MEET THE SPEAKERS

Keynote Speakers

Alpha Order

Keynote Session: How to Stay Inspired When You Are So Darn TiredChristine Cashen Keynote Session: Reaching Underserved CommunitiesDr. Ashley E. English Keynote Session: Connecting Communities Through Accessible CommunicationMeryl Evans Keynote Session: The Imposter WithinRocky Garza Keynote Session: How to Stay Inspired When You Are So Darn TiredChristine Cashen Hall of Fame Keynote Speaker \| Author Christine Cashen isn’t just a speaker—she’s a powerhouse of positivity and humor with over two decades of experience captivating audiences. Known for turning everyday moments into laugh-out-loud life lessons, Christine’s refreshing insights and unmatched ability to find humor in chaos have earned her a spot among the best in the business. As a Certified Speaking Professional (CSP) and Certified Virtual Presenter, Christine is one of the elite few inducted into the National Speakers Association CPAE Speaker Hall of Fame—a testament to her mastery of both the stage and the screen. She’s also an award-winning author of The Good Stuff and It’s YOUR Business, must-reads for anyone seeking a dose of humor and actionable ideas. With a bachelor’s degree in Communication, a master’s in Adult Education, and an honorary doctorate from Central Michigan University, Christine blends intelligence with a down-to-earth charm that makes her instantly relatable. Before hitting the speaking circuit, she worked as a university admissions officer, corporate trainer, and broadcaster. And she’s not just about the laughs—Christine is a cancer survivor who knows how to face life’s toughest challenges with grit and grace. Offstage, she’s a proud mom of two, wife to a “hottie engineer,” and a true inspiration to anyone striving to live their best life. Keynote Session: Reaching Underserved CommunitiesDr. Ashley E. English Associate Professor of Strategic Communications, Texas Christian University Ashley E. English, Ph.D. , is an associate professor of strategic communication for TCU’s Bob Schieffer College of Communication in Fort Worth, Texas, where she also serves as a core faculty member in the Certified Public Communicator Program. English earned her Ph.D. in Public Administration & Management and is the co-founder of the TCU Nonprofit Communicators Conference. Her current research interests include organizational listening, especially with public-sector agencies, and examining public-sector communication with Black stakeholders. Keynote Session: Connecting Communities Through Accessible CommunicationMeryl Evans Professional Speaker \| Trainer \| Author \| Consultant Meryl Evans, CPACC, is a professional speaker, trainer, author, and consultant in accessibility and marketing who was born profoundly deaf. As a highly regarded speaker on disabilities, communications, and accessibility, she has spoken at TEDx, SXSW, and many other events. She has authored and appeared in multiple books and publications including The Wall Street Journal, “Design for All Learners: Create Accessible and Inclusive Learning Experiences”, AdWeek, AdAge, and The Dallas Morning News. Meryl is a Certified Professional in Accessibility Core Competencies and LinkedIn Top Voice. A proud native Texan, Meryl calls Fort Worth her childhood hometown as she was born and raised here. She graduated from Southwest High School and went to TCU for lots of speech therapy and her freshman year of college. She earned her BA from American University. After college, she gained government experience working for the FAA in Washington, D.C. She resides in Plano, which she calls her grown up home where she and her spouse raised three kids and canine fur babies. Serving nonprofits and her community has always been a priority. Meryl has a long history as a volunteer and board member. The Plano Chamber of Commerce has named her one of the 50 Leading Women because of her advocacy work, community service, and leadership. She’s the inaugural recipient and namesake of the North Texas Disability Chamber’s Meryl Evans Self-Advocacy Award. When she’s not advocating or volunteering, she’s doing another crochet project or rehearsing for the next show. Meryl is a recovering athlete who is proud of having completed three half marathons, including one in under 2 hours. She’s also a two-time Dallas Morning News Holiday Cookie Contest winner and received North Texas Performing Arts Award for Best Performer in a Featured Role in Community Theatre. Keynote Session: The Imposter WithinRocky Garza Speaker \| Author \| Leadership Advisor Rocky Garza doesn’t tell you what a great leader looks like, he reminds you of what you look like as a great leader. As a keynote speaker, executive coach, and advisor to 8-figure CEOs, Rocky challenges leaders to strip away the narratives holding them back and to step into a leadership style rooted in authenticity for maximum impact. For over a decade, he has worked with business owners, corporate executives, and leadership teams to redefine success—not as a title or destination, but as the ability to lead with clarity, confidence, and conviction. Rocky’s raw yet deeply connective approach has made him a sought-after speaker for organizations like Zillow, Microsoft, and Blue Cross Blue Shield, where he has helped leaders break through limiting beliefs, align their actions with their values, and create sustainable growth. His ability to foster vulnerability in high-stakes environments sets him apart, creating transformative experiences that leave audiences challenged, inspired, and ready to lead differently. At the core of everything he does is one simple truth: who you are is good. Rocky lives in Dallas with his wife and two kids. When he’s not on stage or coaching leaders, you’ll find him playing pickleball for as long as his body will let him.


		
		
		
						
					
						
													
								Keynote Session: How to Stay Inspired When You Are So Darn TiredChristine Cashen
							
						
					
				
							
					
						
													
								Keynote Session: Reaching Underserved CommunitiesDr. Ashley E. English
							
						
					
				
							
					
						
													
								Keynote Session: Connecting Communities Through Accessible CommunicationMeryl Evans
							
						
					
				
							
					
						
													
								Keynote Session: The Imposter WithinRocky Garza
							
						
					
				
					
		
						
				
					
						
							
								Keynote Session: How to Stay Inspired When You Are So Darn TiredChristine Cashen
Hall of Fame Keynote Speaker | Author



Christine Cashen isn’t just a speaker—she’s a powerhouse of positivity and humor with over two decades of experience captivating audiences. Known for turning everyday moments into laugh-out-loud life lessons, Christine’s refreshing insights and unmatched ability to find humor in chaos have earned her a spot among the best in the business.



As a Certified Speaking Professional (CSP) and Certified Virtual Presenter, Christine is one of the elite few inducted into the National Speakers Association CPAE Speaker Hall of Fame—a testament to her mastery of both the stage and the screen.



She’s also an award-winning author of The Good Stuff and It’s YOUR Business, must-reads for anyone seeking a dose of humor and actionable ideas. With a bachelor’s degree in Communication, a master’s in Adult Education, and an honorary doctorate from Central Michigan University, Christine blends intelligence with a down-to-earth charm that makes her instantly relatable.



Before hitting the speaking circuit, she worked as a university admissions officer, corporate trainer, and broadcaster. And she’s not just about the laughs—Christine is a cancer survivor who knows how to face life’s toughest challenges with grit and grace.



Offstage, she’s a proud mom of two, wife to a “hottie engineer,” and a true inspiration to anyone striving to live their best life.
							
						
					
					
					   					
				
			
							
				
					
						
							
								Keynote Session: Reaching Underserved CommunitiesDr. Ashley E. English
Associate Professor of Strategic Communications, Texas Christian University



Ashley E. English, Ph.D. , is an associate professor of strategic communication for TCU’s Bob Schieffer College of Communication in Fort Worth, Texas, where she also serves as a core faculty member in the Certified Public Communicator Program. English earned her Ph.D. in Public Administration & Management and is the co-founder of the TCU Nonprofit Communicators Conference. Her current research interests include organizational listening, especially with public-sector agencies, and examining public-sector communication with Black stakeholders.




							
						
					
					
					   					
				
			
							
				
					
						
							
								Keynote Session: Connecting Communities Through Accessible CommunicationMeryl Evans
Professional Speaker | Trainer | Author | Consultant



Meryl Evans, CPACC, is a professional speaker, trainer, author, and consultant in accessibility and marketing who was born profoundly deaf. As a highly regarded speaker on disabilities, communications, and accessibility, she has spoken at TEDx, SXSW, and many other events. She has authored and appeared in multiple books and publications including The Wall Street Journal, “Design for All Learners: Create Accessible and Inclusive Learning Experiences”, AdWeek, AdAge, and The Dallas Morning News.



Meryl is a Certified Professional in Accessibility Core Competencies and LinkedIn Top Voice. A proud native Texan, Meryl calls Fort Worth her childhood hometown as she was born and raised here. She graduated from Southwest High School and went to TCU for lots of speech therapy and her freshman year of college. She earned her BA from American University. After college, she gained government experience working for the FAA in Washington, D.C. 



She resides in Plano, which she calls her grown up home where she and her spouse raised three kids and canine fur babies. Serving nonprofits and her community has always been a priority. Meryl has a long history as a volunteer and board member. 



The Plano Chamber of Commerce has named her one of the 50 Leading Women because of her advocacy work, community service, and leadership. She’s the inaugural recipient and namesake of the North Texas Disability Chamber’s Meryl Evans Self-Advocacy Award. 



When she’s not advocating or volunteering, she’s doing another crochet project or rehearsing for the next show. Meryl is a recovering athlete who is proud of having completed three half marathons, including one in under 2 hours. She’s also a two-time Dallas Morning News Holiday Cookie Contest winner and received North Texas Performing Arts Award for Best Performer in a Featured Role in Community Theatre.
							
						
					
					
					   					
				
			
							
				
					
						
							
								Keynote Session: The Imposter WithinRocky Garza
Speaker | Author | Leadership Advisor



Rocky Garza doesn’t tell you what a great leader looks like, he reminds you of what you look like as a great leader. As a keynote speaker, executive coach, and advisor to 8-figure CEOs, Rocky challenges leaders to strip away the narratives holding them back and to step into a leadership style rooted in authenticity for maximum impact.



For over a decade, he has worked with business owners, corporate executives, and leadership teams to redefine success—not as a title or destination, but as the ability to lead with clarity, confidence, and conviction.



Rocky’s raw yet deeply connective approach has made him a sought-after speaker for organizations like Zillow, Microsoft, and Blue Cross Blue Shield, where he has helped leaders break through limiting beliefs, align their actions with their values, and create sustainable growth. His ability to foster vulnerability in high-stakes environments sets him apart, creating transformative experiences that leave audiences challenged, inspired, and ready to lead differently.



At the core of everything he does is one simple truth: who you are is good.



Rocky lives in Dallas with his wife and two kids. When he’s not on stage or coaching leaders, you’ll find him playing pickleball for as long as his body will let him.

Preconference Speakers

Alpha Order

Session: Inside PEG: Touring Ft. Worth’s New Council Chambers & Navigating PEG Channel Management
Grant Bowling

Session: Inside PEG: Touring Ft. Worth’s New Council Chambers & Navigating PEG Channel Management
Xochitl Mora

Session: Unlock the Transformative Power of AI
Dr. Chris Naler

Session: Inside PEG: Touring Ft. Worth’s New Council Chambers & Navigating PEG Channel Management
Robert Shiekh

Preconference Session: Inside PEG: Touring Ft. Worth’s New Council Chambers & Navigating PEG Channel Management

David McElroy

Session: Inside PEG: Touring Ft. Worth’s New Council Chambers & Navigating PEG Channel Management

Grant Bowling

Film and Audio Production Manager, City of Kyle

Grant Bowling is the City of Kyle’s Film and Audio Production Manager where he oversees Kyle’s PEG station, broadcasts city meetings, and creates promotional event content for the pie capital of Texas. He serves as the Programming Representative on the Texas Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors (TATOA) board. Before a career in government communications, Grant had a background in indie film production, commercial production for a large Christian themed amusement park, and live production at ESPN. He has a Bachelor’s degree in Electronic Media and Broadcast from Northern Kentucky University. Leveraging his expertise in media and broadcasting, Grant is dedicated to closing the communication divide between the government and the community.

Session: Inside PEG: Touring Ft. Worth’s New Council Chambers & Navigating PEG Channel Management

Xochitl Mora

Director of Communications, City of McAllen

Xochitl Mora is the director of the Office of Communications for the City of McAllen and brings almost 30 years in public relations, marketing and event management experience, as well as a keen understanding of local government, developing outside partnerships and outreach. Mora has served as the region director for TAMIO-Region 7 since 2023 and has served on the board for TAMIO’s sister organization, Texas Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors (TATOA). She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English/Communication Arts from St. Mary’s University in San Antonio, has four boys and five dogs and is still an avid Dallas Cowboys fan.

Session: Unlock the Transformative Power of AI

Dr. Chris Naler

Colonel, USMC (Retired), COO & VP of Growth & EdTech, General Genomics Inc.

Dr. Chris Naler, Ed.D., is the COO of General Genomics, Inc. He served 28 years in the Marine Corps and has 11 years in government and commercial contracting, AI, and strategic growth. He holds a doctorate from USC and is currently a TCU adjunct professor in the StratComm department.

Session: Inside PEG: Touring Ft. Worth’s New Council Chambers & Navigating PEG Channel Management

Robert Shiekh

Producer and Anchor, City of Irving

Robert Shiekh is a Producer and Anchor with the City of Irving Communications Department. With more than 25 years of experience in television and video production, he has worked in a wide variety of roles both in front of and behind the camera. Robert began his career as a sportscaster in local news before transitioning into corporate video production. In 2021, he brought his expertise to municipal government, where he continues to craft compelling stories for the community. Robert currently serves as a member representative for the Texas Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors (TATOA) board. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism from the University of Texas at Austin.

Preconference Session: Inside PEG: Touring Ft. Worth’s New Council Chambers & Navigating PEG Channel Management

Cameron Gorman

TV and Creative Manager, City of Fort Worth

Cameron Gorman is the TV and Creative Manager for the City of Fort Worth, leading FWTV, video production, photography, design, and brand management to build trust through impactful storytelling. He briefly served as Interim Assistant Director for the Communications & Public Engagement Department in 2025. Cameron began his career in 2012 at KRIS 6 News in Corpus Christi, rising through multiple roles. He later served as Multimedia Manager for the City of Corpus Christi, launching its first video production team. His freelance work includes national sports broadcasts and live events. Cameron brings passion, technical skill, and creative vision to every project.

Preconference Session: Inside PEG: Touring Ft. Worth’s New Council Chambers & Navigating PEG Channel Management

David McElroy

TVSA Manager, City of San Antonio /TATOA Board President

David McElroy is the TVSA Manager for the City of San Antonio where he oversees a staff of 12 in the award-winning programming of three PEG channels. David has a combined experience of nearly 15 years in video production and station management between the cities of San Antonio and Denton. He has a Bachelor’s degree in Radio, Television and Film from the University of North Texas and a Master’s degree in Emerging Media and Communication from the University of Texas at Dallas.