KEVIN P. ELTIFE, Tyler, Texas, was appointed to a six-year term on The University of Texas System Board of Regents by Governor Greg Abbott in January 2017 and was confirmed by the Texas Senate on February 7, 2017.

On December 20, 2018, he was elected Chairman of the Board of Regents. Chairman Eltife chairs the System Review and Structure Task Force. He previously served on the Academic Affairs Committee; the Audit, Compliance, and Risk Management Committee; the Facilities Planning and Construction Committee; the Finance and Planning Committee; and the Board for Lease of University Lands.

He formerly served as Senator for Texas Senate District 1, as the Mayor of Tyler, and on the Tyler City Council. He has also served as a member of the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.

Mr. Eltife is the owner of Eltife Properties, Ltd. He is a Director for Citizens 1st Bank and serves on The University of Texas at Austin Development Board and The University of Texas at Tyler Development Board.

Mr. Eltife earned a Bachelor of Business Administration from The University of Texas at Austin. He resides in Tyler with his wife and two children.

Kevin is one of the most accomplished, self-made men I know. I’ve had the pleasure of knowing him for almost 20 years. After losing his father at a young age Kevin took notes from his uncle and learned the real estate business. It was in that business he learned the frustrations of bureaucracy and decided to get involved in public service to remedy said frustration. It was soon after he became a member of the Tyler City Council and later the Mayor. Eventually, he served as a State Senator all the while building a wildly successful real estate business.

If you ever wanted to know what a life well lived looks like, I give you exhibit A in the form of Kevin Eltife. Please enjoy this interview.

Make sure to like me on Facebook and follow me on Twitter to stay up to date with the latest podcast episodes.

You can listen on Apple Podcasts and Google Podcasts.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Android | RSS

I enter the North Dallas offices of Spaeth Communications. It’s an unassuming suite. On the wall facing me as I look to the right of the glass conference room is a framed D CEO Cover with a photo of Merrie Spaeth sitting cross legged on top of a large executive desk. The caption reads, “The Fixer.” The name Merrie Spaeth has become synonymous with crisis management and effective messaging in board rooms across the United States. She is the founder and CEO of the company that bears her last name.

However, it was a long and winding road to these offices just across from North Park Mall off the LBJ freeway in North Dallas. It was a road that lead to Hollywood, Washington D.C., New York and finally led to the Lone Star State.

Merrie’s official bio reads as follows:

Merrie has a unique background in media, government, politics, business and entertainment. She is a thought-leader in communication theory, a master of executive coaching and acknowledged as one of the most influential communication counselors in the world. Before founding Spaeth in 1987, Merrie was a producer for ABC’s 20/20, a speechwriter for the legendary founder and chairman of CBS, William S. Paley, and was assigned to FBI Director Judge William Webster while serving as a White House Fellow. All of this culminated into her roles as director of public affairs for the Federal Trade Commission, and ultimately her appointment as director of media relations at the White House in the Reagan Administration. Merrie is a sought-after public speaker who provides strategic communication counseling for companies and executives across the globe. She is also a dedicated mother, dog-lover and needlepoint enthusiast.

I can’t help but describe Merrie as a true renaissance woman. She is in every way a Texas Titan, and gives me great pleasure to introduce you to my friend Merrie.

Make sure to like me on Facebook and follow me on Twitter to stay up to date with the latest podcast episodes.

You can listen on Apple Podcasts and Google Podcasts.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Android | RSS

John Wilding is a master networker, military veteran, corporate attorney and deal maker. John is the is the founder and host of the Last Tuesday Happy Hour at the Ritz Carlton in Dallas. He’s also an active community volunteer and philanthropist. In the world of mergers and acquisitions John Wilding is definitely a Texas Titan. 

John Willding is a partner in Barnes & Thornburg’s Dallas and Washington, D.C., offices and a member of the Corporate Department. John’s practice focuses on complex business matters, including mergers and acquisitions, corporate finance and securities law compliance.

Make sure to like me on Facebook and follow me on Twitter to stay up to date with the latest podcast episodes.

You can listen on Apple Podcasts and Google Podcasts.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Android | RSS