Round Rock, Texas, has transformed from a farming community of fewer than 5,000 residents in the 1970s to a city approaching 150,000, and one of its leaders is sharing how service and stewardship are guiding its future. In Episode 93 of the Rock Solid: Round Rock Business Leaders Podcast, titled "Kristin Stevens | Building Round Rock's Future Through Service," host Bryan Eisenberg speaks with Mayor Pro Tem Kristin Stevens about her journey from a 22-year career in speech pathology to elected office, and the values that drive her approach to governance.
Stevens, the daughter of longtime civic leader Charlie Culpepper, reflects on inheriting a stewardship mindset. The episode is notable for featuring the daughter of a former guest, highlighting a familial continuity in civic leadership. She and Eisenberg explore the balance between ambitious goals and responsible growth in Williamson County, the fastest-growing county in the nation. Stevens emphasizes the importance of direct engagement with constituents and combating misinformation on issues ranging from data centers to public comment ordinances.
In describing Round Rock's identity, Stevens tells Eisenberg: “We have a very accepting and welcoming and warm culture here. We expect the best, right? But we accept and we bring in and we welcome everybody and all ideas and all businesses and the stories of the people that come here.” This inclusive ethos, she suggests, is central to the city's ability to grow while maintaining its character.
The conversation also touches on the role of local organizations such as Blue Santa, Meals on Wheels, Sertoma, Rotary, Frontier Days, and the Sandbass Shootout in shaping her family's service ethic. Stevens credits her father's lesson to remain accessible and mentors through Leadership Round Rock, Ascend, and YMCA leadership classes. She urges newcomers to volunteer strategically rather than dilute their impact.
A full-circle Round Rock moment illustrates the city's personal significance for Stevens: she was the first person ever to get engaged at Dell Diamond, during the inaugural Friday night fireworks game after voters passed the hotel-motel tax that funded the stadium. Her husband, who studied architecture and now works in construction, coordinated a heart-shaped fireworks display on Good Friday nearly 26 years ago. Today, her father takes her older two sons to dollar hot dog nights with Papa, and her youngest son works as a parking lot attendant for the Round Rock Express.
The episode matters because it offers a rare, personal look at the motivations and challenges behind local leadership in a booming community. As Round Rock continues to attract new residents and businesses, Stevens's emphasis on service, accessibility, and welcoming all ideas provides insight into how the city aims to manage growth without losing its soul. Her willingness to discuss the need for “thick skin” in the social media age also underscores the evolving nature of public service. For those interested in the forces shaping one of America's fastest-growing cities, this conversation is a timely and candid resource.
