Round Rock, Texas, once a farming community of fewer than 5,000 residents in the 1970s, is now approaching a population of 150,000. That transformation, and the values that must guide it, are at the heart of a candid conversation with Mayor Pro Tem Kristin Stevens on Episode 93 of the Rock Solid: Round Rock Business Leaders Podcast. The episode, titled Kristin Stevens | Building Round Rock's Future Through Service, was hosted by Bryan Eisenberg and released on September 30, 2026. It matters because Stevens, the daughter of longtime civic leader Charlie Culpepper, embodies a stewardship mindset that has shaped the city for decades. Her appearance marks the first time the podcast has featured the child of a former guest, underscoring a familial continuity in local leadership that is increasingly rare.
Stevens left a 22-year career as a speech pathologist to serve on the City Council, a decision that highlights the personal sacrifices often required for public service. In a county that is the fastest-growing in the nation, Williamson County, she and Eisenberg explore the tension between ambitious goals and responsible growth. They also tackle the challenge of combating misinformation on issues ranging from data centers to public comment ordinances. Stevens stresses the need for thick skin and direct engagement with constituents in the social media age. Her perspective is important because it offers a blueprint for how local leaders can maintain transparency and trust amid rapid change.
The conversation also delves into the role of service organizations such as Blue Santa, Meals on Wheels, Sertoma, Rotary, Frontier Days, and the Sandbass Shootout in shaping her family's ethic of giving back. 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. This advice is crucial as Round Rock welcomes thousands of new residents each year, many of whom are eager to get involved but unsure where to start.
Stevens describes the city's identity in plain terms: "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 inclusive vision is a key reason why Round Rock has been able to grow without losing its small-town feel. The episode also surfaces a full-circle moment: 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 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. These personal stories illustrate how civic investments like the stadium create lasting community bonds.
For listeners, the episode provides more than a history lesson. It is a call to understand that Round Rock's future depends on balancing growth with the values that made it attractive in the first place. Stevens's journey from speech pathologist to council member shows that leadership often comes from unexpected places. Her emphasis on welcoming all ideas while expecting excellence sets a tone for how the city can navigate the pressures of being one of America's fastest-growing communities. As Round Rock continues to expand, the lessons shared in this conversation will be essential for residents, business owners, and elected officials alike.
