America and Texas 2022: A Time of Disruption and a Time for Healing
We are at one of the most profound moments of change, disconnection, and disruption in American history. What does this mean for us in politics, business, and our lives, and what is the path forward?
About our speaker:
Matthew Dowd is a renowned thought-leader and writer — and one of the most creative analysts, visionaries, and strategists of his generation. Dowd is a trusted influential voice, author, and media analyst widely respected for bringing a common-sense perspective to cultural, political, economic, and spiritual trends.
Dowd has worked in Texas for Congressman J.J. “Jake” Pickle (D-Texas), the Texas Democratic Party, U.S. Senator Lloyd Bentsen, and Lt. Governor Bob Bullock, the last high-profile Democrat to win a statewide race. After being named a rising national star by Campaigns & Elections magazine, he co-founded Public Strategies, Inc, an Austin-based public relations company.
After working on his 2004 campaign, Dowd publicly broke with President Bush and the Republican party in 2007, declaring himself an independent. He left political campaign consulting and co-authored the New York Times bestseller Applebee’s America: How Successful Political, Business, and Religious Leaders Connect with the New American Community (2006). He then joined with colleagues to form Vianovo, Inc., a media and public relations firm that advised numerous foundations, non-profit organizations, and corporations — including The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the National Basketball Association, and Bono’s ONE Campaign. He later founded Country Over Party, a national forum to convene voters and candidates dedicated to a leadership vision who prioritize values such as integrity, compassion, honesty, decency, service, and dedication to patriotism over party affiliation.
Dowd was the Chief Political Analyst for ABC News for over a decade until he left in January 2021. At ABC he was known as a reliable, steady voice who could be counted on for fact based, non-partisan insights on Good Morning America, This Week, and Nightline. During that time, he published the groundbreaking best seller A New Way: Embracing the Paradox as We Lead and Serve (2017). He also served as a visiting lecturer at many of the nation’s top universities, including Harvard, Yale, Stanford, Dartmouth, The University of Texas, and The University of Chicago.
Dowd is out with a brand-new book, Revelations on the River: Being a Prophet for Your Own Path, in which he writes that “at a moment of incredible change and profound disruption, all of us are examining our lives and delving into the meaning of our journey. Through a global pandemic, economic upheaval, and fundamental adjustments in our way of life, each of us are looking for how to navigate the rapids and bends as we move forward in discovery with a desire for connection.”
As a philanthropist, Dowd has invested in “for good” startups and has served on the boards of the Catholic non-profit Seton Family of Hospitals, Texas Habitat for Humanity, and Texas Impact, an interfaith group working on behalf of justice. He is a proud “pop” of six wonderful children, four who have grown into beautiful adults and two who he lost at a young age but will never forget. He lives a serene life amongst the beauty of nature and wonderful people on the Blanco River in Wimberley, Texas.
Agenda:
6:50am - Coffee & Networking
7:10am - Breakfast Buffet
7:25am - Introductions & Announcements
7:50am - Speaker Introduction
8:20am - Q&A
8:30am - Have a wonderful Wednesday!
Directions and Parking
Breakfast Fees & Policy
