Hutto Area Chamber of Commerce

Unlock Your leadership

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What is LEAD Hutto?

LEAD Hutto is a Chamber-sponsored program designed to identify, educate, and inspire community leaders by exposing them to a broad cross-section of public and private industries and organizations, familiarizing each candidate with the history, values, and ethos of the Hutto community, in hopes that they both adopt our historic values and help prepare us for our future opportunities.

What is the Program?

It is a 9-week leadership program that runs from January through May 2025, focusing on personal leadership skill development, preparation for local/civic leadership, and exposure to various sectors of Hippo nation. A culminating celebration (with certificates), takes place in May.

When I came to Hutto in 2021, I did not know how to get involved and began to create my network. The Hutto LEAD program provided me with opportunities for making key connections to community leaders while also helping me to understand the culture of Hutto. Through the program, I understood the resources available in the Chamber of Commerce, City Services, and Educational Services that create the collaborative environment in the business community.

Bryan Byrd Development Manager

LEAD HUTTO

What is the Curriculum?

Each session runs approximately 90 minutes focusing on the personal growth of the participants through an in-depth exploration of the organizations and services listed below. During each session, participants will learn from panel discussions, presentations, on-location tours, hands-on experiences, one-on-one interaction with community leaders, and group activities.

Who Should Apply?

LEAD HUTTO

TUITION

$250 paid by check or card before January 1, 2025.

Deadline for Registration: December 20th, 2024

HOW TO APPLY

Click the 'Register Now' button to sign up for this program.

Deadline: December 20th, 2024

2025

SCHEDULE

The classes will take place on Wednesday nights from 5 pm - 6:30pm 

About Speaker: After 40 years in pastoral ministry, Piet now serves as a writer, speaker, and host of the podcast SideWalk Conversations. He is the founder and president of SideWalk Consulting, teaching team-building and leadership at the University of Missouri and consulting for various organizations. Piet has written four books and is the Content Coordinator for Hutto Living Magazine. He holds two Master’s degrees and frequently speaks at conferences and lectures in the UK. Piet and his wife Carol have been married for over 40 years and have three adult children.

About Speaker: 

Matt Wojnowski, ICMA-CM (International City Manager’s Association—Credentialed Manager) has over 20 years of experience in local government, primarily in the City Manager’s Office. Fluent in Spanish, he was the city manager of Del Rio, Texas, before joining Team Hutto in Summer 2021. Matt is active in ICMA as well as the Texas City Management Association.  

About Speakers: 

Connie Gooding – Having spent over four decades in public and alternative education settings, Connie has developed a strong belief in serving the community. This conviction has driven her to engage with various organizations, including Hutto Has Heart, Hutto Resource Center, Hutto ISD School Board, HACoC Board, Ambassador programs, and the Hutto Charter Commission.

Morgan Hubbard – As a longtime resident of Hutto, Morgan is dedicated to helping people connect and build a network of thriving community members. She has been active in public service for several years but has recently taken a step back to explore passion projects and enjoy some free time. Morgan is particularly interested in assisting nonprofits in effectively leveraging their resources and contacts to achieve their organizational goals.

About Speaker: 

Russ Boles, a longtime Round Rock resident and successful Williamson County businessman, was elected County Commissioner in 2018 and re-elected in 2022. Despite early challenges with dyslexia and dysgraphia, he graduated from Texas State University, earned a law degree, and has been dedicated to community service ever since. Russ volunteers with the Williamson County Literacy Council, co-founded Relay for Life in Round Rock, and serves on the Hutto YMCA Board. He also mentors young professionals and serves as a State Director for the Brazos River Authority. Russ focuses on creating safe neighborhoods, quality jobs, tax relief, and a strong community for Williamson County families.

State Government in Action- 03/12/25

Coming Soon!

About Speaker: 

Neatherlin has been an educator for 23 years and has served as the superintendent of Granger ISD since 2021. Previously, she held leadership roles in Salado ISD and Llano High School, where she significantly improved academic performance and secured multiple accolades. Under her leadership, Granger ISD saw a 124% increase in literacy scores and expanded CTE programs. Neatherlin is a strong advocate for educational legislation and has been recognized as a Region 13 Superintendent of the Year nominee. She actively supports a positive school culture and bridges between academics and extracurriculars.

About the Speakers:

SCOTT KERWOOD – Scott Kerwood is the Fire Chief of Hutto Fire Rescue in Texas and a student of the fire service. He teaches Masters and Doctoral courses in homeland security, fire, and emergency management at Capella University and is an adjunct instructor for the National Fire Academy’s Executive Fire Officer Program. Scott holds a bachelor’s in Fire Protection and Safety Engineering Technology from Oklahoma State University, a master’s in Public Administration from the University of Oklahoma, and a doctorate in Public Policy from Walden University. He is credentialed as a chief fire officer and fire marshal and is a Fellow in the Institution of Fire Engineers. Scott is Chair of the IAFC Safety, Health, and Survival Section Executive Board and a member of the NFPA 1500 committee. He has served on the IFSTA Executive Board since 2013.

JEFFREY YARBROUGH – Chief Jeffrey Yarbrough is a 27-year police and Gulf War U.S. Army veteran known for his transformational leadership. He has served as Chief of Police for Hutto PD, Round Rock ISD, and Bastrop ISD (also as Chief Operating Officer). His career includes roles as Assistant City Manager in Tulia, Senior Investigator for the State Bar of Texas, and Sergeant in both the Travis County District Attorney’s Office and the Texas Attorney General’s Office.

About Speaker: 

Gamboa has been the City’s assistant director of economic development for over a year, prior to which she served on the Hutto Economic Development Corporation (EDC) Board of Directors. She’s already hit the ground running in her new position this month, with many high-impact projects that are well in the works and others just around the corner.   

Environmental and Cultural Heritage - 05/07/25

Coming Soon!

Graduation - 05/14/25

Coming Soon!

Deadline: December 20th, 2024

Class of 2024

Questions?

Email us: marketing@huttochamber.com

or

Call us: 512 759 4400