Councils & Committees
If you have any questions, please contact customers@austinchamber.com.
Air Services Task Force
Members work with local businesses to quantify demand for out of country non-stop destinations and works with Austin Bergstrom International Airport to improve the service, frequency, and competitive prices for non-stop service. Learn More
| MEETING FREQUENCY | WHO CAN SERVE | STAFF LIAISON | CHAIR |
| 6X Annually | Invitation Only | Doug Driskill, Dell Technologies |
Ambassadors Committee
Ambassadors serve as the welcome arm of the Chamber, welcoming new members and promoting member involvement. Ambassadors volunteer for company ribbon cuttings and foster engagement by hosting new members many civic and social functions.
| MEETING FREQUENCY | WHO CAN SERVE | STAFF LIAISON | CHAIR |
| Monthly | Members | Britney Box | Lily Smith, Texas Systems Group |
Austin Business Owners Council
The Business Owners Council provides a forum where businesses can have a voice on local issues of importance, meet with district city council members and make business connections.
| MEETING FREQUENCY | WHO CAN SERVE | STAFF LIAISON | CHAIR |
| 6X Annually | Open to any member that is an owner, founder, CEO or principal | David Jabour, Twin Liquors |
Business Engagement Committee (Includes Austin Gives)
The Engagement Committee develops the annual awards programs to recognize business philanthropy and community engagement. This Committee will also lead the Chamber's Programs & Partnership initiatives.
| MEETING FREQUENCY | WHO CAN SERVE | STAFF LIAISON | CHAIR |
| 6X Annually | Members, as approved by the Chair | Jeremiah Bentley, Texas Mutual Insurance Company |
Education & Talent Councils
COUNCIL NAME | DESCRIPTION | WHO CAN SERVE | STAFF LIAISON |
| Education Council | The Chamber Education Council consists of C-level business leaders and Opportunity Austin investors who provide leadership on Chamber education and talent development strategies, policy priorities, and initiatives aiming to strengthen our Central Texas talent pipeline. | Members, approved by the chair | Gilbert Zavala |
| Talent Council | The council is composed of HR executives of primary employers focused on deepening the Austin talent pool through workforce policies and initiatives that support talent attraction and development. | Members, approved by the chair | Kwee Lan Teo |
| DTC70 Executive Council | The Chamber’s DTC70 Executive Council consists of school district superintendents and Education Council members who directly oversee the Chamber’s Direct-to-College Achievement Plan, or DTC70. The DTC70 Partnership is the first multi-chamber, multi-school district, multi-business compact to commit to enroll 70% of the Class of 2020-2021 directly in higher education, military, or high-demand job training. | Members, approved by the chair | Gilbert Zavala, Zhelun Chen |
| Financial Aid Saturdays/Weekdays Volunteer Program (FAFSA): | The Chamber’s financial aid program trains and organizes business, education, and community volunteers to help high school seniors and their families complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Our FAFSA campaign connects students and parents with grants, scholarships, work-study, and other aid to help make higher education more affordable. | Members, approved by the chair | Gilbert Zavala, Zhelun Chen |
Finance Committee
The Finance Committee is responsible for reviewing the financial condition of the Austin Chamber of Commerce and reporting to the Board of Directors on a regular basis. This committee also selects the certified public accounting firm to conduct an annual independent audit.
| MEETING FREQUENCY | WHO CAN SERVE | STAFF LIAISON | CHAIR |
| 3X Annually | Corporate accounting and public financial executives, as approved by the Chair | Michael Crowl, UFCU |
Government Relations Council
The Government Relations Council is comprised of local business leaders who inform the Chamber's stances on policy issues at all levels of government. Learn More
| MEETING FREQUENCY | WHO CAN SERVE | STAFF LIAISON | CHAIRS |
Monthly | Members | Dana Harris, Jeremy Martin | Tamara Fields, Accenture |
International Advisory Council
This committee who has branded themselves as the “Austin Global Gateway” is made up of Austin- based business leaders with extensive international experience who are working with foreign investors and businesses who are interested in investing in or relocating to the Austin, Texas region.
| MEETING FREQUENCY | WHO CAN SERVE | STAFF LIAISON | CHAIR |
Quarterly | Invitation Only | Leigh Christie | Mehron Azarmehr, |
OA Capital Committee
The committee is comprised of an active group of local funders who focus on the need for additional capital across specific industries in the region. Available capital will support corporate recruitment, the development of the innovation zone and will be critical to the innovation agenda.
| MEETING FREQUENCY | WHO CAN SERVE | STAFF LIAISON | CHAIR |
Quarterly | Invitation Only | David Altounian, St. Edward's University |
Regional Mobility Committee
Business professionals – both those with a direct interest in transportation issues and those who are interested in the topic – who wish to stay informed to learn about and discuss issues related to regional mobility and transportation infrastructure. It’s an opportunity for members to network, learn, and help influence the direction of transportation policy throughout the region. Learn more
| MEETING FREQUENCY | WHO CAN SERVE | STAFF LIAISON | CHAIR |
Monthly | Members | Matt Geske | Shaun Cranston, |