From storyteller to city shaper, Connie Gonzalez joins the podcast to share her journey from broadcast journalism to Chief Strategy Officer at Brooks, one of San Antonio’s most dynamic mixed-use developments. She discusses how Brooks has transformed from a former Air Force base into a $1B+ economic engine and what that growth means for the future of the city—especially the South Side. Connie offers insight into her intentional, people-first leadership style, the importance of building strong relationships, and how strategic decisions can drive long-term community impact. She also reflects on her experience earning an Executive MBA from UTSA and why continuous learning is critical in a rapidly evolving world. Tune in for a conversation on leadership, growth, and what it takes to build something that lasts for generations! Birds Up!

Show Notes
Brooks
Chanclas Y Cervezas
Harvey Najim $6.5M Gift
Bold Promise Covers Tuition at Health Science Center
UT San Antonio Dramatic Arts Little Shop of Horrors
UT San Antonio Alumni
UT San Antonio Alumni Events
Fiesta Arts Fair
UT San Antonio Fiesta Medals
Biride Bash Scramble
Alumni Gala
UTSA Athletics

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UT San Antonio alum Clay Killinger’s journey to executive leadership is one of resilience, grit, and unexpected opportunity. After transferring to UT San Antonio and navigating a non-traditional path to graduation, Clay went on to build an impressive career in finance, serving as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of CST Brands and holding senior leadership roles at Valero Energy.

Known as “The Fixer,” Clay became the leader organizations called when facing complex, high-stakes challenges—from Exxon Valdez oil spill insurance litigation to forensic accounting in major corporate investigations and serving as an auditor during a U.S. presidential campaign.

In this episode of Birds Up, Clay reflects on the mentors who helped shape his journey, lessons from decades in public-company leadership, and how disciplined financial stewardship now supports children’s charities across Bexar County through his work with the Najim Foundation.

Tune in to hear Clay’s remarkable journey from UT San Antonio classrooms to the corporate boardroom—and the leadership lessons he shares with the next generation of Roadrunners. Birds Up!

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Harvey Najim Foundation
UT San Antonio Alumni
UT San Antonio Alumni Events
Fiesta Arts Fair
VIA Expands Service Across UT San Antonio
UT San Antonio Excellence Awards
The Rowdys 2026
Biride Bash Scramble
Alumni Gala
UTSA Athletics

Thanks for tuning in! Don’t forget to like, follow, and subscribe for more great content! Birds Up!

Fresh off a return from NASA with UT San Antonio students who won a national competition, Dr. Chris Packham joins us for a powerful update on the groundbreaking work happening at the intersection of research, innovation, and student opportunity. From collaborations with Blue Origin to leadership roles connected to the James Webb Space Telescope and the development of the Habitable Worlds Observatory, Dr. Packham shares how UT San Antonio is contributing to the next generation of space exploration.

We also dive into his role as Chair of the Japanese Society for the Promotion of Science Alumni Association, the global research pipeline he’s helping build for UT San Antonio students — including opportunities in Japan — and his leadership as Chair of the Gemini Observatory Board. Closer to home, he discusses returning to teach Astronomy 101 and what he calls a “new era” of teaching and learning in the classroom.

This episode is about more than telescopes and research — it’s about UT San Anotnio students competing and winning on a national stage, global partnerships expanding opportunity, and Roadrunners helping shape humanity’s understanding of the universe.

Tune in, subscribe, and share this episode with a fellow Roadrunner. Birds Up.

Show Notes:
UT San Antonio Alumni
Diploma Dash 5k
UTSA Athletics
Dr. Chris Packham
UT San Antonio researcher aims to save an endangered crocodile in Southeast Asia
UT San Antonio to launch nation’s first open-access neuromorphic computing hub

Thanks for tuning in! Don’t forget to like, follow, and subscribe for more great content! Birds Up!