Second Annual Gathering of Central Texas Leaders

Awais Azhar is the Executive Director of HousingWorks Austin and a Community and Regional Planning Ph.D. Candidate at The University of Texas at Austin School of Architecture. Prior to his current role, he served as the Deputy Director at the organization.

For over a decade, Awais has advocated for affordable and attainable housing and transit opportunities in Austin in various capacities. He currently serves on the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas Community Advisory Council, City of Austin Planning Commission, Project Connect Community Advisory Committee, Rally Austin (Economic Development Corporation) Board, and Capital Metro Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Community Advisory Group.

Awais has a Master of Science in Community and Regional Planning and a Master of Public Affairs from the University of Texas at Austin, with a portfolio in Nonprofit Studies.

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Duke is also the Head of Music and Human Learning at The University of Texas at Austin.  He has worked closely with children at-risk, both in public schools and through the juvenile justice system.  He has authored behavior analysis software and multiple books including Brain Briefs, which he co-authored with Art Markman, his co-host on the public radio program and podcast Two Guys on Your Head.  More about Duke.

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McInroy is an award-winning show creator, host, and executive producer.  McInroy believes it is important that Public Media directly connects with the community it serves. Many of her programs combine the talent, and knowledge of the Austin community with the production arm of KUT/X Public Media to produce content that bridges the gap between the public and higher education including the podcast Two Guys on Your Head.  More about McInroy.

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Mr. Mosteller currently serves as HDR’s Operations Strategic Initiatives Director. Reporting to the COO, Mr. Mosteller drives key operational initiatives and special projects for the organization – a forward-looking role intended to enhance organizational success. 

Prior to his operational roles, Mr. Mosteller delivered projects to water and wastewater utility clients in the Carolinas and throughout the southeastern US. His leadership role for the Yadkin River Water Supply Project started in 2010 as Project Manager and he continued in Project Principal roles through all phases until the water treatment plant start-up in 2023. Mr. Mosteller led HDR’s efforts to support their client (Union County) and partner with regional stakeholders to deliver the vision that will transform this community and allow for continued economic growth well into the future.

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Paul served as Bastrop County judge from 2012 to 2022 when he ran for the local State House of Representatives seat. While judge, he over saw response and recovery in Bastrop County for six federally-declared natural disasters, like devastating wildfires and floods. He served as chair of the Capital Area Council of Governments and the Juvenile Probation Board.

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ABJ Profile

Jeff is a 30+ year communications practitioner who grew up farming in northeast Iowa.

Prior to agency ownership, Jeff was communications director at Freescale Semiconductor and public affairs director at Motorola Semiconductor for 15 years. Before Motorola, Jeff was a personnel systems manager for Lockheed Space Operations at the Kennedy Space Center and held the same title during his four-year enlistment in the U.S. Air Force.

Jeff received his Master’s in Communication Studies from Texas State University and has a Bachelor’s in Political Science from the University of Texas-San Antonio, He holds an Associate’s degree in personnel management from the Community College of the Air Force and has also earned his APR certification from the Public Relations Society of America. LinkedIn