2025 Water for Texas Conference: Full Schedule

8:00am CST

Population Growth in Texas: A Glimpse into the Future

Tuesday January 28, 2025 8:00am - 8:45pm CST

As the Lone Star State continues to flourish, there is an emphasis on the importance of continued investment in water infrastructure to accommodate the booming population. Texas Demographer Dr. Lloyd Potter will reveal the demographic trends and projections in the state and the impacts on water's future.

Speakers

Lloyd B. Potter, Ph.D.

State Demographer, State of Texas

Dr. Lloyd Potter was appointed as the Texas State Demographer in 2010. He is a professor of sociology and demography at the University of Texas at San Antonio, where he also serves as the director of the Texas Demographic Center and the Institute for Demographic and Socioeconomic... Read More →

Tuesday January 28, 2025 8:00am - 8:45pm CST
Zlotnik Family Ballroom

General Session

11:45am CST

From Screen to Stream: The Impact of Art, Flim, and Storytelling

Tuesday January 28, 2025 11:45am - 1:00pm CST

Grand Ballroom, Meeting Level 3

An inspiring panel of impact-driven Texans focused on how art, film, and storytelling can resonate with audiences, influence water awareness and conservation and, ultimately, drive behavior change. Distinguished filmmakers Ben Masters and Jay Kleberg will candidly discuss their experiences and encourage Texas water leaders to welcome a new perspective on how to reach their communities.

Speakers

Jay Kleberg

Executive Director, Gulf of Mexico Trust

Jay Kleberg is the executive director of the Gulf of Mexico Trust. He previously served as director of conservation initiatives for the Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation, was a strategic consultant to the National Park Service, and was a film producer for the Texas nature documentary... Read More →

Ben Masters

Director and Founder, Fin and Fur Films

Ben Masters is a filmmaker and writer specializing in wildlife and adventure stories. He is most known for directing and producing 'Deep in the Heart: A Texas Wildlife Story,' 'The River and The Wall,' and 'Unbranded.' Ben studied wildlife biology at Texas A&M University and founded... Read More →

Tuesday January 28, 2025 11:45am - 1:00pm CST
Grand Ballroom, Meeting Level 3

General Session, Keynote

2:30pm CST

Tomorrow's Texas: Thirst for Growth Meets Water Supply Realities

Tuesday January 28, 2025 2:30pm - 3:30pm CST

Zlotnik Family Ballroom

(1 hour MCLE available, approved by the State Bar of Texas)

Developers, manufacturers, and water providers will come together to discuss some of the state’s growing pains in the context of water resources and water infrastructure development.

Speakers

Alia Vinson

Partner, Allen Boone Humphries Robinson, LLP

Alia Vinson is a partner with Allen Boone Humphries Robinson in Houston, and her practice focuses on public finance and local government regulation. She works with special purpose districts, municipal utility districts, water authorities, local government corporations, management... Read More →

Robert Allen

President, Fort Worth Economic Development Partnership

Robert Allen is the president and chief executive officer of the Fort Worth Economic Development Partnership (EDP). Robert joined the Fort Worth EDP at the organization’s formation in 2023. In his role, he is responsible for board governance, organizational strategy, and financial... Read More →

Scott Norman

Chief Executive Officer, Texas Association of Builders

Scott Norman serves as chief executive officer for the Texas Association of Builders, comprised of nearly 10,000 members representing home builders, remodelers, developers, and their companies from across the state. In addition to managing the association, which is the second largest... Read More →

Brooke T. Paup

Chairwoman, Texas Water Development Board

Brooke Paup was named chairwoman of the Texas Water Development Board by Governor Greg Abbott in April 2021. She was appointed to the Board by Governor Abbott in February 2018. In the three years prior to her appointment, Brooke served as the director of legislative affairs for the... Read More →

Zac Rosenbaum, P.E.

Senior Director of Facilities, Samsung Austin Semiconductor

Zac Rosenbaum is a senior director of facilities at Samsung, where he leads an extensive team responsible for the electrical infrastructure for the Austin manufacturing site that operates around the clock. With the buildout of Samsung’s next advanced semiconductor fabrication facility... Read More →

Tuesday January 28, 2025 2:30pm - 3:30pm CST
Zlotnik Family Ballroom

General Session

4:00pm CST

Hot Topics in Texas Water: Forging a New Frontier

Tuesday January 28, 2025 4:00pm - 5:00pm CST

Zlotnik Family Ballroom

(1 hour MCLE available, approved by the State Bar of Texas)

The water challenges in Texas are as diverse as its geography. Join water leaders from a variety of Texas organizations to share insights on the key issues and hot topics facing Texas.

Speakers

Lara Zent

Executive Director and General Counsel , Texas Rural Water Association

Lara Zent is the executive director and general counsel at the Texas Rural Water Association, which has 900 water and wastewater utility members. She leads a team of 42 staff members who provide such services as operator certification, management training, technical assistance, legal... Read More →

Stacey Allison Steinbach

Executive Director, Texas Water Association

Stacey Allison Steinbach is the executive director of the Texas Water Association. Previously, she served as executive director of the Texas Groundwater Association and the Texas Alliance of Groundwater Districts. Stacey is a licensed attorney who has also worked in private practice... Read More →

L'Oreal Stepney, P.E.

Board Member, Texas Water Development Board

L’Oreal Stepney was appointed by Governor Greg Abbott as a Board member of the Texas Water Development Board in December 2022 for a term beginning January 1, 2023. She previously served as the deputy executive director of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ). In... Read More →

Tuesday January 28, 2025 4:00pm - 5:00pm CST
Zlotnik Family Ballroom

General Session

11:00am CST

Blue Legacy Awards Presentation

Wednesday January 29, 2025 11:00am - 12:30pm CST

Zlotnik Family Ballroom

Wednesday January 29, 2025 11:00am - 12:30pm CST
Zlotnik Family Ballroom

General Session

11:00am CST

The Texas Water Fund & Priorities for the 89th Legislative Session

Wednesday January 29, 2025 11:00am - 12:30pm CST

Zlotnik Family Ballroom

(1 hour MCLE available, approved by the State Bar of Texas)

An in-depth discussion between Chairman Charles Perry and TWDB Executive Administrator Bryan McMath on key water policy issues of the upcoming legislative session.

Speakers

Bryan McMath

Executive Administrator, Texas Water Development Board

Bryan McMath was named executive administrator of the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) in September 2024. He joined the TWDB in 2018 as director of government relations, where he coordinated and led communications on legislative and policy matters affecting the agency. Bryan worked... Read More →

Charles Perry

State Senator, Texas Senate District 28

Charles Perry is a lifelong West Texan and a practicing certified public accountant from Lubbock. He was first elected to the Texas Senate in 2014 after serving two terms in the Texas House of Representatives. Senator Perry currently chairs the Senate Committee on Water, Agriculture... Read More →

Wednesday January 29, 2025 11:00am - 12:30pm CST
Zlotnik Family Ballroom

General Session