Chris Del Conte and Texas Athletics Named Austinite of the Year by Austin Chamber
AUSTIN, Texas — Austin Chamber has named Chris Del Conte and Texas Athletics as the 2024 Austinite of the Year. This award represents the highest honor the Chamber offers on an annual basis. Del Conte will be honored at Austin Chamber’s Annual Meeting, which will take place on February 27, 2025.
“I can’t thank the Chamber enough for recognizing the contributions that The University of Texas makes to our great community. I firmly believe Austin is the best city in the country, and we are so appreciative to be a part of this incredible place,” Del Conte, UT’s Vice President and Lois and Richard Folger Athletics Director, said of receiving this honor.
Del Conte’s dynamic leadership has helped to position UT Athletics as a central pillar of Central Texas’ vibrant economy. Under his guidance, the athletic department has made strategic investments in facilities, marketing, and partnerships, all of which have contributed to increased attendance at sporting events and higher revenue from ticket sales, merchandise, and sponsorships. These economic gains for UT have a ripple effect, benefiting surrounding businesses such as restaurants, hotels, and retail outlets that see a boost during game days and other major athletic events. Del Conte’s emphasis on Texas as a powerhouse in college sports — a program that won two National Championships, earned a spot in the College Football Playoff semifinal, and claimed a record 15 Big 12 Championships last year alone — has also attracted national attention, fostering tourism and providing a platform for Austin to showcase its growing influence as a sports and entertainment hub.
Some of Del Conte’s key accomplishments include the major renovation project of the South End Zone of Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium, construction of the 375 million Moody Center, and a brand-new state-of-the-art practice and training facility for the Men’s and Women’s Basketball and Rowing programs, along with renovation and enhancement projects for Baseball, Track & Field, Soccer and the Eddie Reese Outdoor Pool for the Swimming & Diving programs.
“I am very proud to recognize Chris Del Conte as the Austinite of the Year for his leadership, vision, creativity, and collaboration to provide programming and activities that absolutely move the needle forward for our business community and all Austinites. In my discussion with Chris, it was clear that his commitment to our community expands way beyond athletics, but also includes service to the community, improving the quality of life for Austinites, a being a great partner to our city,” said Rudy Garza, Austin Chamber’s Board Chair who selected Del Conte to receive this honor.
“The impact that Chris and UT Athletics have had on Central Texas has been immeasurable. Chris’ vision has helped guide UT Athletics through one of its most transformative periods in history. This is the Chamber’s most highly anticipated and prestigious award of the year, and I look forward to celebrating Chris and UT Athletics at our annual meeting in February,” said Austin Chamber’s President and CEO, Jeremy Martin.
About the Austinite of the Year Award
The Chamber created this special award in 1984 to recognize significant leaders in the local community who were instrumental in making Austin an even better place to live, work, and do business. Recent honorees include Dr. Richard Rhodes (2023), Roy Spence (2022), Collette Pierce Burnette, Ph.D. (2021), Susan Dawson (2020), Jesús Garza (2019), Ray Wilkerson (2018), Bobby Jenkins (2017), Dell Medical School Drs. Ken Shine and Clay Johnston (2016), Mobile Loaves and Fishes CEO Alan Graham (2015).
About the Austin Chamber
The Austin Chamber of Commerce is a nonprofit membership organization that helps people live, work, and thrive in Austin. The Chamber invests in a broad range of programs that build and support Austin’s diverse business community. The Chamber is the voice of business at all levels of government. To learn more, visit austinchamber.com.
