Policy Summit Panelists

Harrison Keller, Ph.D.

President, University of North Texas

Dr. Harrison Keller became the 17th president of the University of North Texas in August 2024. A recognized leader in higher education policy, university administration, and student success, he previously served as commissioner of higher education and CEO of the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. There, he led statewide initiatives to improve college readiness and degree attainment, particularly for low-income and first-generation students. Dr. Keller also held several leadership roles at the University of Texas at Austin and served as a senior education advisor in the Texas Legislature. A sixth-generation Texan, he served as an intelligence officer in the U.S. Navy Reserve and earned degrees from the University of Notre Dame and Georgetown University.

H. Neil Matkin, Ed.D.

District President, Collin College

Dr. Neil Matkin serves as district president of Collin College, leading the institution with a student-first philosophy reflected in his guiding principle: “Students first, no excuses.” Working closely with the Board of Trustees, he has advanced initiatives that expand access to higher education, strengthen workforce-aligned programs, support student success, and guide long-range campus growth. Prior to joining Collin College, Dr. Matkin served as executive vice president of the Louisiana Community and Technical College System and held senior leadership roles with San Jacinto College, the Virginia Community College System, and the Illinois Century Network. He holds five academic degrees, including a Doctor of Education from East Texas A&M University.

Prabhas V. Moghe, Ph.D

President, University of Texas at Dallas

Dr. Prabhas V. Moghe is the sixth president of The University of Texas at Dallas, a leading public research university focused on innovation and technology-driven discovery. Previously, he served as executive vice president, provost, and vice chancellor for research and innovation at Rutgers University. Moghe’s research has advanced cancer detection and nanotechnology-based therapies for neurodegenerative diseases. He earned degrees from the University of Bombay and the University of Minnesota, followed by postdoctoral training at Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital. Dr. Moghe is a fellow of several prestigious scientific organizations, including AAAS and AIMBE.

Ken Hutchenrider, Ph.D

FACHE, President, Methodist Richardson Medical Center

Ken Hutchenrider has served as president of Methodist Richardson Medical Center since 2010, bringing more than 30 years of healthcare leadership experience. During his tenure, he has overseen the hospital's integration into the Methodist Health System, major facility expansions, and the development of nationally recognized programs in trauma, stroke care, surgery, and nursing excellence. Previously, he held executive leadership roles at hospitals in Illinois, Indiana, and Kansas. Hutchenride holds degrees from Texas A&M University and the University of Houston-Clear Lake. A dedicated community leader, he serves as Richardson mayor pro tem and has held leadership roles with the Richardson Chamber of Commerce, Plano ISD Foundation, and numerous healthcare organizations.   

Matt Shaheen

State Representative, House District 66

Matt Shaheen serves District 66 in the Texas House of Representatives, representing western Collin County, including Plano, Frisco, Prosper, Celina, and McKinney. He serves as Chairman of the House Committee on Elections and is a member of the Higher Education Committee and Sunset Advisory Commission. Prior to the Legislature, he served five years on the Collin County Commissioners Court. A technology executive with more than 30 years of experience, Shaheen specializes in corporate digital transformation. He holds degrees from Randolph-Macon College and SMU. Shaheen and his wife, Robyn, have three children and are active members of Prestonwood Baptist Church.

Travis Campbell, P.E.

Director of Transportation Planning & Development

Travis Campbell’s career with the Texas Department of Transportation began as a summer hire and has grown into a leadership role shaping transportation projects across North Texas. A graduate of Texas A&M University with a degree in civil engineering, Campbell joined TxDOT full time in 2010. Over the years, he has held leadership roles in roadway design, construction, hydraulic and hydrologic design, and project delivery, overseeing schematic and PS&E development for the Dallas District. In 2021, he was named Denton County area engineer, leading transportation initiatives in one of the state’s fastest-growing regions. In early 2023, Campbell accepted the position of district director of transportation, planning and development. 

Jenna Covington

Executive Director, North Texas Municipal Water District

Jenna Covington serves as executive director and general manager of the North Texas Municipal Water District, overseeing water, wastewater, and solid waste services for more than 2.3 million residents in one of the fastest growing regions in the United States. She holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in environmental engineering from Texas Tech University, where she was recognized as a Distinguished Engineer. A licensed professional engineer and board-certified environmental engineer, Covington serves on several industry and community boards, including the Texas Water Association and the John Bunker Sands Wetland Center. Covington is a wife and mother of three.

Mayor Bill Cox

City of McKinney

Mayor Bill Cox was elected mayor of McKinney in June 2025 and is a principal with the McKinney-based Carey Cox Company, a commercial real estate firm specializing in Collin County. A lifelong McKinney resident, he has received numerous honors, including the McKinney Chamber of Commerce’s Carey Cox Citizen of the Year Award, Realtor of the Year, and the prestigious Stemmons Service Award. Cox currently serves on the Collin College Foundation Board of Directors and has held several leadership roles within the McKinney community. He also co-chaired successful bond initiatives for the City of McKinney and Collin College. He is a graduate of McKinney High School and the University of Texas at Austin.

Trevor Yealy

Head of Revenue, Avelo Airlines

Trevor Yealy serves as head of revenue for Avelo Airlines, where he leads the company’s network planning, revenue management, and charter sales functions. His responsibilities include route selection and analysis, capacity management, scheduling, pricing, and airport relations. Having joined Avelo three years before its inaugural flight, Yealy played a key role in the airline’s development and growth, previously serving as head of financial planning & analysis and treasurer. Before Avelo, he began his career at Boeing and held leadership roles in fleet planning, network planning, strategy, and corporate finance at United Airlines and JetBlue Airways. Yealy holds a Bachelor of Science in aerospace engineering from the University of Michigan. 

Robb Temple

Former Chief Government Affairs Officer, Independent Financial

Robb Temple is a seasoned business and public affairs leader with more than 40 years of executive experience in banking, financial services, government relations, and information services. Most recently, he served as chief government affairs officer for Independent Financial and previously held executive leadership roles with Independent Bank, Experian, and JCPenney. Temple is also founder and CEO of Pathfinder Credit Solutions. Temple earned degrees from Mira Costa College and the University of California, Davis. He and his wife reside in McKinney, where he remains active in community service, church leadership, and his nonprofit, Good Father Ministries, which serves in impoverished areas in the Dominican Republic. 

Mayor Mark Hill

City of Frisco

Mayor Mark Hill was elected mayor of Frisco in June 2026 after serving on the Frisco ISD Board of Trustees, including as president from 2025 to 2026. He also served on the Frisco Economic Development Corporation board and the Frisco Education Foundation board. A corporate attorney with more than 20 years of experience, Hill is managing partner of Henry Hill, PLLC and has been recognized as a Texas Super Lawyer annually since 2013. A former president of the Collin County Bar Association, he holds degrees from St. Mary's University School of Law and Texas A&M University's Mays Business School. He and his wife, Tiffany, have one daughter and have lived in Frisco since 2005.

State Representative Jeff Leach

House District 67

State Representative Jeff Leach serves House District 67 in Collin County and is currently in his seventh term in the Texas House. A dedicated advocate for Texas families, he has led efforts to reduce property taxes, strengthen public education, improve infrastructure, secure the border, and protect individual freedoms. Leach authored landmark legislation that led to the constitutional amendment banning a state income tax. He currently serves as chairman of the House Committee on Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence and serves on the Public Education and Calendars committees. A Plano native, he is an attorney, husband, and father of three.

Mayor Chris Schulmeister

City of Allen

Mayor Chris Schulmeister is a longtime Allen resident and community leader with more than 20 years of service in local government and nonprofit organizations. He served on the Allen City Council from 2019 to 2025, including two years as mayor pro tem, and represented the city on several regional boards. Prior to council service, he served on the Allen Community Development Corporation and Allen Economic Development Corporation, supporting projects that advanced economic growth and quality of life. A retired financial professional, Schulmeister remains active in civic and charitable organizations. He and his wife, Jeanie, have called Allen home since 1984.

Chris Walsh

Director, Freedom and Democracy, George W. Bush Presidential Center

Chris Walsh is director of freedom and democracy at the George W. Bush Presidential Center's Bush Institute, where he leads initiatives that advance free societies globally and strengthen democracy in the United States. His work supports dissidents and democracy advocates through skills development, networking, and storytelling, while highlighting the importance of democratic values, human rights, and global alliances.  Before joining the institute, Walsh managed political party building and civic advocacy programs in Central and Eastern Europe for the International Republican Institute in Washington, D.C. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in international studies from American University and lives in Dallas with his wife and four children.

Jennifer Chandler

President, Bank of America Dallas

Jennifer Chandler is managing director, president of Bank of America Dallas, and head of philanthropic solutions at Bank of America. She leads nationwide efforts to help nonprofits, foundations, and ultra-high-net-worth families with investments, governance, grantmaking, and fiduciary services. Since joining the bank in 2001,  Chandler has built a distinguished career in business and community leadership. She earned a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Texas at Austin and an MBA from the University of Dallas. A lifelong Dallas County resident, she serves on several civic and nonprofit boards and has received numerous honors recognizing her leadership, philanthropy, and community impact. Chandler and her husband have four children and enjoy serving their local community. 

Leon Dsouza

Senior Managing Director for Enterprise Risk & Compliance, TIAA

Leon Dsouza leads enterprise risk, compliance, and privacy programs at TIAA and oversees risk and compliance for TIAA Global Capabilities, India. A member of the TIAA Texas Leadership Council, he is recognized for advancing strong governance and championing AI innovation. He previously served as general counsel and chief legal, risk, compliance and privacy officer for TIAA GC, helping establish governance frameworks and support rapid organizational growth. Named enterprise chief privacy officer in 2025, he expanded his responsibilities in 2026 to include regulatory affairs, policies, training, and reporting. An attorney with nearly 30 years of experience,  Dsouza has held leadership roles at major global financial institutions across Asia and the United States.

Keith Hollis

District Service & Parts Manager, Gulf States Toyota

Keith Hollis serves as district service & parts manager for Gulf States Toyota (GST), bringing 40 years of experience in the automotive service industry. His career began in high school auto mechanics classes and has progressed through roles ranging from technician to leadership positions across service and parts operations. During his nine years with GST, Hollis has supported dealerships in the New Orleans, Fort Worth, and now Dallas markets. He is passionate about working alongside dealer teams to improve processes, strengthen operations, and drive ethical, sustainable growth. His commitment to continuous improvement helps dealerships achieve greater success and long-term excellence.

Kris Sanders

Senior Vice President, Children’s Health

Kris Sanders is senior vice president of system network development and digital care at Children’s Health, where she leads the Children’s Health Care Network and virtual health delivery. A board-certified healthcare executive (FACHE), she holds degrees in healthcare administration and business administration. Her career includes leadership roles at Children’s Health Plano, Envision Physician Services, Methodist Health System, and UT MD Anderson Cancer Center.  Sanders serves as board president of ACHE North Texas and NAHSE DFW and supports several community organizations. A Leadership Plano graduate, she was named a 2024 Modern Healthcare Diversity Leaders “Rising Star” and is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

Christal Howard

President/CEO, Frisco Chamber of Commerce

Christal Howard is President and CEO of the Frisco Chamber of Commerce. Since moving to Frisco with her family in 2013, she has become a dedicated community leader. Before joining the chamber, she served as publisher for Community Impact in the DFW region, leading significant growth of the brand.  Howard began her career in broadcast journalism as a reporter, anchor, and managing editor, earning two Emmy nominations and recognition as Texas Associated Press Broadcasters Reporter of the Year. She serves on several boards, including Frisco Fastpacs, Visit Frisco, and the North Texas Commission. Above all, she enjoys spending time with her husband, Michael, and their children, Emma and Bennett.

Nick James

Founder and Principal, WhitegloveAI

Nick James is the visionary founder and principal of WhitegloveAI, a managed AI services and consulting firm focused on secure, responsible AI adoption. Under  James’ leadership, WhitegloveAI developed AI Adoption and Management Framework (AI-AMF), a methodology that helps organizations implement AI strategically and achieve measurable outcomes.  James also co-founded Sorin.ai, a safe AI platform for children aged 6 to 15. He is co-author of The Handbook for Chief AI Officers: Leading the AI Revolution, providing guidance for executives navigating AI transformation. Recognized among the Top 75 AI Innovators in DFW,  James helps organizations deploy scalable, secure AI solutions that accelerate growth and innovation.

Angela Myers

Principal, Senior Vice President, Innovation, Ryan

Angela Myers is a principal and senior vice president of Innovation at Ryan, where she leads AI enablement and a portfolio of strategic enterprise products and initiatives. She helps teams translate emerging technology into practical tools, repeatable workflows, and measurable business value. Her responsibilities span enterprise AI adoption, client experience platforms, and major business and technology projects. With a background in tax technology, finance, and entrepreneurship, Myers brings a practical perspective on connecting people, processes, and emerging technology. 

Rebekah M. Stewart

Senior VP, Chief Compliance Officer, Texas Health Resources

Rebekah M. Stewart serves as senior vice president and chief compliance officer for Texas Health Resources, one of the nation’s largest faith-based, nonprofit health systems, overseeing compliance and privacy operations across more than 395 points of access. She is a member of the organization’s AI executive task force and co-leads the AI-enabled workforce sub-task force, helping guide compliance, privacy, and AI governance initiatives. Her experience includes leadership roles in provider and payer compliance, clinical research, behavioral health, billing compliance, and program development.  Stewart holds degrees from James Madison University, Oklahoma Christian University, and Oklahoma City University School of Law.

Raj Menon, Ph.D.

Vice Chair, Place 5, Collin College Board of Trustees

Dr. Raj Menon is a retired engineer, entrepreneur, and marketing and management consultant who has served on the Collin College Board of Trustees since 2016, representing Place 5. Currently in his third term, he serves as vice chair of the Board, chair of the Campus Facilities and Construction Committee, and an executive board member of the Collin College Foundation. An immigrant from India and naturalized U.S. citizen since 2000, Dr. Menon has been a Collin County resident since 1997 and a dedicated community leader in education, healthcare, and the arts. He was the founding president of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Alumni Association of North Texas and has held leadership roles with the Plano Symphony Orchestra, Medical City Plano and Frisco hospitals, and numerous civic organizations. He received the Plano Chamber of Commerce Distinguished Leadership Award in 2021.

Brad Cheves

President and CEO, Dallas Regional Chamber

Brad Cheves is president and CEO of the Dallas Regional Chamber, leading initiatives that drive economic growth, strengthen workforce talent, and advance a pro-business policy environment across the Dallas-Fort Worth region. Prior to joining the chamber,  Cheves served as senior vice president for development and external affairs at Southern Methodist University, where he led SMU Ignited, a record-setting $1.656 billion campaign, years ahead of schedule. He also played a key role in bringing the George W. Bush Presidential Center to the SMU campus. With deep experience in public affairs and policy engagement,  Cheves brings a pragmatic, business-focused lens to strengthening the Dallas region’s long-term competitiveness.

Mayor John Muns

City of Plano

Mayor John Muns has served as Plano’s 40th mayor since 2021 and was reelected in 2025. A lifelong Plano resident, he has held leadership roles on the Planning and Zoning Commission, Economic Development Board, and Plano ISD Board of Trustees, where he served for 16 years, including three as board president. As mayor, he champions transparent government, community partnerships, and economic growth. He is active with the U.S. Conference of Mayors and National League of Cities and supports youth initiatives, including the Mayor’s Summer Internship Program. Muns holds a degree from Abilene Christian University, is a general partner with Muns Enterprises, and enjoys spending time with his wife, four children, and grandchildren. 

Graham Perry

Market Executive, J.P. Morgan

Graham Perry is market executive for commercial banking and specialized industries at J.P. Morgan, leading a team of commercial bankers serving companies across North Texas. He partners with business leaders to deliver integrated banking solutions in lending, treasury and payments, and corporate finance advisory, helping organizations grow and navigate change. A North Texas native, Perry grew up in McKinney and earned a BBA in finance from Texas A&M University. Since joining J.P. Morgan in 2013, he has held commercial banking and leadership roles in Houston and North Texas. He lives in Coppell with his wife, Sarah, and their three children. 

Maher Maso

Principal, Ryan

Maher Maso is a nationally recognized leader in economic development, business growth, and public-private partnerships. He currently serves as a principal in site selection and business incentives at Ryan, where he helps companies expand through strategic site selection and incentive negotiations. Previously, he served as CEO of the Prosper Economic Development Corporation and as mayor of Frisco from 2008 to 2017.  His initiatives as mayor positioned the City of Frisco as a hub of first-class entertainment, sports, and sports medicine, including the home of the Dallas Cowboys, Dallas Stars, FC Dallas, and the world headquarters of the PGA. Featured by major national media outlets, Maso is also a sought-after keynote speaker who has addressed audiences worldwide.