and natural resources, focusing on water, energy, and oil and gas. Since joining in September 2021, he has been instrumental in shaping Texas’ energy future, promoting cleaner energy sources, and guiding policy development in water management. During the 88th Legislative Session, he helped advance financial strategies for water infrastructure and regulatory frameworks for hydrogen energy. Jeremy's projects include energy portfolio assessments, regional water market development, and policy responses to extreme weather. With over 20 years of experience in the Texas legislature and state agencies, he collaborates closely with leaders to address Texas’ future needs.
Rick Ellis
Association of Water Board Directors - Texas
Executive Director
Rick Ellis leads the Association of Water Board Directors-Texas (AWBD), guiding its efforts to provide educational and advocacy support for water districts across Texas. With over 15 years of experience in commercial real estate and construction project management, and more than 20 years in economic and business development, he brings deep expertise to his role. Rick previously served as Vice President of the Katy Area Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Council and is President of the Interstate MUD Board of Directors. A Texas A&M University graduate, he holds degrees in Construction Management and Land Development.
Day 2 – Friday, November 22nd
Flood Mitigation & Drainage Panel
Time: Friday, November 22nd 8:30 –9:15 AM
Moderator
Craig Kalkomey, PE
LJA Engineering
Senior Project Manager
Craig is a licensed Professional Engineer and Certified Floodplain Administrator with 18 years of expertise in hydrology, hydraulics, and flood risk management. His career focuses on floodplain administration, capital improvement planning, and emergency flood response and recovery. Craig’s passion for flood management began at age 10, assisting with local gauge readings during the 1992 and 1994 Brazos River floods. His hands-on approach extends to helping communities with sandbagging, clean-up, and debris removal. These experiences give him unique insights into the needs of residents and officials. Craig serves as Vice Chair of the Drainage Panel for the Texas Water Conservation Association and is active in NAFSMA and TFMA.
Panelists
Sarah KirkLe
Texas Water Association
Director of Policy and Legislative Affairs
Sarah works with members of TWA to develop policy positions through TWA’s legislative committees and to subsequently advance those policy initiatives through education and advocacy at the Texas Legislature. Previously, Sarah was at Texas 2036, where she was the director of policy and planning and focused on education, infrastructure, health, government performance, and natural resources policy. Sarah also spent 13 years at the Sunset Advisory Commission, where she was a member of the agency’s executive management team and worked across most sectors of state government to make government work smaller and smarter.
Mark Vogler, PE
Fort Bend County Drainage
Chief Engineer and Manager
Mark Vogler serves as the Chief Engineer and Manager of the Fort Bend County Drainage District, bringing over 39 years of experience in drainage construction and engineering. He is a registered Professional Engineer (P.E.) in Texas and a Certified Floodplain Manager. Mark oversees an in-house engineering team that reviews development drainage plans, designs and permits drainage channel construction projects, and collaborates with 20 Levee Districts along the Lower Brazos River in Fort Bend County. He is also a member of the HGAC Regional Flood Management Committee and has contributed to numerous studies analyzing flow rates, floodplains, and channel migration of the Brazos River.
www.fortbendcountytx.gov/government/departments/county-services/drainage-district
Tomorrow’s Workforce Panel
Time: Friday, November 22nd 9:15 –10:00 AM
Panelists
Bryan Daniel
Texas Workforce Commission
Chairman and Commissioner
Bryan Daniel is Chairman of the Texas Workforce Commission, where he promotes the growth of Texas' employers and workforce through innovative development strategies. He collaborates with education partners, local officials, and industry leaders to strengthen Texas' position as a top place to work. Previously, Bryan served on Governor Greg Abbott’s senior staff, overseeing the Office of Economic Development and Tourism, including key programs like the Texas Enterprise Fund. He also served as Texas State Director for Rural Development under President George W. Bush. A Texas Tech University graduate, Bryan holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees and was named a Distinguished Alumnus in 2019.
Megan Herring Mauro
Texas Association of Business
Executive Vice-President & Chief of Staff
Megan Mauro serves as Executive Vice President and Chief of Staff at the Texas Association of Business (TAB). She leads TAB’s advocacy efforts and coalitions, including Tech Means Business and the Chamber Advocacy Coalition, while ensuring the organization meets its goals and initiatives under the CEO's direction. Since joining TAB in 2021, Megan has been a leading voice on economic development, workforce, tort reform, tax, criminal justice, and technology policies. Previously, Megan was an Associate at Texas Star Alliance, a contract lobby firm, and gained policy experience at the Health and Human Services Commission.
Legislative Panel
Time: Friday, November 22nd 9:15 –10:00 AM
Moderator
Massey Villarreal
Texas Association of Business Chairman
Massey Villarreal has a distinguished record in both public and private sectors, with notable contributions in economic development and service on multiple advisory boards. He has served three Texas governors in economic leadership roles, including appointments to the Economic Incentive Oversight Board and the Board of Regents of the Texas State University System. Named among the 100 Most Influential Hispanics by Hispanic Business Magazine, Villarreal is CEO and President of Precision Task Group, Inc. He has chaired the Houston Hispanic Chamber, Texas Association of Mexican American Chambers, and U.S. Hispanic Chamber, and serves on boards like the Greater Houston Partnership.
Panelists
Representative Jacey Jetton
District 26
Representative Jacey Jetton is a Seventh generation Texan and the son of a Korean immigrant. He represents the people of Fort Bend County, the most diverse county in America, in the Texas House of Representatives. Jacey was appointed Chair of the Appropriations Article II Subcommittee and serves on the Committees for Redistricting, Public Health, and Local and Consent Calendars. In his first session, he was voted Freshman of the Year by his peers. Jacey supports policies ensuring Texas remains the best place to pursue the American Dream.
Representative Ron Reynolds
District 27
Representative Ron Reynolds was sworn in on January 10, 2011, as State Representative for House District 27 and is currently serving his seventh term. He is the first African American to represent Fort Bend County in the Texas House since Reconstruction. Reynolds has earned numerous accolades, including “2021 Legislator of the Year” from Fort Bend United and “Public Servant of the Year” from the Houston Minority Contractors Association. Reynolds chairs the Texas Legislative Black Caucus and serves as Vice Chair of the Texas Energy & Climate Caucus. He previously held leadership roles with the Texas NAACP, Texas House Progressive Caucus, and Houston Lawyers Association.
Representative Suleman Lalani
District 76
Representative Suleman Lalani, M.D., has served the Sugar Land and greater Houston area for over 20 years through his medical practice and philanthropy. Arriving from Pakistan in the 1990s, he completed his fellowship at Baylor College of Medicine and is quadruple board-certified in Internal Medicine, Geriatric Medicine, and Hospice and Palliative Medicine. Elected in 2022, Rep. Lalani represents House District 76, covering parts of Fort Bend County. He serves on the Higher Education, Natural Resources, and Resolutions Calendars Committees. Dedicated to healthcare, education, and public health legislation, Rep. Lalani also advocates for transparency, environmental stewardship, and commonsense policies benefiting Texans.
Representative Stan Kitzman
District 85
Representative Stan Kitzman, a sixth-generation Texan from Pattison in Waller County, serves as the State Representative for Texas House District 85. Covering parts of Austin, Colorado, Fayette, Waller, Wharton, and Fort Bend counties, the district includes historic San Felipe de Austin, the colonial capital of Texas. A retired Texas Army National Guard veteran with 21 years of service, Kitzman deployed three times during Operation Iraqi Freedom and earned the Bronze Star Medal. In his first term, he serves on the Natural Resources, Agriculture and Livestock, and Resolutions Calendars Committees. Kitzman advocates for water conservation, agriculture, and child trafficking prevention.