Round Rock Mayor Pro Tem Kristin Stevens appeared on Episode 93 of the Rock Solid: Round Rock Business Leaders Podcast, titled "Kristin Stevens | Building Round Rock's Future Through Service," hosted by Bryan Eisenberg. Released on September 30, 2026, the episode offers a candid conversation about Stevens' journey from a 22-year career in speech pathology to serving on City Council, and the lessons she inherited from her father, longtime civic leader Charlie Culpepper. This episode is notable for featuring the daughter of a former guest, highlighting a familial continuity in civic leadership that underscores the deep-rooted commitment to community service in Round Rock.
Stevens reflects on Round Rock's transformation from a farming community of fewer than 5,000 residents in the 1970s to a city approaching 150,000, situated in Williamson County, the fastest-growing county in the nation. She and Eisenberg explore the challenges of balancing ambitious goals with responsible growth, a pressing issue for many rapidly expanding communities. Stevens' decision to leave her speech pathology career to serve on City Council exemplifies her dedication to public service and her desire to shape the city's future. The conversation also touches on combating misinformation on issues ranging from data centers to public comment ordinances, a growing concern in the social media age. Stevens emphasizes the need for 'thick skin' and direct engagement with constituents, stressing that public servants must remain accessible and responsive.
The episode delves into 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 message that resonates in a city experiencing such rapid growth. Her personal story includes a full-circle Round Rock moment: 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 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, illustrating how the city's institutions remain interwoven with her family's life.
Stevens describes Round Rock's identity in plain terms, telling 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 is central to the city's appeal and its ability to attract diverse talent and businesses. As Round Rock continues to grow, Stevens' insights on service, leadership, and community engagement provide a roadmap for maintaining the city's character while embracing progress. The episode is available now wherever podcasts are heard.
