12 p.m. Lunch will be provided
12:15-1:15 p.m. Program
Free and open to the public.
RSVP required.
2026 Lt General Norm Lezy Distinguished Speaker Series
Join us for a luncheon conversation on the role the state of Texas has played in past military challenges and the state’s evolving role in national defense. We’ll discuss lessons learned from post-9/11 deployments and National Guard emergency and disaster responses, including Hurricanes Katrina and Harvey, and effectively mentoring the next generation of leaders.
About the Speakers
Retired Maj. Gen. Dawn M. Ferrell
Former Assistant Adjutant General – Air for the Texas National Guard
In this position, Retired Maj. Gen. Dawn M. Ferrell 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. Retired Gen. Ferrell was Dual Status Commander certified and was a Level III Joint Qualified Officer.
Major General Ferrell earned a Master of Arts and a Bachelor of Arts from Midwestern State University in Wichita Falls, and a Ph.D. from the University of North Texas in Denton.
Phil Fountain
Former Executive Officer, Texas Air National Guard
Phil Fountain is a public affairs practitioner and executive communicator based in Austin, Texas with work in Washington, DC. His focus includes: legislative engagement; public policy; history; and photography.
During the past 25 years, Phil has held senior state legislative staff positions with Texas legislators and state agencies. He also served on Texas-based staffs for a member of Congress and a United States senator.
Phil is currently the director of government affairs for the Texas Military Department. A veteran, having served as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom, he is also a part-time Air Force public affairs officer within the Texas Air National Guard.
His work in the defense innovation space has been nationally recognized, including teamwork on an additive manufacturing partnership in 2020, which won the inaugural National Guard Bureau Innovation Competition and received a Presidential Gears of Government Award.
Phil earned his bachelor and master of public administration from Texas State University. He also completed two public affairs training courses at the Defense Information School, Fort Meade, Maryland, and is a 2024 graduate of the Governor’s Executive Development Program from the Governor’s Center for Management Development, LBJ School of Public Affairs, The University of Texas in Austin.
Moderated by:
The Honorable Larry Gonzales
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.