Join us for The Statesman Series featuring the Honorable Dade Phelan (R) and the Honorable Larry Gonzales (R) for a thoughtful conversation on Texas politics, leadership, and the issues shaping the state’s future. Drawing on their experience in the Texas Legislature, Phelan and Gonzales will offer insights into the political landscape, the challenges facing Texas, and the importance of effective leadership and public service.
5:00 pm Networking Reception. Lite bites provided.
5:30 pm - 6:30 pm. The Statesman Series event.
Free and open to the public.
Speaker:
The Honorable Dade Phelan, Former Speaker of the Texas House (R-Beaumont)
Former Speaker Dade Phelan served as the 76th Speaker of the Texas House and is currently serving his sixth term as State Representative for District 21.
Prior to serving as Speaker, he served as Chair of the House Committee on State Affairs, as Vice-Chair of the Natural Resources Committee, as a member of the Calendars, Appropriations, and Elections Committees as well as the Select Committee on Ports, Innovation and Infrastructure.
In 2019, Speaker Phelan was named by Texas Monthly as one of the Best Legislators of the 86th legislative session. He has earned numerous additional accolades in recognition of his legislative service, including Capitol Inside's "Most Valuable Sophomore Member" in 2017 and as one of their "Most Outstanding Freshmen Legislators" in 2015. Phelan has been named Legislative Champion by the Boys and Girls Club of Texas, Legislator of the Year by the Texas Apartment Association, Guardian of Small Business by the National Federation of Independent Business, Most Valuable Legislator by the Texas Association of Community Schools, a Fighter for Free Enterprise by the Texas Association of Business and the 2019 Mental Health Champion by Mental Health America.
Phelan is the former president and two-time Governor appointee to the Lower Neches Valley Authority. His board service includes the Texas Lyceum, Southeast Texas CASA, Golden Triangle Coastal Conservation Association, The Jefferson Theater, St. Anne Catholic Church and Catholic Charities of Southeast Texas.
In addition to his duties as Speaker, Phelan works as a real estate developer at his family's fourth generation commercial real estate development firm, which owns and manages retail, industrial and office property in Texas and Arkansas.
His wife, Kim, is a solo practitioner attorney and together they have four sons, Ford, Mack, Hank and Luke. He and his family reside together in Southeast Texas, where Speaker Phelan was born and raised. He received his bachelor’s degree in Government and Business from The University of Texas at Austin.
Hosted by:
The Honorable Larry Gonzales, Former State Representative (R-Round Rock)
Representative Larry D. Gonzales has dedicated his career to public service, fiscal responsibility, and effective government. Serving in the Texas House of Representatives from 2011 to 2018, Representative Gonzales became known for his leadership on budget transparency and state agency oversight. As Chairman of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Articles VI, VII, and VIII, he helped appropriate funding for 42 state agencies overseeing natural resources, business and economic development, and regulatory programs. He also served as Chairman of the Texas Sunset Advisory Commission, leading efforts to streamline government operations and improve accountability across state agencies. Before his time in the legislature, Representative Gonzales built a career in public administration and communications, working in higher education and the private sector. A proud graduate of The University of Texas at Austin, he earned his B.A. in Government and later received a Master of Public Administration and Certified Public Manager credential from Texas State University. Born and raised in Texas, Representative Gonzales has long believed in pragmatic leadership rooted in service, collaboration, and results. Today, he continues to engage in civic and leadership development efforts across the state, drawing on his deep understanding of Texas government and commitment to building effective institutions.