David Gilford’s Post

The City of San Antonio and Mayor Ron Nirenberg were amazing hosts for 2024's final work trip. Accelerator for America's Advisory Council meeting was full of pragmatic planning, reflection, and camaraderie in tackling critical issues like infrastructure resilience and workforce development. Some highlights: 📈 🚧 My panel with Nashville Mayor Freddie O'Connell, Maurice Henderson II, and Jannet Walker-Ford on "Advancing Infrastructure in an Uncertain Future," moderated by Ross van Dongen and introduced by Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego 🏀 🏛️ Leadership lessons from Brian Wright, General Manager of the San Antonio Spurs Sports & Entertainment on building high-performing teams in both sports and public service 🤠 🎸 Warm Texas hospitality, from the Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center to Boeing Center at Tech Port, guided by San Antonians from Henry Cisneros to First Lady Erika Prosper Wonderful to spend time with so many leaders and friends, including Mary Ellen Wiederwohl, Quinton Lucas, Anne Bovaird Nevins, Zach Etzin, Josh Cohen, Sam Johnson, Ryan Whalen, Eileen Higgins, Patrick Carlson, Bruce Katz, Michael Roth, Caitlin Lewis, Chris Wheat, RJ McGrail, Paige Gebhardt Cognetti, Quentin Hart, Matt Tuerk, Tim Kelly, Andy Schor, Larry Jacob, Stuart Sunshine, Reyahd D.J. Kazmi, Kian Kamas, CEcD, David Goldwater, Morgan Said, and more. Huge thanks to Samantha Deutchman and the AFA team for seamlessly and heroically making all of this possible. As always, I'm proud to represent SIP with this unique group of public and private leaders, collaborating to build more resilient and prosperous communities. I can't wait to see what we accomplish together in 2025. Happy Holidays!