Campaign
Leadership

What Starts Here campaign volunteer leaders’ generosity, leadership and vision make them some of the university’s most valued partners. Hundreds of alumni and friends have joined us to set an example through their giving and commitment to our cause — and we are grateful.

Corporate Champions Council

Members of the Corporate Champions Council represent some of UT’s most philanthropic partners. They advise university leaders, build enterprise-level connections and accelerate the impact of the What Starts Here campaign through corporate partnership.

Tamara Fields

Austin Office Managing Director & South Market Unit Director of Operations

Caroline Joiner

Regional Policy Leader

Steve Kester

Government Affairs, Central and S.E. U.S.

Eric Van Hensbergen

Fellow

Adrianna Bernal

Assistant Vice President, Public Affairs

Jaime Garza

Vice President, Basic Petrochemicals

Eric Sirgo

Vice President, Enterprise Leading Performance

Eric R. Davis

Global Completions Chief

“The University of Texas sits like a star in the middle of Austin and in the state of Texas. We are honored that UT is part of our origin story and we are humbled and grateful to be able to work in partnership to impact the lives that will change the world."

Chris Turnley

Executive Vice President, University Federal Credit Union

Karen Plotkin

Senior Vice President, America’s Client Solutions, Sales

Jonathan Moore

Managing Director

Nina Golder

Vice President, Guardian Solutions Business

Nick Clausi

Vice President of Research

Katharine McAden

Head of Public Policy and External Affairs, South

"The University of Texas at Austin is a powerhouse of innovation, at the forefront of cutting-edge research that will solve today’s most pressing challenges. This prowess is thanks to the exceptional skills and dedication of UT’s students and faculty, and Microsoft is honored to join in the mission to change the world for the better."

Conor Cunningham

Partner Software Manager/Architect and Austin Engineering Site Lead, Microsoft Corporation

Winell Herron

Vice President, Public Affairs, Diversity and Environmental Affairs

Melissa Evers

Vice President, Software Ecosystem Enablement

Our partnership with UT is invaluable. The University Co-op was founded more than 125 years ago to provide UT students with course materials and that continues today. Together, we’ve been able to maximize our impact on students through scholarship and engagement. Together, we empower students to change the world."

Cheryl Phifer

President and CEO, University Co-op

Cheryl Mills-Knight

Senior Vice President Brand & Culture

Rachel Jamail

Regional Lead, NORAM East & LATAM

Conor Cunningham

Partner Software Engineering Manager/Architect and Austin Engineering Site Lead

Shahid A. Haq

Reservoir Engineering Advisor and Reservoir Domain Head

Tony Almeida

General Manager, Shell Lubricants Latin America

"UT understands partnership and how to cultivate high-performing students who will do well in any corporate setting. I believe UT has the right mix of research, innovation and education needed for today’s ever-changing environment."

Tamara Fields

Austin Office Managing Director & South Market Unit Director of Operations, Accenture