12:00 pm: Lunch. Lunch will be provided. 12:15 - 1:15 pm Event.
Free and open to the public. RSVP required.
2026 Lt General Norm Lezy Distinguished Speaker Series
Join us for a conversation about the current state of Texas’s military personnel and the state’s critical role in national security. The discussion will explore the challenges facing the military, the readiness and priorities of Texas’s forces, and the state’s evolving role in our nation’s defense.
About the Speakers
Maj. Gen. Dawn M. Ferrell (Ret), Former Assistant Adjutant General – Air for the Texas National Guard
was the Assistant Adjutant General – Air for the Texas National Guard. In this position, she served as the principal advisor to the Adjutant General of Texas for all Air National Guard issues. She was responsible for formulating, developing, and coordinating all programs, policies, and plans for three Wings and more than 3,300 Air National Guard personnel throughout the state of Texas. General Ferrell was Dual Status Commander certified and was a Level III Joint Qualified Officer
Phil Fountain, Former Executive Officer, Texas Air National Guards
earned an M.A and a B.A from Midwestern State University in Wichita Falls, TX and a Ph.D. from the University of North Texas in Denton, TX. Prior to working full time with the Texas Air National Guard, General Ferrell was the Director of Institutional Research and Planning and the Accreditation Liaison at Vernon College in Wichita Falls, TX, where she was responsible for the college’s quality, planning and assessment processes, ensuring compliance with the standards of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, and overseeing all aspects of administrative research for the college. General Ferrell also served as an adjunct instructor for Vernon College and Wayland Baptist University, teaching political science courses.
Moderated by:
The Honorable Larry Gonzales, former State Representative. Former Chairman of the House Appropriations and Sunset Committees.
Representative Larry D. Gonzales has dedicated his career to public service, fiscal responsibility, and effective government. Serving in the Texas House of Representatives from 2011 to 2018, Representative Gonzales became known for his leadership on budget transparency and state agency oversight. As Chairman of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Articles VI, VII, and VIII, he helped appropriate funding for 42 state agencies overseeing natural resources, business and economic development, and regulatory programs. He also served as Chairman of the Texas Sunset Advisory Commission, leading efforts to streamline government operations and improve accountability across state agencies. Before his time in the legislature, Representative Gonzales built a career in public administration and communications, working in higher education and the private sector. A proud graduate of The University of Texas at Austin, he earned his B.A. in Government and later received a Master of Public Administration and Certified Public Manager credential from Texas State University. Born and raised in Texas, Representative Gonzales has long believed in pragmatic leadership rooted in service, collaboration, and results. Today, he continues to engage in civic and leadership development efforts across the state, drawing on his deep understanding of Texas government and commitment to building effective institutions.
General Lezy
Lt General Lezy was a public policy leader, serving more than 30 years in the United States Air Force, culminating as the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Military Personnel Policy where he was responsible for the establishment of all policies concerning military personnel matters including accessions and retention programs; compensation and benefits; and the classification, assignment and career development for the 1.4 million service members of the Department of Defense. His example of leadership in public policy leaves behind a tremendous legacy.