23^rd Annual Conference
Leading in a World of Exponential Change

Thursday, November 18 & Friday, November 19, 2021
Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa
Austin, Texas

About

Our two-day Annual Conference is designed to encourage conversation and inspire professional advancement through a series of short, dynamic presentations from industry leaders and networking events. Each year, the topic of the Conference centers around leadership with over 250 members in attendance. The Annual Conference fee is included in the yearly membership dues.

The 23rd Annual Conference will take place on Thursday, November 18 and Friday, November 19, 2021 at Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa in Austin, Texas. This year’s conference topic centers around Leading in a World of Exponential Change.

Features

Learn Best Practices
Discuss Leadership
Receive CLE Credit
Connect with Peers

Texas General Counsel Forum’s COVID-19 Policy

In order to attend any portion of the TGCF Annual Conference or the Magna Stella Awards Dinner, participants must confirm in writing that they have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 (at least 14 days past their final vaccination shot) or provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within 48 hours of the event.

In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the TGCF will take reasonable steps to safeguard the well-being of all participants. The TGCF will follow CDC guidelines in effect at the time of the conference, including with respect to social distancing and masks. If you are experiencing cold-or flu-like symptoms or if you have been in contact with anyone who has been exposed to or infected with COVID-19 within the 14 days prior to the conference, you will be required to refrain from attending any portion of the conference and awards dinner. We appreciate your cooperation and concern for the health and safety of all participants.

Annual Conference is Free for Members

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2021 Schedule

Thursday, November 18, 2021

12:30 PM – 2:00 PM	Kick-Off Welcome Session: PERSPECTIVES ON CHANGE LEADERSHIP C. Allen Parker Retired Interim Chief Executive Officer & President, Former Senior Executive Vice President & General Counsel, Wells Fargo & Company
2:05 PM – 2:25 PM	Talk 1: WHAT THE BOARD WANTS: CYBER-INFORMED WITHOUT CYBER-FRENZY Erin Nealy Cox Partner, Kirkland & Ellis \| Former United States Attorney (NDTX)
2:25 PM – 2:45 PM	Talk 2: LEADERSHIP IN THE FACE OF ADVERSITY Jack Balagia Adjunct Professor, University of Texas School of Law \| Former Vice President & General Counsel, Exxon Mobil Corporation
2:45 PM – 3:15 PM	Networking Break w/ Snacks
3:20 PM – 3:40 PM	Talk 3: FIRST LESSON IN CRISIS COMMUNICATION IS NO MISTAKES Merrie Spaeth Founder and President, Spaeth Communications
3:40 PM – 4:00 PM	Talk 4: WHAT FRESH HELL IS THIS Shamoil T. Shipchandler Chief Counsel, Risk & Regulatory Legal Group, Charles Schwab \| Former Senior Officer, SEC and DOJ
4:00 PM – 4:05 PM	Thank You & Housekeeping
6:00 PM	Magna Stella Reception Begins

Friday, November 19, 2021

8:15 AM - 8:55 AM	Networking Breakfast
9:00 AM - 9:10 AM	Gathering, Thank You & Housekeeping
9:10 AM - 9:30 AM	Talk 5: CEO TRANSITIONS AND THE GENERAL COUNSEL Carlos Hernandez Retired CEO and Former CLO & Secretary, Fluor Corporation \| Board Member of Steward Health Care
9:30 AM - 9:50 AM	Talk 6: ALLYSHIP & INCLUSION Rana Nawas Chief Revenue Officer, Velostics \| Founder of #1 Middle East Business Podcast, When Women Win
9:50 AM - 10:20 AM	Networking Break w/ Snacks
10:25 AM - 10:45 AM	Talk 7: FROM VALUES TO VALUE: PROGRESSING YOUR ESG AGENDA Hannah Orowitz Senior Managing Director, Corporate Governance, Georgeson LLC
10:45 AM - 11:05 AM	Talk 8: PROPHETIC CITY: TRACKING THE ECONOMIC AND DEMOGRAPHIC TRANSFORMATIONS THROUGH FORTY YEARS OF HOUSTON SURVEYS Stephen L. Klineberg, Ph.D. Founding Director, Kinder Institute for Urban Research \| Professor Emeritus of Sociology, Rice University
11:05 AM - 11:25 AM	Talk 9: HOW COVID TAUGHT ME TO BE A BETTER LEADER Julia A. Simon Chief Legal Officer and Corporate Secretary, Mary Kay Inc.
11:25 AM - 11:40 AM	Thank You, Evaluations, Prize Drawings & Save the Date for 2020
12:00 PM - 2:30 PM	Farewell Luncheon & Party at The County Line (optional)

Jack Balagia

Adjunct Professor,
University of Texas School of Law

Former Vice President & General Counsel,
Exxon Mobil Corporation

Carlos Hernandez

Retired CEO and Former CLO & Secretary,
Fluor Corporation

Board Member of Steward Health Care

Stephen L. Klineberg, Ph.D.

Founding Director,
Kinder Institute for Urban Research

Professor Emeritus of Sociology,
Rice University

Rana Nawas

Chief Revenue Officer,
Velostics

Founder of #1 Middle East Business Podcast,
When Women Win

Erin Nealy Cox

Former United States Attorney (NDTX)

Partner,
Kirkland & Ellis

Hannah Orowitz

Senior Managing Director, Corporate Governance,
Georgeson LLC

C. Allen Parker

Retired Interim Chief Executive Officer & President, Former Senior Executive Vice President & General Counsel,
Wells Fargo & Company

Shamoil T. Shipchandler

Chief Counsel, Risk & Regulatory Legal Group,
Charles Schwab

Former Senior Officer,
SEC and DOJ

Julia A. Simon

Chief Legal Officer and Corporate Secretary,
Mary Kay Inc.

Merrie Spaeth

Founder and President,
Spaeth Communications

16^th Annual Magna Stella^® Awards Dinner

The Magna Stella^®Awards program recognizes in-house excellence in Texas corporations, organizations and government agencies. Stella winners are shining examples of the type of leadership the Forum strives to exemplify in its membership. Our 2021 Magna Stella winners will be honored and 2020 winners will be recognized at the Annual Magna Stella Awards Dinner on the first night of our Annual Conference, Thursday, November 18, 2021. If you are interested in attending, click here to learn more and reserve your table/tickets. Dinner attendance is not included in conference registration.

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2021 Venue

This year, we are excited to be in the rolling hill country of Austin, Texas at the 4,000 acre newly-renovated Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa. Take advantage the property’s outstanding amenities such as playing a round of some of the best golf in the country, dining at any of their 7 restaurants, relaxing in their full-service spa, or even taking a dip in the indoor pool. Come experience everything the “Live Music Capital of the World” has to offer with the Omni’s perfect accommodations.

2021 Forum Room Block

Hotel reservations may be made directly with The Omni Barton Creek by calling 512-329-4000 or at the link below. Take advantage of the Forum’s special room rate of $279 (plus taxes and fees). The room block is limited, so please make your reservations early. All reservations must be guaranteed by a valid credit card at the time of booking, and full pre-payment is due at the time of booking. Any guaranteed reservation not cancelled 30 days prior to the arrival date will forfeit their deposit. 15% resort charge will apply to all group rooms.

All hotel reservations are final after Monday, October 18th. After this date, no room refunds will be provided by the hotel.

BOOK YOUR ROOM

Farewell Celebration Lunch at the County Line

All Annual Conference attendees & Forum members are welcome to join us after Conference for a fun-filled Austin experience at The Original County Line on Friday, November 19th. Enjoy legendary bar-b-q and cool beverages (including beer and wine) while taking in an incredible 20 mile view of the beautiful Texas Hill Country with your colleagues. This event is complimentary for you and a guest. Transportation to and from the venue from the resort will be provided. Note: Registration for this event is separate from conference registration. Please register if you plan to attend this event.