2024 – Hon. Rudy Metayer
2023 – Ali Khataw 2022 – Rubén Cantú
2020 – Gerry J. Tucker, J.D.
2019 – David Escamilla
2018 – Simone Talma Flowers
2017 – Cookie Ruiz
2016 – Mark Williams
2015 – Lee Leffingwell
2014 – Bobbie Barker
2013 – Susan Dawson
2012 – Sam Planta
2011 – Bill Stotesbery
2010 – Patsy Woods Martin
2009 – Lee Thomson
2008 – Kerry Tate
2007 – Pike Powers
2006 – Clarke Heidrick
2005 – Cathy Bonner
2004 – Libby Malone
2003 – George Cofer
2002 – Joe Parker
2001 – Chuck Meyer, in memoriam
2000 – Leroy Wormley
1999 – Gary Valdez
1998 – Kirk Watson 1997 – Pat Hayes
1996 – Mel Waxler
1995 – Polly Scallorn
1989 – Dan Bullock
The Outstanding Alumni Award is given in the honor of Polly Scallorn who was the founding Executive Director of Leadership Austin and served in that role for 15 years. This is Leadership Austin’s highest award given to a graduate of our flagship program, Essential and is made on the basis of an alumni’s length and breadth of community service. The Outstanding Alumni epitomizes the highest standards of integrity and servant leadership—while demonstrating a commitment to the core values of Leadership Austin: Equity, Relationships, and Learning.
Essential 25-2004
Geronimo M. Rodriguez Jr. is Vice President of Advocacy and External Affairs at Seton Healthcare Family in Austin, Texas, where he has led initiatives in diversity, inclusion, workforce development, and civic engagement since 2006. He has over 23 years of public service experience, including advising federal, state, and local officials and managing presidential, gubernatorial, and attorney general campaigns.
Mr. Rodriguez served in the White House Office of Congressional Affairs, supporting legislative preparations for the World Trade Organization’s Seattle Round. Later, he acted as Deputy Associate Director and Acting Associate Director in the Office of Presidential Personnel, recommending senior appointments and advising on Hispanic community representation.
He is active in numerous leadership roles, including Co-Chair of the Healthcare Workforce Alliance of Central Texas, Chair of Leadership Austin, and Board Member of KLRU-TV, PeopleFund, and the Austin Area Research Organization. He has taught at the LBJ School of Public Affairs and St. Edward’s University on US Latino Policy and political leadership.
A former migrant farmworker from Alamo, Texas, Mr. Rodriguez earned his bachelor’s degree, cum laude, from St. Edward’s University, attended Syracuse University as a Woodrow Wilson Fellow, and received his law degree from the University of Texas School of Law. His accolades include the Education Service Award from San Juan Diego Catholic High School and the Austin Under 40 Award for Government/Political Affairs. Through his work, Mr. Rodriguez remains dedicated to advocacy, community service, and inspiring future leaders in healthcare and beyond.