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The North Texas Commission Foundation continues to expand on its successful conversations highlighting the significance of culture and commerce in shaping our region. The 2026 North Texas Culture & Commerce Summit focuses on strengthening the region’s economic future by elevating culture's role as a strategic driver of competitiveness, workforce success, and civic engagement. Throughout the program, leaders from business, government, and community organizations explore how cultural values, such as team-building, purpose-driven commerce, inclusivity, and community trust, directly shape our region’s economic vitality.
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AGENDA
8:00 AM
Registration & Breakfast
8:30 AM
Welcome Remarks: The Importance of Civic Engagement in the Diversified Economy of NTX
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Chris Wallace, President and CEO, North Texas Commission
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Opal Mauldin-Jones, Board Chair, NTC | City Manager, City of Lancaster
8:45 AM
Opening Keynote: Culture as a Competitive Advantage
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Judy Carter, Senior Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer, BNSF Railway
9:30 AM
Panel: ‘Commerce with Character—Balancing Profit and Purpose'
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Myrna Estrada, Senior Vice President and Field Executive, Liberty Mutual
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Anette Landeros, Chief Strategy Officer, Trinity Metro
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The Honorable Amir Omar, Mayor, City of Richardson
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Moderator: Audra Leseckaite, Corporate HR and Head of Inclusion & Belonging, Lennox
10:30 AM
Culture at its Core, Candid Perspectives
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Pete Havel, Author, The Arsonist in the Office
11:20 AM
Lunch Buffet
11:50 AM
Fireside Chat: When Culture and Commerce Collide: Conflict Resolution in 2026
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Richie Butler, Founder and Chief Visionary Officer, Project Unity
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Moderator: Winjie Miao, Senior Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer, Texas Health Resources
12:45 PM
Panel: Building a Comprehensive Culture of Success: Navigating to Build Great Teams
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Michelle Burgess, Director of HR Innovation and Inclusion Practices, Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages
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Claire Powell, City Manager, City of Lewisville
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Steve Gandara, CEO of Excellent Cultures, Inc.
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Moderator: LaTonya Flournoy, Senior Employee Experience Partner, DFW International Airport
1:35 PM
Closing Remarks
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