Past Speakers

Mayor John Whitmire

Mayor of Houston

Mayor John Whitmire was sworn in as Houston’s 63rd Mayor on January 1, 2024, following a distinguished career in public service. Prior to becoming mayor, he represented Houstonians for 50 years in the Texas Legislature, including 40 years in the Texas Senate, making him the longest-serving member in Senate history. Throughout his career, Whitmire has championed criminal justice reform, public safety, and economic development. As mayor, he is focused on improving public safety, strengthening the city’s finances and infrastructure, and enhancing quality of life for all Houstonians.

Senator John Cornyn

United States Senator for Texas

Senator John Cornyn has represented Texas in the U.S. Senate since 2002 and was re-elected to a fourth term in 2020. A San Antonio native, he is recognized as a leading advocate for Texas values, focusing on border security, national defense, economic growth, and fiscal responsibility. Throughout his career, Cornyn has served Texans as a district judge, Texas Supreme Court Justice, Texas Attorney General, and U.S. Senator. He currently serves on several key Senate committees and remains a strong voice for Texas military personnel, veterans, and their families.

Mark P. Jones

Fellow, Baker Institute & Professor, Rice University

Mark P. Jones is the James A. Baker III Institute for Public Policy’s Fellow in Political Science and Co-Director of the Presidential Elections Program, as well as the Joseph D. Jamail Chair in Latin American Studies and a professor of political science at Rice University. He is widely recognized as one of the leading experts on Texas politics, public opinion, elections, and the Texas Legislature. Jones is a frequent commentator in state and national media, and his research has been published in numerous academic journals and major news outlets. He holds a B.A. from Tulane University and a Ph.D. from the University of Michigan and is the co-author of Texas Politics Today.

Council Member Amy Peck

Houston City Council, District A

City Council Member Amy Peck is serving her second term as Houston City Council Member for District A, representing more than 220,000 residents across northwest Houston. She also serves as Vice Mayor Pro Tem and chairs the City Council’s Public Safety Committee, where she focuses on issues affecting the safety and quality of life of Houston residents. Prior to joining City Council, Peck spent much of her career serving Houstonians in various roles at both the city and state levels of government. A lifelong Houstonian, she holds degrees from the University of Texas at Austin and the University of Houston and is dedicated to strengthening the community she calls home.

Council Member Fred Flickinger

Houston City Council, District E

City Council Member Fred Flickinger was sworn in as Houston City Council Member for District E in January 2024 and is currently serving his first term representing the communities of Kingwood, Clear Lake, and surrounding areas. A longtime business and community leader, he brings decades of private-sector experience and civic involvement to City Hall. Flickinger has been actively engaged in local organizations, including serving as President of the Lake Houston Pachyderm Club and supporting the Prison Entrepreneurship Program. A Houston-area resident for more than 50 years, he is committed to transparency, communication, and advocating for the needs of District E residents.

Council Member Sallie Alcorn

Houston City Council, At-Large

City Council Member Sallie Alcorn is serving her second term as a Houston City Council At-Large Member, representing residents across the city. She focuses on key citywide issues including budget and finance, transportation, infrastructure, and public safety, and currently serves as Chair of the Budget and Fiscal Affairs Committee. Alcorn brings more than 15 years of City Hall experience, having worked in Houston’s housing department, the mayor’s flood recovery office, and on City Council staff. She holds degrees from the University of Texas and the University of Houston and is recognized for her practical, policy-focused approach to local government.

Bruce Niemeyer

Senior Executive Advisor, Chevron

Bruce Niemeyer serves as Senior Executive Advisor to the Vice Chairman of Chevron, bringing more than two decades of leadership experience in the energy industry. Most recently, he served as President of Chevron’s Shale & Tight business, overseeing major upstream operations across the Permian Basin, Bakken, Denver-Julesburg Basin, and Argentina’s Vaca Muerta shale play. He previously led Chevron’s Americas Exploration & Production portfolio and served as Corporate Vice President of Strategy and Sustainability, where he guided the company’s long-term business strategy and sustainability efforts. Niemeyer is an active leader in the energy and business communities, serving with organizations including the American Petroleum Institute, the Greater Houston Partnership, and the Texas Economic Development Corporation.

Governor Greg Abbott

Governor, State of Texas

Governor Greg Abbott was first elected as Texas’ 48th Governor in 2014 and is currently serving his third term in office. Prior to becoming governor, he served as Texas Attorney General, where he was the longest-serving attorney general in state history, as well as a Justice on the Texas Supreme Court and a State District Judge in Harris County. Throughout his tenure, Governor Abbott has focused on strengthening Texas’ economy, securing the southern border, protecting individual liberties, and expanding educational and workforce opportunities. Under his leadership, Texas has remained a national leader in job creation, economic growth, and business investment. In 2024, he was named one of TIME Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People in the World. Governor Abbott continues to advance policies aimed at keeping Texas the best state to live, work, and raise a family. 

Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick

Lieutenant Governor, State of Texas

Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick was first elected Texas’ 42nd Lieutenant Governor in 2014 and was re-elected in 2018 and 2022. Prior to serving as Lieutenant Governor, he represented Harris County in the Texas Senate and spent more than four decades in media as a television broadcaster, radio host, and business owner. As presiding officer of the Texas Senate, Patrick has played a leading role in advancing conservative priorities, including property tax relief, border security, public safety, educational reforms, and support for Texas’ energy industry. Under his leadership, the Legislature delivered the largest property tax cut in Texas history and enacted major legislation focused on strengthening the state’s economy and protecting individual liberties. Lieutenant Governor Patrick continues to be one of the most influential voices in Texas politics and remains focused on preserving the principles and opportunities that have made Texas a national leader.

Glenn Hegar

Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts

Glenn Hegar serves as Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts, the state’s chief financial officer responsible for managing the fiscal health of the world’s eighth-largest economy. First elected in 2014, Hegar oversees state revenue collection, financial reporting, treasury operations, and economic forecasting. Prior to serving as Comptroller, he represented Texans in both the Texas House of Representatives and the Texas Senate, where he built a reputation for conservative fiscal management, transparency, and accountability in government. Throughout his tenure, Hegar has focused on responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars, property tax relief, infrastructure investment, and long-term economic growth. A sixth-generation Texan, Hegar is a graduate of Texas A&M University, St. Mary’s University, and the University of Arkansas. He and his wife, Dara, reside in Katy and are the proud parents of three children.