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September 1-3, 2010

Renaissance Austin Hotel
9721 Arboretum Blvd.
Austin, TX 78759
(512) 343-2626

Keynote Speakers

Ben Philpott is a senior reporter for KUT-FM, Austin's National Public Radio affiliate. Ben has been covering state politics and dozens of other topics for the station since 2002, during which time he's been recognized for outstanding radio journalism by the Radio and Television News Directors Association, Public Radio News Directors Incorporated, the Houston Press Club, and the Texas AP Broadcasters. Before moving to Texas, he worked in public radio in Birmingham and Tuscaloosa, Alabama, and at several television stations in Alabama and Tennessee. Born in New York City and raised in Chattanooga, Tennessee, Ben graduated from the University of Alabama with a degree in broadcast journalism.

Harvey Kronberg has been the Editor of the Quorum Report since 1989.  He is a well known political commentator in this state and speaks frequently on the subject of Texas politics.  He has a regular column in the Austin American Statesman and provides political analysis for News 8.   He graduated from the University of Texas in 1972 with an Honors degree in Plan II and history.

Mark Warren is the Training Coordinator and Consultant with the Texas Association of Counties in his hometown of Austin, Texas. He assists the Association with the vision, development and delivery of training for both the internal and external customers of Texas county government. Just since 2007, Mark has traveled more than 30,000 miles across Texas delivering a training message of inspiration, motivation and new direction. His presentations revolve around leadership, interpersonal communication and relationship skills, workplace diversity and professionalism, bridging the generations and customer service excellence.

In addition to his teaching, training and traveling duties, Mark works with the TAC Leadership Foundation and has served as the coordinator of its Leadership class since 2003. After graduating from St. Edward’s University in 1977, Mark spent 23 years with the Texas Department of Public Safety, retiring in 2000 as the Assistant Commander of the Training Academy in Austin.