Texas Takeover: America's New Financial Hub

Arun Agarwal of Dallas, CEO of Nextt, and has business interests in textiles, cotton trading and real estate. He is chair of the India American CEO Council, president of the Dallas Parks & Recreation Board, and a board member of the US India Friendship Council, US India Chamber of Commerce DFW, and the Texas Tech Innovation HUB at Research Park. He is a volunteer and board member of Gift of Life and a volunteer for CHETNA and the Living Dreams Foundation. Agarwal received a Master’s in Business Administration from IMT, Ghaziabad, a Master’s in Computer Information Systems from Southern New Hampshire University, and a Master’s in International Business from Harvard University.

Adriana Cruz is Executive Director, Economic Development and Tourism, Office of Governor Greg Abbott. In October 2019, Adriana Cruz was appointed to lead the Governor’s Economic Development and Tourism Office. The Office markets Texas as one of the world’s premier business and travel destinations. As Executive Director, Cruz provides leadership to Business and Community Development, Texas Tourism, Texas Workforce Investment Council, Texas Music Office, and the Texas Film Commission. Cruz has more than 20 years of leadership experience in economic development, marketing, and international business. Prior to her appointment to lead the Texas Economic Development and Tourism Office, Cruz was President of the Greater San Marcos Partnership, the regional economic development organization established to encourage and nurture economic growth in San Marcos, and Hays and Caldwell counties. Previously, Cruz was the Vice President of Global Corporate Recruitment for the Austin Chamber of Commerce.

Doug Deason is President of The Deason Foundation and President of Deason Capital Services (DCS), the Deason family office, which has an assets under management (AUM) of approximately $1.5 billion. DCS manages a diversified portfolio of public and private assets, including a large portfolio of public equity and debt securities, hedge funds, private equity that includes direct and fund-based holdings, private debt, oil and gas, real estate, and other assets. Prior to joining DCS, Doug was CEO of Precept Builders, Inc., a nationwide commercial builder, from 1993 to 2009, and co-managing partner of Evergreen Realty Partners, a commercial and multifamily development company based in Dallas. He also previously served as CEO of Precept Business Services, a NASDAQ listed services firm (sold). He currently serves on the board of directors of Great American Media (Chairman); Ryan, LLC; Adams Extract & Spice, LLC; and Park Cities Financial Group (parent of Dallas Capital Bank).

Aaron Demerson currently serves as the President and CEO of the Texas Economic Development Corporation (TxEDC). TxEDC is an independently funded and operated 501 (c) (3) organization that markets Texas both domestically and internationally as a premier business destination for companies looking to locate, relocate and/or expand their existing business footprint. Prior to joining TxEDC, Demerson served as the Commissioner Representing Employers for the Texas Workforce Commission. Governor Greg Abbott appointed him to the three-member Commission on August 20, 2019 and reappointed him in February 2021. He was confirmed by the Texas Senate in April 2021. In this role Commissioner Demerson served as an advocate for employers and small businesses in Texas. He also lead efforts as the Director of the Office of Employer Initiatives at the Texas Workforce Commission. Demerson was appointed Chair of the Governor’s Advisory Council on Cultural Affairs by Governor Abbott in November 2019. This advisory council is charged with raising public awareness of major issues affecting the state due to the rapid growth of the state’s Hispanic population and other issues resulting from changes in demographics. Prior to employment at the Texas Workforce Commission, he served as a Senior Advisor to then Governor Rick Perry and Executive Director of the Economic Development & Tourism Division in the Governor’s Office, leading a team that marketed the State of Texas as a premier destination for both business and travel. He has also served as the Director of Business Development, the Director of Administration, and managed the Finance Division for the Texas Economic Development Agency. In addition, Demerson managed the state’s innovative prepaid tuition program (formerly-The Texas Tomorrow Fund) at the State Comptroller’s Office and was employed as a Commercial Finance Analyst and Loan Administration Officer with Texas Bank (former name) in San Antonio, Texas. Demerson has been and continues to be involved in numerous social and civic organizations including the Board for the Austin Lyric Opera, the Austin Area Urban League, Chair of the Capitol Credit Union Nominating Committee, membership in Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., Delta Sigma Pi Business Fraternity, the Texas Economic Development Council, the 100 Black Men of America (Austin Chapter) and is a member of the Texas A&M University-Kingsville Foundation Board of Directors. Demerson has a BBA in Finance from Texas A&M University-Kingsville. He also received a general banking diploma from the American Institute of Banking, is a graduate of Leadership Austin, and had the distinct pleasure of completing the Army War College Commandants National Security Program for civilians and participating in the civilian program for the Army National Training Center (NTC).

A torchbearer for the business community, Glenn Hamer has a proven track record for success. As President and CEO of the Texas Association of Business (TAB), Glenn has played a key role in advocating for policies that ensure Texas remains the best place for business in the galaxy. His leadership has driven significant wins in economic incentives, property tax relief, and regulatory consistency, all aimed at creating a business environment where companies of all sizes can thrive. In 2024, Glenn was recognized as a Power Player by the Austin Business Journal for his exceptional leadership and impact. In December 2024, Glenn was appointed by Governor Greg Abbott to co-chair the Governor’s Small Business Freedom Council, where the council’s efforts led to extraordinary wins for small businesses during the 89th legislative session. This work continues to strengthen Texas as the ultimate destination for small business growth. Glenn’s focus on building global connections for Texas is evident through the establishment of TAB’s international relations division, which works to strengthen relationships with Mexico, Canada, Israel, and other global partners. He also launched the Texas Freedom Litigation Center to further support and protect the business community in legal and regulatory matters. A passionate champion of innovation, Glenn is particularly focused on advancing Texas’ leadership in AI, energy, and emerging technologies, knowing these sectors will be critical to the state's continued economic growth. He is committed to fostering an ecosystem that encourages collaboration, investment, and growth in these areas. Glenn has made it his mission to meet with more chambers of commerce than anyone on the planet and now aspires to be the first chamber executive to visit Mars. With a reputation for connecting businesses with policymakers, Glenn excels at advocating for the interests of Texas businesses while ensuring the state’s business climate remains competitive and strong.

Michael Harris is the Vice Chairman and Global Head of Capital Markets for NYSE Group, a part of Intercontinental Exchange, Inc. (NYSE: ICE). Harris is responsible for attracting the world's leading companies to list on the NYSE, the largest and most liquid trading venue. He leads a global team focused on driving dialogue and building strategic relationships with key stakeholders within the private company ecosystem including founders/CEO’s, venture firms, private equity firms, advisory firms and market makers. Prior to joining the NYSE, Harris spent over four years at Citadel Securities as the Head of Capital Markets and Business Development, where he was responsible for building out corporate relationships and increasing Citadel’s presence with financial sponsors, VCs, corporate clients and equity advisors. Earlier in his career, Harris served as Deputy Chief Investment Officer at the U.S. Treasury where he helped wind down remaining TARP investments. In addition, he served in a variety of senior investment banking and advisory roles at UBS and JPMorgan. Harris earned a BA in Economics and a BS in Social Policy from Northwestern University. He currently serves on the board of TriState Capital Bank, an independently chartered banking subsidiary of Raymond James, offering commercial, industrial and private banking solutions.

CS Freeland is the Executive Director of the Texas Venture Alliance, the largest startup & venture network in the state actively collaborating with 80+ organizations annually including: VCs, angel networks, family offices, universities, accelerators, incubators, chambers & economic development corporations, elected & appointed government officials, and more. She founded Texas’ two sister signature experiences: the largest networking event in the state, the upcoming 4th Annual Texas Venture Fest, co-hosted in 30+ venues for 3,000+ investors & innovators as a simultaneous celebration of entrepreneurship across the state—and the upcoming 3rd Annual Texas Venture Gala & Forum, a high-powered, high-end awards dinner and daytime program spotlighting Texas excellence convening Texans from across the state. Before the Texas Venture Alliance, she cofounded the Austin Venture Association and served as the Founding Executive Director, where she accepted an “Organization of the Year” award from the Austin Asian Chamber of Commerce. For the past 15 years, CS has worked in highly innovative and multi-disciplinary roles, mostly in downtown Austin. She spent the majority of the last decade at Austin’s first venture studio, an international startup accelerator, as well as a national and a global angel investor network.

Phil Green serves as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Cullen/Frost Bankers, Inc., and Frost Bank. He joined the Cullen/Frost organization in July 1980 and served in a number of managerial positions in the Company's financial division before being named Chief Financial Officer in 1995, a position he held until 2015 when he was named President of Cullen/ Frost. He became Chairman and CEO in 2016. During his tenure at Frost, the Company has become one of the nation's 50 largest banks and has increased its common stock dividend for 30 consecutive years. He launched expansion projects to double the number of locations in the Houston and Austin regions and triple the number of Dallas-area locations. At the same time, Frost has won numerous accolades for excellence and customer service, receiving the highest ranking in customer satisfaction in Texas in the J.D. Power U.S. Retail Banking Satisfaction Study for 15 consecutive years, and earning the most Greenwich Excellence Awards for service to business clients among banks nationwide for eight consecutive years.

Nelson Griggs is President of Nasdaq, leading Nasdaq's Capital Access Platforms division, which is comprised of our Data & Listings, Index, and Workflow & Insights businesses. In this capacity, he is responsible for leading a business that serves over 10,000 corporate clients and 5,000 investor clients across the investment management ecosystem. Nelson served as Executive Vice President of Nasdaq's Corporate Platforms business in his prior role. In this capacity, he oversaw new listings and capital markets, our governance and investor relations solutions business, and led global business development and relationship management with over 4,000 of our listed companies around the world. He served previously as Senior Vice President of New Listings and Capital Markets in the U.S. and Asia, attracting some of the highest-profile IPOs and transfers to Nasdaq. Since joining our company in 2001, he has held a range of leadership roles within Listing Services unit including: Senior Vice President, Listing Services, where he was responsible for our U.S. listings business and corporate solutions sales; and Head of Asia Pacific. Prior to joining Nasdaq, Nelson worked at Fidelity Investments and a San Francisco-based start up. He graduated from Denison University in Granville, OH.

Congressman Jeb Hensarling served as Managing Director and Executive Vice Chairman of UBS Americas from 2019-23. In that role he advised the firm’s senior leadership on geopolitical and public policy risks to various market sectors and the macroeconomy. Prior to joining UBS in 2019, Hensarling served in the U.S. Congress for eight terms, including three terms as Chairman of the powerful House Financial Services Committee which exercises jurisdiction over important areas of the nation’s economy including banking, securities, fintech, crypto, insurance, housing, and monetary policy. During his congressional career Hensarling was chosen to serve in other key leadership positions including House Republican Conference Chairman, the fourth highest ranking position in Republican leadership, and Chairman of the Republican Study Committee, Congress’ largest caucus. He also served as Co-Chairman of the Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction and was a member of the Congressional Oversight Panel for TARP, the $700 billion troubled asset purchase program set up in the wake of the 2008 financial crisis. During his congressional tenure, the Wall Street Journal referred to Hensarling as, “[a driver] of economic policy in the House,” and the LA Times called him, “a pivotal player in the GOP effort to reduce financial regulation in the Trump Era.” Prior to serving in Congress, Hensarling had a varied career in business. He served as an officer of both Maverick Capital, a well-known hedge fund, and Green Mountain Energy, one of the nation’s leading retailers of renewable energy. Additionally, he spent several years practicing both corporate and real estate law. Hensarling earned a BA in Economics from Texas A&M University and a JD from the University of Texas. He currently serves as a Senior Advisor to the Texas Stock Exchange and sits onthe boards of Cox MediaGroup, Concord Servicing and Aero Design Labs and has previously served on the boards of Caliber Home Loans, IMCO Recycling and SIFMA, the trade association for the securities industry. He and his family live in Dallas where he is an active volunteer with the Dallas area Goodwill and Scouting America.

Rob C. Holmes is Chairman of the Board of Directors and the President & Chief Executive Officer of Texas Capital and its parent company, Texas Capital Bancshares, Inc. (NASDAQ®: TCBI). Since joining Texas Capital in 2021, Mr. Holmes has led a comprehensive transformation of the firm, strengthening its balance sheet to achieve industry-leading capital levels, launching Texas Capital Securities to provide investment banking and trading capabilities, and delivering record tangible book value per share. Under his leadership, the company has diversified its revenue streams by achieving meaningful fee income growth through the full build of investment banking, treasury solutions and private banking capabilities. Tangible book value per share has grown 24% since 2020, while profitability, as measured by core return on average assets (ROAA), has improved by 41bps as of year-end 2024. These initiatives have positioned Texas Capital as a full-service financial services firm with enhanced resilience, a stronger competitive position and a foundation for sustainable growth.

Ruth Hughs is the managing partner of the Austin office and a Texas lobbyist at the law firm of Kelly Hart and Hallman. She holds the chair position in the firm’s Public Law group, where her expertise aids businesses in navigating local and state government affairs. Ms. Hughs served as the 113th Secretary of State for the State of Texas, a role to which she was appointed by Governor Greg Abbott in 2019. During her tenure, she held crucial responsibilities, including serving as the State’s Chief Election Officer, Chief International Protocol Officer, and the Governor’s Chief Advisor and Liaison to Mexico and the border region. Prior to her role as Secretary of State, she held the position of Chair and Commissioner Representing Employers at the Texas Workforce Commission from 2015 to 2019. Her tenure there saw the initiation of impactful programs such as Operation Welcome Home (to aid transitioning veterans), We Hire Vets, Women’s Business Conferences, Jobs Y’all, and others. Her prior experience also includes serving as Assistant Deputy for Civil Litigation and Director of Defense Civil Litigation where she had management oversight of the civil litigation divisions at the Attorney General’s Office during then Attorney General Greg Abbott’s tenure. Ms. Hughs currently chairs the Texas Science and Engineering Fair, sponsored by Exxon and the Texas Workforce Commission, hosted at A&M Engineering in College Station. She actively contributes to multiple boards, including UTEACH, the UT Center for Women in Law, the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce, the Argentina-Texas Chamber of Commerce (ATCC), the State Highway 130 Advisory Board, and the Long Center Performing Arts Center Executive Board. In addition, Ms. Hughs holds the esteemed position of Honorary Consul of Spain in Central Texas. She has been named Texas Woman of Influence by the Seguin Area Chamber of Commerce, Great Woman of Texas by Fort Worth Business Press, Woman of Distinction by the Texas Association of Mexican American Chamber of Commerce (TAMACC), and was included in the Best Lawyers in America for Government Relations in the U.S. News & World Report.

Spencer is the founder of Transform Investments, a private investment firm and venture studio. Transform has invested in over 60 companies. Transform’s venture studio has helped build several companies, writing the first check and taking operational roles in the businesses. The companies under Transform's umbrella are worth over 1B in enterprise value and are backed by firms such as Morgan Stanley, MUFG, Softbank, 8 VC, Tribe Capital, and individuals like Chamath Palihapitiya, Kendra Scott, and Scottie Scheffler. Spencer advises and oversees private investments for his family’s second-generation business, Starfish Partners Financial that spans the executive recruiting space with over 100 offices across the world. Spencer is a venture partner at Tribe Capital, focused on harnessing data to deploy capital into N-of-1 companies. Spencer is active in the family office community and is a member of Spark, Enclave, Forge, and Post-Exit Founders. Spencer’s philanthropic initiatives include operating the Kaye Foundation, serving as a board member of PAWS Central Texas, and being an active member of the Vatican Council for Inclusive Capitalism created by Pope Francis and Lynn Forester de Rothschild.

Michael Kowski serves as President and CEO of the McKinney Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), where he drives the city’s mission to attract, grow, and retain businesses while advancing innovation and workforce development. Since stepping into the role in 2023, he has overseen transformative projects that are reshaping McKinney’s future, from the VENU Sunset Amphitheater and Cannon Beach surf-lagoon district to major headquarters relocations and expansions across the city. Michael has helped position McKinney as a hub for entrepreneurship and startups through initiatives such as the MEDC Innovation Fund and a partnership with Plug and Play, which have connected McKinney to global technology pipelines and venture capital networks. He is a frequent speaker on topics ranging from smart city technology to corporate site selection and global innovation. A credentialed city planner and certified urban designer with master’s degrees from both the University of Illinois at Chicago and Harvard University, Michael has over two decades of experience in urban planning, economic development, and public-private partnerships.

Linda McMahon is the CEO of the Dallas Economic Development Corporation (Dallas EDC). Dallas EDC is responsible for marketing Dallas nationally and internationally. As an independent organization, the Dallas EDC was created to expand and strengthen the city’s economic development growth by attracting significant business investments, fueling job creation, and ensuring long term economic advancement. Prior to joining DEDC, Linda was the President and CEO of The Real Estate Council organization, which includes The Real Estate Council, TREC Community Investors, TREC PAC and TREC Special Events. Prior to leading TREC, Linda spent three decades in banking, including 15 years with JPMorgan Chase Bank leading the Southwest Region Community Development group. Ms. McMahon is a frequent speaker on issues related to economic development, neighborhood revitalization, and affordable housing. Throughout her career, McMahon has received numerous honors recognizing her professional work and her commitment to Dallas and Texas. Ms. McMahon was named to the 2025 Texas 100 by the Business Journals of Texas and received the Industry Service Award from the NTCAR Hall of Fame in April 2025.

During his time in the Texas Legislature, Tan has been recognized as a proven champion for economic development, promoting fiscally responsible government spending, innovating medical freedoms, promoting a culture of life, and enacting greater public safety measures. He is also known for his advocacy for protecting children and vulnerable populations as well as being an early leader in the fight against human trafficking. Serving the people of Texas is considered the highest honor of his professional life, and throughout his time in public service, Tan has remained a champion for keeping government accessible, accountable, and grounded in service to others. Tan’s legislative tenure has encompassed numerous leadership roles including two terms as the chairman of the Texas House Republican Caucus, in which he led the Republican majority. He currently is the vice chairman of the Texas Senate Republican Caucus. Tan also serves on various committees working to advance policies that strengthens Texas values. In the Senate, Tan serves as vice chairman of Veteran Affairs Committee and is a member of the Administration, Education, Local Government, State Affairs, and Transportation committees. In addition to serving as a lawmaker, Tan is the editor for the newly released book, Making Government Work*, a compilation of public policy solutions from America’s most powerful voices including Nikki Haley, Chuck Norris, Rick Perry, Kathy Ireland, and many more. Tan is also a successful businessman who has, over the past two decades, worked in software, financial services, biotechnology and private equity. A passionate advocate for community, Tan serves on the Board of Trustees for the University of Dallas and has had voluntary leadership roles for regional non-profits such as Communities in Schools of North Texas, the Children’s Advocacy Center for Denton County, Kyle’s Place a shelter for homeless teens, and Special Olympics Texas. He is a graduate of the University of Dallas and the London School of Economics. He and his wife of nearly 30 years, Beth, reside in Flower Mound, Texas with their daughters, Lauren and Ashley.

Ross Perot Jr. serves as Chairman of The Perot Companies, which manages the various Perot family interests that include real estate, oil and gas, and financial investments. Additionally, Mr. Perot is Chairman of Hillwood, a Texas-based, leading global real estate development company he founded in 1988. That same year, Mr. Perot developed Fort Worth Alliance Airport, the country’s first industrial airport, through a unique public-private partnership. The airport now anchors AllianceTexas, a 27,000-acre master-planned, mixed-use community in North Texas. The area is home to the AllianceTexas Mobility Innovation Zone, an integrated testbed for both surface and air mobility technology to test, scale, and commercialize. Since its inception, AllianceTexas has become home to 590 companies, generating nearly $130 billion in regional economic impact and creating more than 66,000 direct jobs. As an aviation enthusiast, Perot completed the first helicopter flight around the world in less than 30 days in 1982 and served as a pilot in the United States Air Force. Mr. Perot then became chairman of the Air Force Memorial Foundation, leading the 14-year effort to build the United States Air Force Memorial in Washington, D.C. Mr. Perot is co-founder of Perot Systems Corporation and served in various roles within the company including CEO, Chairman of the Board, and member of its Board of Directors. Perot Systems was acquired by Dell Inc. in 2009 at which time Mr. Perot joined their Board of Directors where he served until 2013. Mr. Perot currently serves as Chairman of the Board of Directors for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and on the boards of the American Enterprise Institute (AEI) and the Hoover Institution and is a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. He is also a Board Member Emeritus for Vanderbilt University, the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, and St. Mark’s School of Texas.

Mike Rosa is Senior Vice President of Economic Development at the Dallas Regional Chamber (DRC), which has been recognized as National Chamber of the Year. Rosa leads critical relationships with regional allies, the State of Texas, the DRC’s board and executive committee, and economic development investors. His team is responsible for economic development marketing and corporate recruitment and expansion to the Dallas Region. During his career, Rosa has engaged numerous corporate locations and expansions to the Dallas Region, including several headquarters projects such as AT&T, Comerica Bank, Fluor, Hilti North America, Kubota Tractor Corporation, Toyota Motor North America, McKesson, McLaren, Charles Schwab, and CBRE. Prior to joining the DRC, Rosa was a Senior Vice President with the Buxton Company, a Fort Worth-based consulting firm that selects locations for prominent national retailers and helps cities with retail-oriented economic development programs. Rosa spent 14 years with the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce economic development department and was promoted to lead the team as Senior Vice President of Economic Development. In 2015, he served as Chair of the Texas Economic Development Council (TEDC), the 800-member statewide organization for economic developers. He also provides leadership to the DFW Marketing Team, an association of economic developers that represent Dallas-Fort Worth area cities.

G. Brint Ryan, is Founder, Chairman, and CEO of Ryan, an award-winning global tax services and software provider, being the largest Firm in the world dedicated exclusively to business taxes. With global headquarters in Dallas, Texas, the Firm provides an integrated suite of federal, state, local, and international tax services on a multijurisdictional basis, including tax recovery, consulting, advocacy, compliance, and technology services. Ryan is an 11-time recipient of the International Service Excellence Award from the Customer Service Institute of America (CSIA) for its commitment to world-class client service. Ryan was selected to the 2025 FORTUNE 100 Best Companies to Work For® list for the eighth consecutive year. Mr. Ryan previously served as Chairman and Treasurer of the Texas Association of Business and has been a member of its Executive Committee for over a decade. He is also a member of the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors for Texas Taxpayers and Research Association. Mr. Ryan also serves on several boards and organizations, including on the American Heart Association, The Texas Affiliate Board of Blue Cross Blue Shield, Dallas Citizens Council, George W. Bush Presidential Center, and United Way Metropolitan Dallas. He resides in Dallas with his wife, Amanda, and they are the proud parents of five daughters.

Dr. Cortlan J. Wickliff, Esq. is an engineer and licensed attorney who specializes in growing companies. He holds a degree in Bioengineering from Rice University, a J.D. from Harvard Law School, and a Ph.D. in Engineering from Texas A&M University, where he researched methods for enhancing corporate compliance in technical research environments. His work as Assistant General Counsel for a Texas-based pharmaceutical company, Kalon Biotherapeutics, LLC, led to the growth of a public-private partnership that will build the largest concentration of pharmaceutical production in his region (Bryan/College Station’s Biomedical Corridor). His contributions continued as he assisted Kalon in its acquisition by Fujifilm and then became the youngest member of Fujifilm’s North American and South American legal teams, responsible for legal matters for over 20 Fujifilm subsidiaries in multiple countries. Dr. Wickliff’s impact is further evident in his private legal practice, where he provides technical consulting and legal services (including IP, business, contract, and labor law) to companies ranging in size from start-ups to Fortune 500 organizations. Additionally, through his work with secondary, post-secondary, and adult education, he continues to ensure that there are qualified Texans ready to fill those new jobs. In addition to his private practice, Dr. Wickliff currently serves as Rice University’s Associate Vice Provost of Academic Affairs & Strategic Initiatives. In this role, he leverages his expertise to negotiate corporate & interinstitutional partnerships, develop university governance, ensure compliance with relevant laws & regulatory agencies, and foster healthy strategic growth for the university.