Meet the Speakers of 2024
Keynote Speakers
Session Speakers
Speaker Bios
Alpha-Order by Last Name
Emily Agans, Communication and Media Manager, City of Denison
Emily started her career as a reporter/anchor at KTEN-TV in Denison, Texas, in 2017. In 2019, she moved on to be an early morning anchor at the NBC affiliate KFOR-TV in Oklahoma City. In 2021, Emily moved back to the Texoma area and kick-started her career in communications at the Denison Police Department. Six months later, she was promoted to her current position at City Hall and has served in this role since June of 2022. Over the past two years, Emily has had the honor of building Denison’s Community Engagement Department from the ground up and hopes to continue to grow the team. Emily, is originally from Houston and graduated from the University of Oklahoma with a journalism degree and is a proud Sooners football fan. She enjoys spending time shopping, and dining in historic Downtown Denison (especially with her husband Brendan and 12-year-old dachshund Watson.)
Abby Aldrich, CPC, Content Manager, City of Bedford
Abby has worked in municipal government for over five years and currently serves as the content manager for the City of Bedford. Abby is responsible for all social media content and strategy, as well as various print and electronic publications for the city. She is also the on-air host for Bedford TV programming. Before Bedford, Abby was the communications specialist for the Town of Flower Mound, Texas, and a multimedia news journalist in Amarillo, Texas. Abby earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Texas Tech University. In 2022, she graduated from Texas Christian University’s Certified Public Communicator program. She also serves as a website “TAMIO Teammate” (subject matter expert) for the Texas Association of Municipal Information Officers.
Al Aguilar, CEO and Chief Creative Officer, Creative Civilization
Throughout his celebrated career, Al has led marketing efforts for many of America’s Fortune 100 companies, including Coca-Cola, American Airlines, Procter & Gamble, Sam’s Club, and Quest Diagnostics, among numerous others. He has also led transformative initiatives such as “Voto,” a national Latino Voters registration campaign, “Silent But Deadly,” kidney disease early detection campaign, and capital campaigns for the historic missions of San Antonio, San Fernando Cathedral, and Tobin Center for the Performing Arts, among others.
From San Antonio to the Smithsonian, through Aguilar’s high-profile advertising career, he has been called a “creative genius” by members of the press. Known for his creation of San Antonio’s ubiquitous mantra, “Go Spurs Go,” Aguilar’s agency led the Spurs marketing for over 14 years, encompassing four NBA championships. He is also recognized as a “Godfather of Hispanic Marketing” and credited for making San Antonio, Texas, the “Madison Avenue of Hispanic Advertising.” In 2015, the Smithsonian Museum of American History inducted Aguilar and his creative work for a twenty-year exhibit, American Enterprise. He is a Hall of Fame Inductee of the American Advertising Federation, the Hispanic Marketing Culture Council and is the first recipient of the HispanicAd.com “Advertising Executive of the Year” award. In 2023 he was nominated for the Longhorn 100 by the University of Texas at Austin and Texas Exes, recognizing the 100 fastest growing Longhorn owned or led businesses in the world.
Tom Bryson, CPC, Public Sector Practice Vice President, Cooksey Communications
Tom has nearly four decades industry experience, including 22 years serving as director of communications for the City of Farmers Branch in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. Additionally, he held leadership positions in professional associations, serving as president of both TAMIO and the national City-County Communications & Marketing Association (3CMA). Tom is also a founding member of the Advisory Board of the Certified Public Communicator program at TCU, where he also serves on the adjunct faculty. Tom is also a recipient of TAMIO’s Cheryl A. Soward Communicator of Distinction Award.
Sara Bustilloz, CPC, Director of Communications & Marketing, City of Round Rock
Sara joined the City of Round Rock as its communications and marketing manager in February 2018, and has served as the department’s director since 2021. She entered into the world of government communications as the City of Midland’s public information officer in December 2012, where she handled media and public relations for all departments, including police and fire. She then became the Pflugerville Police Department’s public information officer in July 2017. Sara received her Bachelor of Journalism from The University of Texas at Austin in 2009 and is a graduate of the first cohort of the Certified Public Communicator program at Texas Christian University. She is currently enrolled in the University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley’s Master of Public Administration program and has a certification from the University of Virginia’s LEAD program.
Julián Castro, former Secretary of Housing & Urban Development and Mayor of San Antonio, Texas
Julián Castro has distinguished himself as a strong leader and successful public servant for nearly two decades. A former Democratic candidate for President, Castro served as the 16th Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) under President Barack Obama from 2014 to 2017, and as mayor of San Antonio from 2009 to 2014. At HUD, Castro managed 8,000 employees and a budget of more than $46 billion, and he led progress at the Department that earned it recognition as one of the most improved federal agencies. Castro also co-chaired the United States delegation to the United Nations Habitat III conference, spearheaded efforts to reduce homelessness, and created Connect Home, a public-private partnership to deliver broadband to public housing residents.
Previously, as mayor of America’s seventh largest city, Castro brought a strong focus to expanding educational achievement and making San Antonio a leader in the 21st century global economy. Under Castro’s leadership, San Antonio implemented Pre-K4SA, a high quality early childhood learning initiative that has earned praise as one of America’s strongest public pre-kindergarten programs. During his tenure, San Antonio ranked first on the Milken Institute’s Best Performing Cities List, received an A+ grade for doing business by Forbes, and was the only Top 10 city at the time to achieve a Triple A bond rating with each of the three major ratings agencies.
A native Texan, Castro began his public service career in 2001at the age of 26, becoming San Antonio’s youngest city councilman in history at the time. Castro made history again in 2012, when he delivered the keynote address at the Democratic National Convention, the first Latino to do so.
Following his service in the Obama administration, Castro served as the Dean’s Distinguished Fellow and Fellow of the Davila Chair in International Trade Policy at the Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs at the University of Texas at Austin. Castro’s memoir, “An Unlikely Journey: Waking Up From My American Dream” was published by Little Brown in 2018. Today, Castro serves on the board of directors of the LBJ Foundation and is a political analyst for NBC News and MSNBC.
Tommy Davis, Police Officer, City of Richardson Police Department
Tommy is a 30-year veteran of the Richardson Police Department and provides training to the City’s corporate residents on many issues, including 1st Amendment activists. He holds a Master Police Officer license and has served in various divisions within the police department including: Patrol, Criminal Investigations, Detective-Burglary and Theft, Detective-Crimes Against Persons, and Community Relations.
Marin Emma, Regional Education Manager, Texas Municipal Retirement System (TMRS)
Marin joined the TMRS Education Team in October 2021. She educates TMRS Members and city staff in person and virtually. The services she provides include employee education sessions, city staff training, individual member counseling, and she participates in city-sponsored benefit fairs. Her service area includes parts of the DFW Metroplex, Lubbock, Amarillo and Wichita Falls. Prior to joining TMRS, Marin spent 16 years with the Employees Retirement System of Texas (ERS). During her time with ERS, she held several positions focused on education & training, quality assurance, service recovery and the member experience. Marin holds a BA from the University of Texas at Austin.
Molly Fox, CPC, Director of Communications, City of Bedford
Molly is the director of communications for the City of Bedford and TAMIO President Elect. During her 10+ years in municipal communications, she and her team have won more than 100 state and national awards for their work. Prior to a career in municipal communications, she spent five years in school district communications, and learned a long-term career in print journalism was not for her. In 2021, she was named No. 12 on the “Top 100 Influencers in Local Government” by Engaging Local Government Leaders. She has a bachelor’s degree from Texas A&M University, a Master of Journalism degree from UNT, and is a 2016 graduate of TCU’s Certified Public Communicator program.
Jarvis Green, Digital Media Specialist, City of Brownwood
Jarvis specializes in graphic design, photography and videography. Some of his key career achievements include having the opportunity of working on the rebranding of Howard Payne University during his time working there prior to working with the City of Brownwood. He has also had a hand in the process of rebranding for the City of Brownwood, including the most recent website redesign. Jarvis received their Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design from Hardin-Simmons in 2015 and is a certified drone pilot through the FAA. Jarvis is a huge sports fan, specifically basketball, football and F1 racing. He’s an even bigger car enthusiast and will know every car you point out on the street and what year model it is. He enjoys playing video games with his wife Jordan, especially Animal Crossing, and is an avid moviegoer.
Jonathan Gurwitz, Partner, KGBTexas Communications
Jonathan manages a talented team of professionals to deliver effective, strategic marketing and communications. KGBTexas has deep expertise in advertising, public relations, public affairs, creative strategy, social media, crisis communications and digital and traditional marketing. Its roster of public and private clients represents the economic development, education, energy, entertainment, food & beverage, infrastructure, real estate development, transportation and water sectors, among others.
Mikaela Hall, Communications Manager, City of Alvarado
Mikaela started as the communications manager for the City of Alvarado in December of 2023 after two years of falling in love with government work. As a proud first-generation student, she earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Creative Media Production from the University of Oklahoma, specializing in video storytelling. Her innovative techniques and background in video editing have allowed her to reach residents by approaching important city issues with humor and authenticity.
Anndrea Harris, Owner & Creative Director, Whooann Creative Studio
Anndrea, a proud native of Fort Worth and distinguished Canva Community Canvasadors, is a seasoned marketing professional based in Wichita Falls, Texas. Having previously served as the social media and marketing specialist at the City of Wichita Falls, Anndrea brings a wealth of branding expertise to the table, aiming to create a positive impact in her community. Currently she collaborates with local non-profits, city government entities and municipalities, leveraging her skills in marketing and branding through Whooann Creative Studio. Widely recognized as the “Canva Queen,” Anndrea drives creativity at Whooann Creative Studio as its owner and creative director, assisting businesses in reaching their target audience and achieving success.
Shannah Hayley, CPSM, Director of Communications and Community Outreach, City of Plano
Shannah’s responsibilities include process management, strategic planning and communications. Shannah’s work experience includes worldwide communications-focused jobs. After moving to North Texas, she spent nearly 20 years in the professional services marketplace before transitioning into the public sector.
Meredith Haynes, Digital Communications Manager, City of McKinney
Meredith serves as the subject matter expert for digital marketing strategies, including website best practices. She leads a cross-departmental team to implement the city’s strategic social media plan and collaborates with departments to promote programs and initiatives that engage both employees and community members. Meredith is currently enrolled in the University of Oklahoma’s Master of Arts in Strategic Communication and Digital Strategy program. She received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communications from the University of Tulsa.
Abby King, Communications Specialist, City of Mont Belvieu
Abby has been in her current role for her hometown for nearly two years creating social content, managing the website, designing graphics and more with a passion for serving the community. Before life in government communications, Abby began her career at a Houston-area social media agency working with notable clients such as Dominique Sachse and Bullritos. Abby graduated from Louisiana State University in 2019 with a degree in Mass Communication (Geaux Tigers!). She enjoys all things reality TV, crocheting and spending time with her fiancé, Dan, and cat, George.
Jacqueline Lambiase, Ph.D., Executive Director, TCU’s Certified Communicator Program
Jacqueline is director and a co-founder of the Certified Public Communicator Program at Texas Christian University (TCU) in Fort Worth, Texas. She is known for her expertise in strategic communication, public relations, and media studies. Lambiase has contributed significantly to research and education in the field of communication, particularly in public-sector communication and public relations ethics, with more than 50 publications, including two co-edited books. She is a recipient of TAMIO’s Cheryl A. Soward Communicator of the Distinction Award.
Frances La Rue, Public Affairs Manager, City of Anna
Frances is the public affairs manager for the City of Anna. She is responsible for implementing the strategic integrated communications plan for the city and serves as the public information officer for all departments and public safety agencies. Before Anna, Frances worked in municipal communications for McKinney, Texas, and Corona, California. Frances received a master’s degree in Strategic Communication & Innovation and a Graduate Certificate in Advanced Digital & Social Media from Texas Tech University. She received her bachelor’s degree in Marketing and a master’s degree in Organizational Leadership from California Baptist University.
Joshua Lee, Director of Communications, City of Pearland
Joshua is originally from the City of Pearland, where he now works. His background is in advertising and marketing in the private industry; and when he saw the chance to dedicate those skills to the community that raised him, he jumped at the chance. Since joining the City of Pearland, Joshua has made significant upgrades to communications efforts, and has had the opportunity to participate in several memorable emergency activations. With the City of Pearland he has found his passion and looks forward to coming into work each day to see what new adventure awaits.
David Lesch, Ph. D., Professor of History, Trinity University
David is the Ewing Halsell Distinguished Professor of History in the Department of History at Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas. He received his M.A. and Ph.D. in Middle East History from Harvard University. Dr. Lesch has been a consultant to the White House at the highest levels in the last four presidential administrations, from President George W. Bush to President Joe Biden. Dr. Lesch has consistently met with and advised high-level officials in the United States, Europe, the Middle East and the United Nations on diplomatic issues. He has frequently testified in front of Senate and House committees. Dr. Lesch is involved in a number of San Antonio city programs including the Violence Prevention Division and Stand Up SA, the San Antonio World Affairs Council, and a number of initiatives working closely with the mayor of San Antonio, Ron Nirenberg.
Brian Ligon, CPC, Communications & Marketing Director, City of Mont Belvieu
After graduating from Baylor University, Brian spent 17 years working in broadcast television specializing in production and marketing. In 2012, he began working for the City of Round Rock, Texas, where he found a passion for government communications. In 2018, he and his family moved to Mont Belvieu so Brian could be become the City’s first full-time communicator and spearhead the marketing behind the launch of Texas’ first broadband internet utility, MB Link.
Brian has worked hard to bust the stigma that government communications is dry and boring; those efforts have resulted in Brian being twice named to the “Trager Award List” for the top 100 local government influencers by Engaged Local Government Leaders (ELGL) as well as multiple state and national awards. Brian stays busy volunteering and serving where he can. He is currently an officer on the City-County Communications and Marketing Association (3CMA) board of directors; he serves as the Public Education and Communications chairperson for the Chambers County Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC); he lends his voice and gladly emcees events such as the Christmas on the Hill Parade, Mont Belvieu’s 4th of July Celebration, and, most recently, has become “The Voice of the Bulldogs” for Baytown Christian Academy. Brian previously served more than two years as a volunteer firefighter with the Mont Belvieu Fire Department and as the Vice President of the Barbers Hill Lions Club. But, no matter what, his most proud achievements are being husband to Jessica and dad to Zak.
Jonathan Logue, Communications Manager, City of Plano
Jonathan is a seasoned marketing and communications professional with a background in advertising and marketing. A graduate of the University of Texas at Austin, he honed his skills in brand and event marketing for Sharpie Permanent Markers out of Chicago before joining Proof Advertising in Austin, managing local market advertising for Subway® restaurants across 30+ markets nationwide. Transitioning from agency life, he now applies these innovative tactics and strategies learned in the private sector to municipal government, first at the City of Temple and now for the City of Plano.
Sonny Melendrez, TEDx Keynote Speaker | Radio Host | Media Consultant, Sonny Melendrez Communications
Sonny is in the business of making people happy. He’s delivered inspirational presentations at thousands of events, nationally and worldwide. Sonny has entertained on some of America’s greatest radio stations in Los Angeles and San Antonio. Twice named Billboard Magazine’s National Radio Personality of the Year, he’s inducted in the Texas Radio Hall of Fame, the San Antonio Radio Hall of Fame and included in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame as one of the Top 100 Radio Personalities of All-Time.
He hosted The Disney Channel’s children’s series, You and Me, Kid! and his voice has given life to countless characters in commercials, movies and TV shows, including, The Jetsons animated series. The City of San Antonio named The Sonny Melendrez Community Center to honor his commitment to youth and countless causes benefitting the less fortunate. His popular South Texas radio show, takes listeners to “the crossroads of entertainment and inspiration.”
Sabrina Merritt, Founder and C.E.O., October Social Media
Sabrina is the CEO and Founder of October Social Media, a leading digital marketing agency specializing in social media and digital communications, content creation, social media training and social media staffing solutions for government agencies. Sabrina and her team have a wealth of experience developing and executing social media and digital solutions for local, state and federal agencies including the U.S. Election Assistance Commission, Georgia Public Broadcasting, the Georgia Department of Transportation, the City of Atlanta Mayor’s Office, The Consulate General of Canada, Clayton County Water Authority, The City of Chattanooga Public Works, and others.
Sabrina is an accomplished speaker and trainer on social media and entrepreneurship and has been featured on NPR, Black Enterprise, and spoken at numerous government conferences and panels including the Government for Social Media, 3CMA, the National Association of Government Communicators, Blacks in Government, and SXSW.
When Sabrina is not planning the latest government digital strategy, she is hanging out with family and friends. Sabrina is also an avid reader enjoying books on entrepreneurship, digital marketing and the occasional murder mystery.
Xochitl Mora, Director of Communications, City of McAllen
Xochitl brings over 27-plus years in public relations, marketing and event management experience, as well as a keen understanding of local government, developing outside partnerships and outreach. She has seven years of experience in Hispanic marketing and public relations gained at the nation’s first, largest, and leading Hispanic ad agency and over 20 years as a spokesperson and public information officer with municipal governments.
For the City of McAllen, she is responsible for promoting and publicizing all projects, programs, services and events to the local Rio Grande Valley media and residents of the community, via traditional media, social media and on the city’s government channel, MCN 1300. Xochitl holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English/Communication Arts from St. Mary’s University in San Antonio.
Jay B. Saucedo, Host, Texas Country Reporter
Jay is a Texas-based photographer, entrepreneur, and TV host. Most recently, he was hired to take on the role of hosting the long-running Texas Country Reporter TV show. This follows his career as a photographer and storyteller documenting the state’s people and landscape via aircraft. His clients have included WIRED Magazine, The New York Times, Fast Company, Southwest Airlines, BMW and YETI.
Beyond his contributions to photography, Sauceda is also a successful entrepreneur. He founded and later sold Sauceda Industries, a logistics company that helped grow online brands such as Tecovas Boots, Howler Brothers and William Murray Golf. Despite his ventures into business, Sauceda’s passion for photography and storytelling remains at the forefront of his work, showcasing his dedication to exploring and sharing the richness of Texas through his lens. He now resides in Austin, Texas, with his wife and two kids.
Daniel Seguin, Director of Communications and Tourism, City of Jackson
Daniel began his career in communications with TBG Solutions Inc., a firm out of Tyler, where he worked for six years. He then followed with a short stint at the East Texas Council of Governments and has now worked just under three years at the City of Jacksonville, serving as the director of communications and tourism.
Daniel holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Political Science from East Texas Baptist University and is currently pursuing his CPC from TCU and his Certificate in Public Management and Masters in Public Service and Administration from Texas A&M. Daniel is a newlywed husband and father of one. Outside of the City of Jacksonville, Daniel is a trainer/consultant for TBG Solutions Inc., runs a small business developing websites and branding, and spends his free time dabbling in home construction and remodeling.
Christopher Shadrock, Communications Director, City of Boerne
Chris was born in San Antonio and grew up in the Texas Hill Country. His desire to learn about the world and different places landed him in Vermont for his undergraduate studies. Chris spent nearly a decade working in local broadcast news at TV stations in Waco, Killeen, Austin and San Antonio. He has won a National Edward R. Murrow Award for his work, as well as having been recognized by the Texas Associated Press and was nominated for a Lone Star EMMY.
Chris returned to his hometown of Boerne in November of 2019 as the City’s communications manager and was named communications director in January 2021. His office of two spent 2022 leading the public relations campaign (and were successful!) in getting voters to pass both propositions on the ballot for parks and mobility improvements – 15 years after the City’s last bond election.
Greg Sowell, MBA, CPC, Director of Communications and Engagement, City of Richardson
Greg has more than three decades of experience in communications and serves as the director of communications and engagement for the City of Richardson. Before working for Richardson, he was the communications manager for the City of Mesquite and served as a communications specialist with Martin County, Florida.
Prior to his time working in government, Greg spent nearly a decade working in television with roles both in front of and behind the camera. His experience includes positions at small, medium and large market stations at CBS, NBC, ABC and Fox news affiliates in Texas, Iowa and Florida. Greg’s primary role with the City of Richardson is leading internal and external communications efforts, marketing initiatives and, of course, crisis communications.
Isaac Vasquez, Communications Manager, City of Irving
Isaac has worked for the City of Irving for almost seven years. Prior to his work in local government, he worked as a broadcast news producer. He has a passion for storytelling and civil service.
Jay Warren, CPC, Director of Communication & Legislative Affairs, City of Arlington
Jay Warren, an award-winning journalist and communicator, serves as the director of Communications and Legislative Affairs for the City of Arlington. He and his team have been honored with more than 100 state and national awards for their work in municipal communication, including the inaugural Sharman Stein Award for Storytelling Changemakers from What Works Cities/Bloomberg Philanthropies, a national PRSA Silver Anvil Award and two Lone Star EMMY awards. Prior to his time in Arlington, Warren served as the main anchor and senior political reporter for the NBC affiliate in Roanoke, Virginia where he was honored with the Walter Cronkite Award for Individual Achievement, the 2002 Virginia AP Reporter of the Year and a national Peabody Award. Warren is the President of the TAMIO Board of Directors, past president of the Arlington Museum of Art Board of Directors, and a member of TCU’s CPC Board of Directors, the 3CMA Board of Directors and the TMRS Advisory Board. Over the last 25 years, Warren has taught at four universities, most recently at the Schieffer School of Communication at TCU. Jay is a graduate of TCU’s Certified Public Communicator program (2014) and its Certified Public Communicator Program – Master Designation (2019).
Dorothy White, CPC, Assistant Vice President & Account Manager, Cooksey Communications
Dorothy brings more than four decades of industry experience, including 21 years serving as director of communications for the City of Garland. Additionally, she held leadership positions in professional associations, including serving on the TAMIO Executive Board, where she launched the initiative to collaborate with other states on the annual TAMI Awards process. Dorothy is also a Certified Public Communicator (CPC), and recipient of TAMIO’s Cheryl A. Soward Communicator of Distinction Award.
Richard Yeakley, Public Information Officer, City of Longview
Richard is the public information officer for the City of Longview, Texas, serving as spokesperson for the City, guiding internal communications, managing social media, and crafting messaging. When not helping tell Longview’s story Richard spends time with his wife and triplets, serves his church, and participates in community theatre/improv. He is fascinated by technology and always thanks Siri so that when the robots take over they will remember he was one of the nice humans.