Greater Austin Chamber Picks Chairman For 2018

AUSTIN, TX — Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce officials on Thursday announced their board of directors have selected a new chair for 2018.

Phil Wilson, general manager at the Lower Colorado River Authority and former Texas Secretary of State, was tapped as the chamber’s 2018 chairman of the board, officials said. The board also selected Brian Cassidy, managing partner of the Austin office of the Locke Lord law firm, as the chamber’s chair-elect.

“Phil’s experience in the business world alongside shaping important public policy makes him a wonderful fit to lead the Chamber,” said Ellen Wood, 2017 Chairwoman, Austin Chamber of Commerce, President and CEO of vcfo. “This is a pivotal time for Austin and the Central Texas Region, many decisions will take place in 2018 that will resonate for years down the road. Phil’s steady hand and proven leadership will be invaluable to the community.”

Wilson served as the chamber’s chair-elect in 2017. He was also the executive director of the Texas Department of Transportation and is a former Texas Secretary of State.

“The chance to serve our members and the larger Central Texas business community is a task I’m excited and eager to take on,” Wilson said. “It’s important for me to continue the outstanding work the Chamber has accomplished these past years and use that momentum to build new opportunities for a bright and prosperous future.”

About Phil Wilson (text provided by chamber):

Wilson earned a Master of Business Administration from Southern Methodist University and a bachelor's degree from Hardin-Simmons University. In February 2014, he became the Lower Colorado River Authority’s (LCRA) 11th general manager and serves as the organization’s chief executive officer. The LCRA is one of the nation’s largest public power utilities, it has assets of $5.7 billion, generates annual revenues of about $1 billion and employees 1,800 Texans.

Prior to joining LCRA, Wilson was executive director of the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT). Under the direction of the Texas Transportation Commission, he managed, directed and implemented TxDOT policies, programs and operating strategies. He also represented TxDOT before the Texas Legislature and other entities. Before joining TxDOT in 2011, Wilson served as senior vice president of public affairs and as a corporate officer for Luminant, Texas' largest electric generation company. In 2007, then-Gov. Rick Perry appointed Wilson as Texas' 106th Secretary of State. In that position, he was the chief elections officer and the chief international protocol officer for Texas. Wilson also served as chair of the Governor's Competitiveness Council and on the Texas Border Security Council.

Phil has served the Chamber in numerous capacities, most recently as Chairman of Opportunity Austin 3.0, a highly successful, five-year, five county economic development initiative aimed at fostering job-creating investment in Central Texas.

About C. Brian Cassidy (text provided by chamber):

C. Brian Cassidy, who is aligned to become the Chamber’s Chair in 2019, has been an active leader in Central Texas for several years. He is a past-chair of the Real Estate Council of Austin, and remains a current board and executive committee member of that group. He is also a member of the Austin Area Research Organization.

In addition, Brian is a past board member and general counsel of the Chamber of Commerce and has served on Chamber Finance and Transportation Committees. His legal practice focuses on the development of transportation and utility infrastructure by public and private entities. He advises clients on complex procurements, public private partnerships, regulatory compliance, and all aspects of the planning, design, financing, operation and approvals required for major infrastructure projects. He has been involved in the development of toll roads and non-tolled highways throughout Texas.

Cassidy earned his law degree with honors from the University of Texas in 1986 and a bachelor’s degree with distinction from the University of Arizona.

“The Central Texas Region is the epicenter of so much innovation, growth, and economic development, I’m excited to be part of this team and look forward to accomplishing some great things,” Cassidy said.

>>> Top image via Shutterstock, photos of Phil Wilson and C. Brian Cassidy courtesy of the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce