Ground Rules for Leadership in Austin Texas

Over his decades of successful leadership, Senator Kirk Watson has developed an approach to governance and leadership that he believes helps bring success in making change and preparing for the future. He'll share his "Ground Rules" and discuss the values that can keep Austin a world class city. 

About our Speaker:

Kirk Watson has been living in Austin since 1981. He served as Austin Mayor from 1997-2011. Texas Monthly described him as "a man with the vision of what the community wants--and the moxie to carry it out". He served as the Texas state senator from the Austin area from 2007-2020 when he left to become the founding dean of the Hobby School of Public Affairs at the University of Houston. As senator, he was a leader in what he called his "10 Goals in 10 Years" to bring about greater health care and economic opportunities in Austin. His efforts led to the creation of the Dell Medical School at the University of Texas at Austin, a modern safety net and teaching hospital, a process for redesigning mental health care at the Austin State Hospital and other successes.

Senator Watson has announced that he is running for Austin Mayor again. The election is in November.

Notice

For the safety and wellbeing of our members, guests, and TSBVI hosts, masks are required when entering and leaving the building, and are strongly recommended inside except when eating or drinking. Those who are unvaccinated and immune compromised, or are feeling unwell, should not attend.