Cohort II: External Relations (Meeting IV)

AUSTIN, TX (April 15-18, 2013)—External Relations was the fourth gathering for the AgriLife Advanced Leadership Program, Cohort II. The three day program focused on managing power and influence, understanding the role of a public servant from a public service aspect, as well as awareness of political and ethical pressures in public leadership roles. Guest speakers included: Penny Beaumont, Associate Director for Policy and Government Relations for Texas Transportation Institute (Retired), as well as panelists representing Commodity Key Stakeholders. Cohort II members met with new members of the legislature, staffers, Austin Interns as well as Joe Cox, Assistant Vice Chancellor and Cristina Cornejo, Program Coordinator, External Relations, Texas A&M AgriLife. The Capstone Assignment for Cohort II was distributed at this session. Chancellor John Sharp gave a presentation on ‘Working with the Legislature’. Cohort II toured the Hirshfeld-Moore House, attended the House Agriculture & Livestock Committee Hearing and attended meetings in the Agricultural Museum.