NTX Connects is a dynamic event series designed to foster dialogue between leaders across federal, state, and private sectors. Over the course of six roundtables, this series will provide a unique platform for in-depth discussions on critical issues impacting North Texas and beyond.
Each event will bring together an exclusive group of decision makers and influencers, creating an environment where collaboration and actionable solutions take center stage. Sessions will either focus on federal issues, state priorities, or private sector challenges and opportunities. Presented by Fidelity Investments, NTX Connects offers a comprehensive view of the policy and business landscape shaping our region. This new series is in an intimate and smaller setting allowing for greater dialogue and interaction with the speaker.
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To learn more information about sponsorship opportunities, please reach out to our team here.
Speakers
Jose Beceriro
Strategic Negotiator for Data Center Site Acquisition and Development at Google
Jose Beceiro serves as a Strategic Negotiator for Data Center Site Acquisition and Development at Google. He joins Google with 21 years of experience in economic development and project development, with a majority of his work centered in the energy transition and cleantech areas.
Jose most recently served as the Director of Site Selection and Incentives Advisory at Kroll managing the energy transition site selection practice. He also worked as the Senior Director of Global Energy 2.0 for the Greater Houston Partnership managing energy transition clients, corporate relocation projects, stakeholder relations, as well as public policy and federal agency initiatives. Previously, Jose served as the Director of Corporate Relations at the University of Texas at Austin and Director of Clean Energy at the Austin Chamber of Commerce.
Jose holds a Bachelor's in Economics and a Master's in Energy and Earth Resources from the Jackson School of Geosciences at The University of Texas at Austin.
He has served as the Founding Board President of the ATXelerator, Board Chair for CleanTX, Board Member of BCarbon, and is a recent winner of the Austin Under 40 Award for Energy, Cleantech, and Environmental Services.
Mercedes Bolen- Moderator
Government & Public Affairs Strategist, Longbow Partners
Mercedes Bolen is an external and public affairs strategist with more than 20 years of experience helping organizations navigate complex political, regulatory, and community environments across North Texas. She currently serves with Longbow Partners, where she advises clients on municipal affairs, stakeholder engagement, land use and zoning strategy, and reputation management.
Previously, Mercedes spent 13 years as Vice President of External Affairs and Strategic Initiatives at Hillwood Development Company, supporting outreach and transformative projects across AllianceTexas and the region. Earlier in her career at Chesapeake Energy, she held leadership roles working closely with elected officials and city staff on zoning, land use, and regulatory matters.
The Honorable George P. Bush
CEO and Managing Partner, Pine Cove Strategies
Commissioner Bush serves as the CEO and Managing Partner of Pine Cove Strategies, drawing
upon more than 30 years of executive experience in both government and business. Throughout
his career, he has led high-profile initiatives, shaped strategic decision-making, and delivered
impactful results for public and private sector clients alike.
Prior to co-founding the firm, Commissioner Bush served as the 28th Land Commissioner for
the State of Texas where he led the largest housing recovery in State history in response to
Hurricane Harvey, helping more than 60,000 victims rebuild their homes and their lives. As
Chairman of the $8.6 billion Permanent School Fund, he helped to generate record revenues for
K-12 education through innovative administration and implemented prudent stewardship
measures over 13 million acres of state lands and natural resources.
Prior to his election to statewide office, Commissioner Bush co-founded Pennybacker Capital,
a Texas-based private equity fund, and he practiced corporate & securities law with a national
law firm in Dallas. He also proudly served for a decade as an Intelligence Officer in the U.S. Navy
Reserves, where he earned the Joint Service Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement Medal,
Afghanistan Campaign Medal and Intel Warfare Designator pin in recognition of his service.
Shane Shepard
City of Lancaster, Director of Economic Development
Shane Shepard serves as the Director of Economic Development for the City of Lancaster, Texas, where he leads strategic initiatives focused on advanced manufacturing, data centers, and emerging technologies. Located in the Dallas–Fort Worth Metroplex, Lancaster has become one of the region’s fastest-growing industrial markets, with significant investment in large-scale distribution, cold storage, and mission-critical infrastructure. In his role, Shane works closely with domestic and international companies, site selectors, and public partners to position Lancaster as a competitive destination for data center development and AI-driven industries, aligning infrastructure, incentives, and workforce to support long-term growth.
With a strong focus on innovation and global engagement, Shane has been actively involved in international business recruitment through programs such as SelectUSA and statewide organizations. His work emphasizes practical, performance-based economic development strategies that balance growth with community impact, particularly as demand for digital infrastructure accelerates. Shane brings a pragmatic, market-driven perspective to conversations around data centers and artificial intelligence, grounded in real-world dealmaking, infrastructure considerations, and the evolving needs of both communities and industry.