The BBB Southeast Texas Foundation announced the lineup of speakers for the 2026 Spark Leadership Summit set for Thursday, Feb. 26, at the Holiday Inn on Walden Road in Beaumont. Hours are 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Designed to empower leaders at every stage, the Summit will bring together influential voices, changemakers, and visionaries committed to strengthening leadership, integrity, and impact across Southeast Texas and beyond.
Produced by the BBB Southeast Texas Foundation, the Spark Leadership Summit is billed as more than an event — it is a movement to ignite purpose, elevate leadership, and spark positive change across local businesses, nonprofits, and communities.
“We created a high-energy leadership experience designed for emerging and advancing professionals across Southeast Texas,” said BBB CEO Darren Erwin. “For the third year, we invite our community to invest, inspire, and impact the future leaders who are shaping our region.”
The featured speakers include:
• Michael Laidler — “Fueling Resilience: Leading Yourself First to Turn Pressure into Growth”
• Cameron Cruse — “I’m Fine… and Other Things We Tell Ourselves Right Before the Pivot”
• Kyle Scott, executive director of Entrepreneurship at Lamar University — “Fireside Chat: Innovation in Rapidly Changing Times”
• Chris Kovatch, vice president of Commercial Lending at Rave Financial — Panel Discussion: “The Future-Proof Leader — Navigating Power, Pressure & People in a Disrupted World”
• Panelists include Carrie Phillips, Orange Plant manager at Chevron Phillips Chemical Company LP; Brandy Colunga, vice president of Human Resources at MCT Credit Union; Dr. Angela Hill, provost/vice president of Instruction for Lamar Institute of Technology; and additional leaders to be announced.
Attendees can expect engaging keynote sessions, leadership strategies, and opportunities to connect with like-minded professionals committed to growth and impact.
“The Spark Leadership Summit is about igniting purpose and empowering leaders with tools they can use immediately,” said Ari Mace, vice chair of the Foundation Board of Trustees. “Our 2026 speaker lineup reflects diverse experiences and bold thinking that will leave attendees inspired and ready to lead.”
Registration is now open, and early registration is encouraged due to limited availability.
Register online at cognitoforms.com/BBBForms _2026TheSparkLeadershipSummit2026RegistrationIndivdiuals.
For more information, sponsorship opportunities, or to register by phone, contact Executive Director Leigh Ann Schroeder at leighannschroeder@bbbsetexas.org or call (409) 527-3722.
