The Chamber’s new Executive Board met for the first time on January 12, with 2023 Chair Katie Harvey, Chief Executive Officer, KGBTexas Communications, welcoming the influential group of leaders and facilitating introductions. (In June 2022, the Chamber’s Board of Directors voted to approve a change in the organization’s governance creating a 15-member Executive Board that will assist in setting policy and serve in a fiduciary role.)
To kick-off the meeting, the Chamber’s Interim President and CEO Dave Petersen reviewed amended and restated bylaws, the Executive Board committee charter and committee membership. (The Executive Board has two committees: the Governance, Nominating and Compensation Committee and the Finance and Audit Committee.) The Board voted to approve the amended and restated bylaws, the committee charter and committee membership.
Serving on the Governance, Nominating and Compensation Committee are:
- Darryl Byrd (Chair) – ULTRAte
- Katie Harvey – KGBTexas Communications
- Sam Dawson – Pape-Dawson Engineers
- Jamie Kowalski – The RK Group
- Elaine Mendoza - Conceptual MindWorks, Inc.
Serving on the Finance and Audit Committee are:
- Phil Green (Chair) – Frost
- Jon Allman – Endeavors
- Katie Harvey – KGBTexas Communications
- Bobby Perez – Spurs Sports & Entertainment
- JD Salinas – AT&T
Shannon Badger, Co-Founder and Partner, Badger CPA, presented the 2022 end-of-year financials. Sharon reported that the Chamber is in a strong financial position heading into 2023.
Dave briefed the Executive Board on the Chamber’s Strategic Plan. The Chamber Staff, with the assistance of Larry Mills, Executive Vice President for HOLT CAT, has developed a comprehensive three-year strategic plan focused on building a strong chamber, engaging members, and impacting business.
Katie Harvey reviewed her 2023 goals as Chamber Chair, which are to stand up a successful Executive Board, to have a productive and fruitful legislative session, and to facilitate and bring action to furthering San Antonio and Austin as a super region.
Dave Petersen presented the President’s Update, starting with the CPS Energy’s portfolio process. Last month, the Chamber’s Board of Directors approved a position statement supporting the proposed Energy Generation Portfolio, P2-Blend: Gas, Solar, Wind and Storage Additions. The CPS Board will vote on the Energy Generation Portfolio on January 23. Dave also discussed the Chamber’s state legislative efforts. Chapter 313 did not get reapproved, so economic development incentives is one of our major priorities. He also shared that he was at the Capitol for the first day of the session and met with the Chiefs of Staff of members of the Bexar County delegation. Dave also reported that he is meeting with all of the City Council members to discuss the Chamber’s focus for 2023. Finally, he briefly talked about the San Antonio – Austin priority and mentioned that we are beginning engagement with the Austin Chamber and other key organizations.