On Friday, May 16th, join us for a presentation by Elizabeth Christian on the topic: “Leading by Getting Out of the Way.”
Our mission is to elevate the role of leadership in the lives of the citizens of Central Texas; to focus on the vitality and necessity of regional leadership capital; and to serve others through the process of encouraging individuals to grow, prosper and make a significant difference through the practice of leadership skills.
Elizabeth Christian, a fourth-generation Austinite and journalism graduate of The University of Texas, is president of Elizabeth Christian & Associates Public Relations. Christian has a 32-year career in public relations, journalism and political affairs and has also been active in a wide range of community affairs.
Christian is involved in every aspect of support for ECPR clients. She has spearheaded several major pro bono projects of significant benefit to the entire community, including the recently celebrated Tribute to Lady Bird Johnson’s life and “Austinites for Our Schools,” a campaign that passed $369 million in school bonds for the Austin Independent School District in 1996. In 1998, Christian coordinated all aspects of a highly successful campaign for Arts Center Stage that allowed the creation of the Long Center for the Performing Arts. She also managed the statewide public relations and grassroots lobbying effort that supported legislation allowing women direct access to their obstetricians/gynecologists. Christian was manager of Austin Mayor Bruce Todd's successful campaign for re-election in 1994.
Christian lived in California for 13 years, from 1980-1993. She worked at the Los Angeles Times in a variety of capacities for the better part of that time, holding positions as assistant Business news editor and as an editor and writer for the Real Estate section. She also co-published and edited an award-winning weekly newspaper in Northern California in the 80s. Also in California, Christian worked as both senior vice president and media director at Carl Terzian Associates, a large corporate public relations firm in Los Angeles, and served as the executive director of the Greater Ukiah Chamber of Commerce, where she helped revitalize the Mendocino County Tourism Board.
Christian is extremely active in the Austin community. She is on the board of the Headliners Club, the board of visitors for Southwestern University, the board of directors for the Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary and the Austin Independent School District Foundation. In 2004, she was named “Public Relations Practitioner of the Year” by the Texas Public Relations Association. In 2001, she received the prestigious Profiles in Power Award given by the Austin Business Journal.
The breakfast will be held from 7:30 until 9:00 a.m. on Friday, May 16th, at the Austin Club. The Austin Club is located on the north side of 9th Street between Congress and Brazos. The cost is $20.00 per person. Reservations are required. To register go to www.theaustinleadershipforum.com. Registration closes on Wednesday, May 14th. Please don’t delay.
