CANCELLED: Houston September 2019 Luncheon

"EVolve Houston"

Due to the weather situation and the need for one of our speakers to be in the Operations Center with the Mayor of Houston today's luncheon has regrettably been cancelled.  Stay dry and stay safe.

Our first speaker, Elizabeth Brock, will discuss the growing electric vehicle trend in the Houston region. Chris George, Executive Director of EVolve Houston, will share the organization’s mission.
 

Elizabeth Gonzalez Brock
Director of External Engagement and Planning, CenterPoint Energy

Elizabeth Gonzalez Brock began her career in government relations as a Congressional Aide and then served as a Legislative Aide in both Houston and Austin. Elizabeth eventually became District Director for the Dean of the Texas Senate. In these roles she learned to navigate local grassroots and community initiatives.
Later, Elizabeth transitioned to the private sector and served as Governmental Affairs Director for Texas Southern University, University of Houston, and Reliant Energy. While representing the universities, Elizabeth was responsible for securing state and federal appropriations and driving important higher education policy initiatives. As Elizabeth transitioned to the energy space, she learned about the retail market, generation and utility sector.

Elizabeth has over twenty years experience developing and passing effective legislative policy and agendas. She works closely with elected officials and staff to create a spirit of collaboration between industry and government.    

Currently, Elizabeth oversees CenterPoint Energy’s Office of External Engagement and Planning. She manages relations for over 100 local jurisdictions in Texas and Minnesota.

Elizabeth is recognized for her intimate knowledge of the political process and advises leadership on high priority issues. She is also responsible for advancing the company’s local public policies, political action committee, and local planning initiatives. Elizabeth places a high priority on diversity in the workplace and attribute success to including diverse perspectives.

As a community leader, Elizabeth is passionate about children, supporting women and the community she loves. She serves on the Children Advocacy Centers of Texas Board (CACTX) to help spread awareness regarding children of sexual abuse. Elizabeth is also a member of the CACTX’s Woman of Courage. The Women of Courage help fund programs to help fill the gaps to ensure children of sexual abuse receive all the support needed to recover. Elizabeth believes all children deserve a safe and nurturing environment to grow.

Elizabeth strongly supports empowering women in the work place. Serving on the Greater Houston Area Women’s Chamber of Commerce Board provides the perfect opportunity to support women initiatives. Elizabeth will proudly serve as the chamber’s 2019 Chair.

Mayor Sylvester Turner recently appointed Elizabeth to the Houston First Corporation Board where she enjoys promoting Houston as a premier destination. As a board member, Elizabeth has developed an even stronger appreciation for this city and believes Houston is an amazing place to live, work and travel. Elizabeth is honored to be part of such a great organization that whose sole purpose is to promote and develop Houston.  

She previously served as Secretary of the City of Houston BARC Animal Shelter and Adoption, CNP’s University of Houston Alumni Board, Vice Chair of Greater Houston Partnership’s Governmental Affairs Committee, and East End Chamber of Commerce Board.

Elizabeth is a proud graduate of the University of Houston. She was born in Monterrey, Mexico, raised in Texas and is a proud Houstonian. Elizabeth is fluent in English and Spanish. She is married to Andy Brock and has two boys, John and Owen.
 

Chris George
Executive Director, EVolve Houston

As the Executive Director of EVolve Houston, Chris George has played an instrumental role in leading efforts across fundraising, stakeholder management, and organizational development. Prior to his leadership involvement with EVolve Houston, Chris led strategic partnerships at Vinli, a connected vehicle and data intelligence company. With experience developing and closing complex strategic partnerships in the mobility space, he brings relevant industry knowledge working alongside Automotive OEMs, consumer fleets, utilities, government agencies, dealer groups, startups, and domestic and international governments.