Celebrating Leadership and Progress at the 2026 Annual Meeting
Relieve the best moments from our Annual Meeting and check out the Austinite of the Year video below!
Posted on 01/29/2026 by Austin Chamber of Commerce
Our Annual Meeting on January 23 was charged with energy as 750+ members of Austin’s business community gathered to celebrate the Chamber’s impact. From honoring our Volunteers of the Year and Austinite of the Year to welcoming new Board Chair Denise Davis and unveiling our vision for 2026, relive all the best moments from the day.
Kerry Hall named Austinite of the Year
Each year, the Austin Chamber’s Board Chair is entrusted with the meaningful responsibility of selecting the Austinite of the Year—an honor reserved for individuals whose leadership has left a lasting impact on our community. In a city shaped by visionary leaders and changemakers, Kerry Hall stands out as a selfless, servant leader who consistently steps up when called, not for recognition, but to make a difference.
“Kerry exemplifies the kind of leader I aspire to be,” said Mark Ramseur, Board Chair. “She leads with humility, purpose, and an unwavering commitment to Central Texas. When I asked myself who I look up to as a leader in our region—and who I hope to model my own leadership after—the answer was clear: Kerry Hall.”
In recognition of her extraordinary service and impact, Mayor Kirk Watson proclaimed that January 23, 2026, will henceforth be known as Kerry Hall Day in the City of Austin.
Austinite of the Year: Kerry Hall Video
Produced by STLL STUDIOS
Honoring our Volunteers of the Year
David Huffstutler from St. David's Healthcare presented awards to our Volunteers of the Year:
Pictured left to right: Sandy Dochen, Jeremy Martin (Austin Chamber), Jessica Scanlon (Hot Dog Marketing), Danielle Kaufman (Davis Kaufman), Dom Powell (Long Center for Performing Arts), Tiffany Dunsmore (Austin Scavenger Hunt), Nico Ramsey (ECPR Texas), David Huffstutler (St. David's Healthcare), Angie Smith (Luna Data Solutions), and Mark Ramseur (Pape Dawson)
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Looking forward to 2026
2026 Board Chair Denise Davis shared her vision for the year ahead—one rooted in public service, community impact, and helping businesses succeed. Drawing on her experience in public policy and advocacy, Denise emphasized the Chamber’s role in supporting businesses of all sizes, from entrepreneurs and startups to nonprofits and major employers.
She highlighted entrepreneurship as a top priority, building on the new ATX Entrepreneurs Collective to expand access to mentorship, education, and resources. Denise also outlined key focus areas for the Chamber in 2026, including workforce development, economic growth, public safety, and nonprofit collaboration.We look forward to Denise’s leadership and all she will accomplish in the year ahead.
Thanks for celebrating with us!
Thank you to everyone who joined us - your support makes Austin an extraordinary place to live and do business. Here’s to another great year ahead- we're looking forward to making a huge impact in 2026!
Thanks to our wonderful sponsors!
Presenting Sponsor
Austinite of the Year Sponsor
Video Sponsor
Award Design Partner
Sustainability Sponsor
Corporate Sponsor
Supporting Sponsors
3 Point Partners
ABC Home & Commercial Services
Austin Transit Partnership
Baylor Scott & White Health
Dignity Memorial
DoorDash
E3 Alliance
Encotech Engineering
Frost Bank
Garza EMC
Generational Commercial Properties
JE Dunn Construction
Pape-Dawson
Twin Liquors
Pivotal Partners
Foundation Partners
Corporate Partners
Related Categories: Events, Signature