Opening Keynote: Welcome to Bastrop with Mayor's Roundtable

Our event opening remarks will kick off an exciting day of collaboration.

Our event MC, Hannah Norton, State Reporter with Community Impact will tee up the day with remarks from YTexas CEO, Ed Curtis and City of Bastrop City Manager, Sylvia Carrillo. City Manager Carrillo will talk about the city's honor to host fellow Texans in their City, and give us a glimpse into the future of Bastrop.

Becki Womble, President and CEO of the Bastrop Chamber of Commerce will kick off our day of presentations. At the Chamber, they often say they are the ‘Voice of Business,’ knowing that a thriving business community depends on strong, collaborative municipal leadership.

Becki will moderate a discussion with the three leaders who are steering Bastrop County's most iconic cities through a period of historic growth and opportunity.

Mayor Ishmael Harris of the City of Bastrop. A fifth-generation Bastropian and the city's first Black mayor, Mayor Harris brings a deep expertise in municipal infrastructure and a focus on 'bridging the gap' to ensure sustainable growth for all residents.

Mayor Theresa McShan of the City of Elgin. Elected as Elgin’s first African American female mayor during the city’s 150th anniversary, Mayor McShan is a dedicated public servant who emphasizes smart, responsible growth and community-centered leadership.

Mayor Sharon Foerster of the City of Smithville. With deep family roots in the area and a career built on service—both in county government and as a local realtor—Mayor Foerster is a passionate advocate for volunteerism and preserving the unique character of our historic communities.

The panel will close with a 15 minute Q&A.