Description

Hosted by the Texas Chamber of Commerce Executives (TCCE)
This one-day conference equips incoming board chairs and CEOs with the knowledge and tools to strengthen governance, clarify roles, and drive results together.

This one-day event held in October each year is designed to provide professional training for your Chamber's volunteer leaders preparing to chair your board. It’s an excellent opportunity for Chamber CEOs to collaborate with their board leaders on strategies to enhance leadership and performance. 

Whether you're looking to boost board effectiveness or maintain your board's momentum, this program is tailor-made for you and your leadership team!

General Conference Schedule:

8:00 – 8:30 AM | Registration & Breakfast Buffet

8:30 – 8:45 AM | Opening Remarks & Conference Kickoff

Emcee: Tony Vedda, North Texas LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce

Sponsor Spotlight: The Chason Group

8:45 – 9:35 AM | Leading Together: The Chamber’s Role & Chair–CEO Partnership

Speaker: Dave Kilby, Author & Chamber Leadership Expert

Explore the purpose and role of chambers in the community and how to build a strong, effective Chair–CEO relationship.

9:35 – 9:40 AM | Sponsor Highlight: GrowthZone

9:40 – 10:30 AM | Good Governance in Action

Speaker: Dave Kilby, Author & Chamber Leadership Expert

A practical discussion on legal requirements, bylaws, transparency, and board meeting best practices.

10:30 – 10:40 AM | Coffee Break

10:40 – 11:40 AM | Panel: Finance Without Fear — Leading with Fiscal Confidence

Facilitator: Dave Kilby, Author & Chamber Leadership Expert
Panelists:

• Doug Peters, Abilene Chamber

• Mary Frazior, H-E-B Chamber

• Reneé Earls, Odessa Chamber

Understand fiduciary responsibilities, budget oversight, audits, 990s, and managing financial risk.

11:40 – 11:50 AM | Lunch Served + Partner Remarks

Sponsor Spotlight: Community Matters 

11:50 AM – 12:40 PM | Panel: What I Know Now — Chair Perspectives on Leading Well

Facilitator: Doug Peters, Abilene Chamber
Panelists:

• Perry Leonard, Grapevine Chamber of Commerce

• Rachel Wolf, North Texas LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce

• Brady Hill, Rockwall Chamber of Commerce

Insights, hacks, and lessons learned from experienced board chairs.

12:40 – 12:50 PM | Coffee Break

12:50 – 1:20 PM | Stronger Chambers, Strong Communities: The Case for Civic Leadership

Facilitator: Chelsie Kramer, TCCE
Panelists:

• Sharon Jones, Texas Business Leadership Alliance

• Becki Womble, Bastrop Chamber of Commerce

A conversation on how chambers and business leaders strengthen communities through civic engagement.

1:20 – 2:05 PM | The Board’s Role in Advancing Policy & Growth

Speaker: Monique Thierry, Vice President, Congressional & Public Affairs, Southwest–South Central, U.S. Chamber of Commerce

How boards support chamber credibility, legislative engagement, and executive growth.

2:05 – 2:55 PM | Future-Proof: AI, Education Pathways & Workforce Pipelines

Facilitator: Megan Mauro, EVP, Texas Association of Business
Panelists:

• Glenn Hamer, President & CEO, Texas Association of Business

• Caroline Joiner, Chair, Tech Means Business; Amazon Public Policy

From AI innovation to workforce funding reform, Texas is reshaping how talent pipelines meet employer demand.

2:55 – 3:25 PM | Leading Through Crisis: Chamber Readiness Before, During & After Disaster

Facilitator: Diego Leibman, Manager, Policy & Strategic Initiatives, Texas Association of Business
Speaker: Justen Noakes, Executive Director, BeforeDuringAfter

When disaster strikes, chambers become the hub of response, communication, and recovery. This session explores practical steps to ensure your chamber—and your members—are ready.

3:25 PM | Closing Remarks

Emcee: Tony Vedda, North Texas LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce