Round Rock, Texas, is one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation, and its leaders are grappling with how to preserve its welcoming culture while managing unprecedented expansion. In Episode 93 of the Rock Solid: Round Rock Business Leaders Podcast, titled "Kristin Stevens | Building Round Rock's Future Through Service," Mayor Pro Tem Kristin Stevens offers a candid perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing the city. Hosted by Bryan Eisenberg, the episode released September 30, 2026, explores Stevens' journey from a 22-year career in speech pathology to elected office, and the legacy of service she inherited from her father, longtime civic leader Charlie Culpepper.
Stevens' decision to leave her profession and serve on City Council underscores a broader trend in rapidly growing communities: the need for engaged, experienced leaders who can navigate complex issues. Her background in speech pathology—a field focused on communication and understanding—brings a unique skill set to a council that must balance ambitious goals with responsible growth in Williamson County, the fastest-growing county in the nation. As Round Rock approaches 150,000 residents, up from fewer than 5,000 in the 1970s, the pressure to maintain infrastructure, manage public comment ordinances, and address misinformation about data centers falls heavily on local officials.
In the interview, 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." That ethos is tested as the city grows, particularly in the social media age where misinformation can spread quickly. Stevens emphasizes the need for 'thick skin' and direct engagement with constituents, a lesson she credits to her father's example of remaining accessible.
The episode also highlights the role of service organizations such as Blue Santa, Meals on Wheels, Sertoma, Rotary, Frontier Days, and the Sandbass Shootout in shaping Stevens' family's service ethic. She mentors through Leadership Round Rock, Ascend, and YMCA leadership classes, and urges newcomers to volunteer strategically rather than dilute their impact. This emphasis on focused service is critical as the city seeks to integrate new residents without losing its small-town charm.
A full-circle Round Rock moment illustrates the city's evolution: Stevens 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. Such personal ties to community institutions underscore the deep connections that leaders like Stevens bring to their roles.
The implications of this episode extend beyond Round Rock. As one of the fastest-growing communities in the country, its approach to balancing growth, combating misinformation, and fostering civic engagement serves as a case study for other cities facing similar pressures. Stevens' story—from speech pathologist to city leader—demonstrates that effective public service often stems from diverse experiences and a commitment to accessibility. By sharing her journey and her father's legacy, Stevens offers a blueprint for building community through service, one that other growing cities might emulate.
