Keynote Luncheon 12:25 pm ‐ 1:40 pm

FROM VISION THROUGH FRUITION

Tom Leppert Mayor of 2007 - 2011

Mr. Leppert was responsible for creating a number of Dallas Economic Development projects during his tenure as Mayor. He was a key visionary for Trinity Groves and the downtown Omni Hotel. Believing education is a large component of economic development, he also established a summer high school intern program and a privately-funded scholarship program. As he discusses the steps he took to bring these and other projects to fruition, you will hear about the unique approaches he took to secure the backing of the City Council and the business community.

Tom Leppert has a distinguished record of accomplishment that includes high profile, successful leadership positions in both the private and public sector. His professional experience spans developing major strategic initiatives for corporate clients as a Principal with McKinsey & Co., managing companies in the role of CEO in a range of industries, leading a major US city as the elected Mayor and serving as a White House Fellow. He has had broad involvement in strategic, operations, financial and marketing functions and possesses strong analytical and communication skills. From 2007‐‐‐2011, he was the elected Mayor of Dallas, . He championed policies to improve the quality of life in Dallas and made the city a national focal point in the areas of public safety, economic development, education and the environment as well as education. In addition, Mayor Leppert led two successful referendums to build major projects in the City and guided a reform of local ethics standards.

Leppert has led major leading major national and international corporations in the areas of construction, financial services, homebuilding, real estate and education. Most recently, he was the CEO of Kaplan, Inc., leading the global multi‐‐‐billion dollar educational services company with over 22,000 employees across the globe. He served as the Chairman and CEO of The Turner Corporation, the nation’s largest general building company. In that role, from 1999 to 2006, he led the company into new markets and more than doubled its revenues.

Previously, Leppert was Vice Chairman of Pacific Century Financial Corporation and its major subsidiary, the ; President and CEO of Castle & Cooke Properties, Inc.; and a National Partner at Trammell Crow Company. He began his career at McKinsey & Co. where he was elected a Principal of the firm.

Leppert served as a White House Fellow in 1984 under President . He holds an MBA with Distinction from and graduated cum laude from Claremont McKenna College.

A lifelong community volunteer, he has served numerous community groups and charitable organizations on both the local and national levels. Leppert has chaired the West Dallas Community School, the Greater Dallas Regional Chamber, Hawaii Business Roundtable, and the Bishop Museum. He has also served on numerous boards, including the US Chamber of Commerce, National Building Museum, Executive Board US Conference of Mayors, Dallas Zoological Society, Dallas Citizens Council, Claremont McKenna College and Harvard Business School Alumni. He was appointed by President George W. Bush to the Commission. He currently serves on several national and international corporate boards.

He is a noted speaker and has appeared regularly in the media, including FOX News, FOX Business, CNN, CNBC and others. He has been recognized nationally for his leadership, including “CEO of the Year” by D Magazine, the “Texas Businessman of the Year” by the Texas Association of Business, the “Torch of Conscience Award” from American Jewish Congress, the Russell H. Perry Free Enterprise Award from Dallas Baptist University and “The Global Cross Millennium Award for Corporate Environmental Leadership” from Global Green. He has also been inducted into the “Energy Efficiency Hall of Fame” and the “Dallas Business Hall of Fame”.

He and his wife Laura live in Dallas. They have three children and are members of First Baptist Church Dallas, where he serves as a Deacon and on the finance committee and Pastor’s Leadership Council.