Speakers

Speaker	Date	Topic
Parker County Sheriff Russ Authier	Aug 03, 2021 11:30 AM	Duties of the Sheriff and the Sheriff's Department Sheriff Authier began his law enforcement career in 1978 with the Taylor Lake Village Police Department as a reserve officer. A year later he hired on as a patrolman with the Nassau Bay Police Department. In 1982, the sheriff was recruited by the Texas Department of Public Safety and after rigorous training earned the position of Texas State Trooper. In 1994, he tested for the elite Texas Rangers. After a written test and oral review board he was promoted to Sergeant in the Texas Ranger Service and assigned to Ranger Company “B” and stationed in Parker, Palo Pinto, and Young Counties. Sheriff Authier served in that capacity until his retirement in 2008. Shortly after his retirement, Sheriff Authier was hired by then-District Attorney Don Schnebly as a criminal investigator for the Parker County District Attorney’s Office. In 2009, Sheriff Larry Fowler appointed Authier to Chief Deputy of the Parker County Sheriff’s Office, where he served with distinction until his appointment to Sheriff. Sheriff Authier graduated from San Jacinto College in 1978 with an Associate’s Degree in Criminal Justice. Sheriff Authier is the current Board President of the Freedom House and a committee member and former board member with the Children’s Advocacy Center of Parker County. Sheriff Authier is a member of the Texas Ranger Foundation, National Rifle Association, Former Texas Ranger Foundation, Weatherford Chamber of Commerce, East Parker County Chamber of Commerce, Texas Department of Public Safety Mutual Association, Springtown Chamber of Commerce, Homicide Investigators of Texas, and Texas Sheriff’s Association.
State Representative Phil King	Aug 17, 2021 11:30 AM	Recap of 2020-2021 session and looking to the future As State Representative for the 61st District, Phil King represents the people of Parker and Wise counties in the Texas Legislature. He has earned a reputation as a principle-driven conservative who consistently provides key leadership in passing some of Texas most sweeping public policy legislation. King serves on the National Board of Directors for the American Legislative Exchange Council and was the 2015 National Chair. King also serves as Vice-Chairman on the Board of Directors of the Texas Conservative Coalition Research Institute. In the Texas House, King serves on the State Affairs and Higher Education committees. Phil was a police officer for 15 years and continues to serve in the Texas State Guard. He is a practicing attorney and small business owner.
Weatherford Education Foundation	Sep 07, 2021 11:30 AM	Update since COVID and speak about upcoming A Taste for Education Giving back over $1.4 million to Weatherford ISD schools since 2001. The mission of the Weatherford ISD Education Foundation is to generate and distribute resources for programs that enhance the educational experience of our children and teachers. For twenty years, the Weatherford ISD Education Foundation, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, has provided funding that allows Weatherford ISD teachers to implement creative learning projects for students in Pre-K to 12th grade through our grant awards program. We also provide new school supplies and backpacks for students whose families need support and give scholarships that allow our teachers to continue their education. In 2018, the Education Foundation added a new funding priority called Heather's Books. Launched in memory of Ikard Elementary teacher Heather Holland, the Education Foundation gives $10 to each Pre-K student in Weatherford ISD to purchase books from their school's fall and spring book fairs. The Education Foundation is honored to fund this program that continues Heather's passion to instill a love of reading in children.
Larry Walden	Sep 21, 2021 11:30 AM	State of the County Larry Walden will speak about the state of Parker County in 2021 after COVID. He will also speak about what is on the horizon in 2022.
Kayla Christianson - Rotary District Governor	Oct 05, 2021 11:30 AM