MEET THE SPEAKERS

Andrew Davis

Author | Keynote Speaker

Andrew Davis is a bestselling author & keynote speaker. He’s built and sold a digital marketing agency, produced for NBC and worked for The Muppets. Today, Andrew Davis teaches business leaders how to grow their businesses, transform their cities, and leave their legacy.

Brooks Bennett

City Manager, City of Round Rock

Brooks became City Manager of Round Rock, his hometown, in 2024 after serving as Assistant City Manager since 2015. He joined the City in 2004 in Communications and led the IT department as Chief Information Officer. He received his bachelor’s degree from UT Austin and MPA from UT-Pan American.

Dr. Glenn Griffin

Professor of Practice, UT Austin, Moody College of Communication

Dr. Griffin is the inaugural Director of Texas Creative and teaches courses in both the theory and practice of creativity and portfolio development. His research on creativity, advertising education and social responsibility has appeared in the Journal of Advertising, the Journal of Product and Brand Management, the Journal of Advertising Education and Psychology and Advertising, among other publications. During his career, he has led portfolio programs at SMU, the University of Alabama and the University of Colorado – Boulder and was previously a creative faculty member at the University of Texas at Austin.

Creative work by his students has been featured in both national and international press, including Advertising Age, Adweek and CMYK magazines and recognized by The One Club for Creativity, the Art Directors Club of New York and the Clio Awards. 

He is also co-author of The Creative Process Illustrated: How Advertising’s Big Ideas Are Born (HOW Books – 2010) with Deborah Morrison (University of Oregon).

Blaine Beyer

Communications & Marketing Manager, City of Abilene

Blaine Beyer is Communications & Marketing Manager for the City of Abilene, focused on building clear, coordinated communication, especially in high-pressure moments. He’s completing a master’s in Strategic Communication at Texas Tech and FEMA certification. His work centers on leadership communication, internal trust and crisis response, and advancing innovation in government communications. Blaine has also served as a TAMIO Teammate specializing in innovation, supporting new approaches to how government communication is created and delivered. 

Jenny LaCoste-Caputo

Deputy Chief Communications Director, City of Austin

Jenny LaCoste-Caputo is an award-winning writer and veteran communicator with extensive experience in crisis communications, media relations and public policy. Jenny currently serves as Deputy Chief Communications Director for the City of Austin, leading strategic communications including crisis response, policy positioning, emergency communications, and community engagement.

Keith Reeves

Communications Administrator, City of Austin

Keith Reeves has a 28-year career in government communications, including roles with the cities of Austin and Denton. He has served on the boards of NATOA and TATOA and is a frequent speaker at conferences. A passion for public service and storytelling drives an innovative, impactful approach to his work.

Anna Sabana

Strategic Communications Manager, Austin Police Department

Anna Sabana has worked with the City of Austin for 30 years and currently serves as Strategic Communications Manager for Austin Police. She collaborates with leadership on messaging, marketing, and strategy, and oversees the Public Information Office. Her career spans multiple roles focused on community engagement, public relations, and crisis communications. She holds a BA from Texas State University. 

Andrew Davis

Author | Keynote Speaker

Andrew Davis is a bestselling author & keynote speaker. He’s built and sold a digital marketing agency, produced for NBC and worked for The Muppets. Today, Andrew Davis teaches business leaders how to grow their businesses, transform their cities, and leave their legacy.

Joe Calderon

Assistant Director of Communications, City of Pearland

A Pearland native, Joe returned to his hometown to build his family and stay connected to his roots. Before joining the City, he ran his own freelance videography business, shaping his creative approach and leadership style. Now as Assistant Director, he focuses on capturing everyday stories that show how Pearland keeps moving.

Jasmine Infante

Social Media Coordinator, City of Pearland

As the City of Pearland’s first Social Media Coordinator, Jasmine brings a fresh, younger perspective to craft honest, people‑centered storytelling. Often highlighting overlooked departments, she blends trends in smart, meaningful ways, to keep government content lively and relatable for Pearland residents.

Chris Horgen

PIO, City of Wichita Falls

Chris Horgen is the PIO in Wichita Falls. It’s his second career after 30-years in broadcast journalism. He has taken his media experience and turned it into a new opportunity to help the City better communicate. He can’t wait to pass on how to Stay Ahead of the Story.

Samantha Forester

Social Media and Marketing Specialist, City of Wichita Falls

Samantha Forester is the Social Media/Marketing Specialist in Wichita Falls. She spent more than a decade in the media. She has already made her mark, growing social media followers and pioneering new campaigns that have the city talking in a good way.

Victor Reta

Director: Recreation, Events, Legislative Affairs, HPO, PIO, City of Socorro

Victor Reta is a public administration professional with over 12 years of municipal government experience. He serves as Director for the City of Socorro, Texas, overseeing communications, historic preservation, special events, recreation, transit, legislative affairs, and emergency management. He is a TAMIO Region 2 Director and regional leader.

Jill Lind

Director of Communications & Marketing, City of Trophy Club

Jill Lind is a strategic Communications & Marketing Director for the Town of Trophy Club, leading initiatives that enhance community engagement and visibility. She brings over 19 years of experience in tourism, marketing, and municipal communications, with prior roles in Austin, Dallas, and Southlake, and holds CPC certification from TCU.

Maribel Lopez

Public Information Officer/Communications Specialist II, City of Watauga

Maribel Lopez serves as the Public Information Officer for the City of Watauga, where she leads internal and external communications, media relations, and crisis messaging in a small-shop environment. A Certified Public Communicator, she focuses on building trust through transparency in a small city.

Rosealee Hoffman

Communications and Marketing Director, City of Willow Park

Rosealee Hoffman is the Director of Communications and Marketing/Public Information Officer for the City of Willow Park. Rose completed her Certified Public Communicator certification in 2023 and received her Advanced Public Information Officer certification in 2024. Rose also sits on the Board of Directors for the North Texas PIO group and the education committee for TAMIO. In her spare time she teaches tap dancing to children on weekends.

Rachel Reynolds, CPC

Communications & Public Engagement Manager, City of Keller

Rachel Reynolds has built the City of Keller’s public engagement efforts from the ground up since 2012. A Certified Public Communicator and a former journalist, she manages the city’s website, social media, press relations, marketing, special projects and more. Outside work, you’ll find her reading or adventuring with family.

Mallory Tallas

Social Media and Marketing Coordinator, City of Georgetown

Mallory Tallas joined the City of Georgetown in 2022 and specializes in award-winning digital storytelling and shaping Georgetown’s inclusive brand voice. She holds a master’s in Digital Marketing and Analytics and BFAs in Photography and Graphic Design from St. Edward’s University.

Beth Wade

Social Media and Marketing Coordinator, City of Georgetown

Beth Wade joined the City of Georgetown’s communication staff in 2016 and has helped inform the organization’s award-winning social media, marketing, and communications strategies. She has a background in journalism and editing, and she holds a bachelor’s degree in Communications-Public Relations from Stephen F. Austin State University.

Lynn Wehrman

Founder, President and CEO, WeCo

Lynn Wehrman is a pioneering digital accessibility leader who began her work with MnDOT in 2008. Founder of WeCo, she champions inclusive design shaped by lived experience with epilepsy and mental health. Lynn advocates for neurodiversity and recovery, bringing both professional expertise and personal insight to accessibility work.

Dane Dunham

Principal Accessibility Specialist, WeCo

Dane Dunham is an IAAP-certified accessibility specialist known for translating lived experience into practical solutions. Blind with neurodiverse strengths, he taught himself code to improve screen reader performance. Dane leads WeCo’s mentor program and is valued by clients for his approachable style and clear, effective accessibility guidance.

Ellen DeCesare

Director of Accessibility Services, WeCo

Ellen DeCesare leads accessibility services with a background in usability testing, technical writing and instructional design. An IAAP member, she fosters collaboration between clients and testers to improve digital experiences. Ellen brings a thoughtful, user-centered approach shaped by her neurodiverse perspective and passion for clear communication.

Sara Bustilloz

Communications Director, City of Round Rock

Sara is Director of Communications and Marketing for the City of Round Rock. She transitioned from newspaper reporting to government communications in 2012, serving in Midland and Pflugerville before joining Round Rock in 2018. She holds degrees from UT Austin and UTRGV, is a graduate of the LEAD and CPC programs, and serves as TAMIO’s VP of Awards.

Brooks Bennett

City Manager, City of Round Rock

Brooks became City Manager of Round Rock, his hometown, in 2024 after serving as Assistant City Manager since 2015. He joined the City in 2004 in Communications and led the IT department as Chief Information Officer. He received his bachelor’s degree from UT Austin and MPA from UT-Pan American.

Maggie Holman

Public Information & Marketing Program Manager, Austin Development Services

Maggie is a public relations and marketing professional with nearly a decade of experience in local government. She has served in communications roles in three Texas cities, most recently as the Communications Manager for Austin Development Services, overseeing communications for permitting, development, and code compliance in the City of Austin.

Jennifer Mach

Content Strategist, Austin Development Services

Jennifer Mach is a Content Strategist for Austin Development Services with over 10 years of experience in marketing, digital asset creation, and website management for municipal government. She brings a purposeful approach to creating content, prioritizing accessibility and user-centered design, ensuring residents can navigate and easily connect with city services.

Megan Nelson, CPC

Communications and Community Engagement Director, City of Canyon

Megan Nelson is the Communications and Community Engagement Director for the City of Canyon, producing award-winning work in internal, external, and crisis communications as a one-person department and resident Gen Z’er. Additionally, Megan serves as TAMIO’s Region 1 Director and Chair of the Education Committee, supporting communicators across Texas.

Bianca Cuccerre

Communications Manager, City of West University Place

Bianca Cuccerre is the Communications Manager for the City of West University Place, where she established the city’s first communications division, now a team of two. She previously worked for the City of La Porte, cultivating her expertise in social media management, communications strategy, and crisis communication.

Ashley Donde

Senior Communications Manager, City of League City

Ashley Donde is the Senior Communications Manager for the City of League City. With a background in journalism and destination marketing, she enjoys finding creative ways to connect with residents and make municipal communications clear, engaging, and accessible. Outside of work, she loves reading and traveling with her family.

Frances La Rue

Social Media Specialist, Julie Parker Communications

Frances brings more than a decade of public sector communications experience to the team, with a focus on strategic messaging, digital media, and community engagement. Prior to joining Julie Parker Communications, she served as the Public Affairs Manager for a growing North Texas city, where she led award-winning public relations and digital outreach efforts. She is a FEMA-certified Advanced PIO and has received more than 30 awards over the past four years from leading industry organizations.

Kayla Herrod

Deputy Director of Marketing and Communications, City of Denton

Kayla Herrod is the Deputy Director of Marketing and Communications for the City of Denton. With a decade of government experience, she specializes in digital engagement and strategic communications. A Bush School MPA graduate, she’s passionate about storytelling to foster community pride and strengthen connections between residents and local government.

David Baker

Marketing Specialist, City of Denton

David Baker serves as the City of Denton’s Marketing Specialist, leading public-facing marketing, design, and creative initiatives. Before joining local government, he worked with top advertising agencies and founded an arts festival company. Outside his role with the City, David is an artist and muralist with several works featured throughout the DFW area.

Risa King

Strategic Advisor, Infrastructure, Governance & Crisis Coordination, T2 Professional Consulting LLC

Risa King is a public affairs and policy professional with 25 years of experience across government, infrastructure, and crisis communications. She advises executive leadership on governance, stakeholder alignment, and emergency response, and leads regional coordination efforts connecting public safety, media, and infrastructure partners to strengthen resilience and operational alignment.

Dustin Dangli

Communications & Public Affairs Manager, City of Mansfield

Dustin Dangli serves as the Communications Manager for the City of Mansfield. He found his purpose in municipal government with 11 years of experience. He is a proud Maverick with a Bachelor’s in Communications and a Master’s in Public Administration from the University of Texas at Arlington.

Crystal Cotti

Director of Communications, City of Bee Cave

Crystal Cotti is the Director of Communications for the City of Bee Cave, leading media relations, digital strategy, community engagement, and major website redesigns. Her background spans journalism, business, and education. Crystal was a reporter for FOX 7 News in Austin, the owner of 6 retail Sylvan Learning Centers, and a middle school English teacher. These experiences continue to shape her approach to delivering inclusive, engaging, and effective municipal communication.

Tom Bryson

Vice President, Public Sector Practice Leader, Cooksey Communications

Tom has more than 40 years in journalism, PR and government communications. His government career spanned more than three decades, including nine years at the City of Duncanville and 22 years as director of communications for the City of Farmers Branch. He is a past president of both TAMIO and 3CMA.

Kelli Lewis

Director of Marketing, City of Carrollton

Kelli Lewis is a seasoned communicator and former advertising executive with 19 years at the City of Carrollton. She holds degrees in psychology, advertising and marketing from Southern Methodist University and the University of Texas at Dallas. She lives in Carrollton with her husband, two children and two feisty Jack Russell Terriers.

Lacey Rose

Director, Communications & Public Engagement, City of Lubbock

Lacey Rose is director of Communications and Public Engagement for the City of Lubbock. A Texas Tech journalism graduate, she began in broadcast news in Austin and Lubbock, rising to executive producer. Since moving to municipal communications in 2018, she manages public information, web updates, branding challenges and leadership priorities.

Greg Sowell

Communications Director, City of Richardson

Greg Sowell is Director of Communications for the City of Richardson, leading marketing, media and crisis communications. With more than 25 years in government and 10 years in broadcast journalism, he specializes in public engagement and strategic communications.