NORTH AMERICA CHAPTER

TEXAS

NETWORKING EVENTS

CHAPTER TEAM:

Vicky Phrydas, UBS (Chapter Leader)

Alison Pangilinan, Shell
Aundra White-Carter
Claudia Yanez, NerdWallet
Erika Rivera, Morgan Stanley
Rebecca Kargl, Zillow Group
Robert Vaughn, UBS
Salwa Tarabay, EY
Hoa Ngo Doskocil, BDO

GEO BOARD CHAPTER LIAISON:

Danyle Anderson, FGE, Bank of America

CONTACT THE CHAPTER TEAM

WELCOME TO THE TEXAS CHAPTER

This local chapter community is dedicated to sharing knowledge, experiences, and resources to help members develop their skills, expand their networks, and make a positive impact in their communities. You will have access to a wide range of valuable resources and opportunities including educational sessions and networking events.

SUBSCRIBE TO CHAPTER NEWSLETTER - COMING SOON!

LIVE WEBCAST

9 September 2025, 1 - 2pm EDT

NO SURPRISES: BUILDING A CAP TABLE INVESTORS CAN TRUST

Gracie Arnold, Carta
Chris Hoffmann, Equity Admin
Jason Mann, The Players Company

All plan types

Global

Your cap table is more than rows and columns — it’s the single source of truth that drives investor trust, internal alignment, and your company’s long-term success.

In this essential session, equity experts break down why maintaining a clean, compliant, and up-to-date cap table is critical at every stage of growth. From due diligence and fundraising to expansion into new markets, you will uncover the most common mistakes that can stall momentum — and learn how to avoid them.

Hear real-world cautionary tales of cap table missteps that derailed deals, diluted founders, or caused unnecessary complexity. Then walk away with practical tools and proven best practices to get — and keep — your cap table in top shape.

KEY LEARNING POINTS:

Why transparency, ownership clarity, and consistency inspire investor confidence and streamline fundraising.
How to identify and fix common red flags — from founder over-dilution to “dead equity” and undocumented equity promises.
Actionable insights to clean up and future-proof your cap table before it costs you time, capital, or opportunity.

CPE CREDIT HOURS: 1.0*

Field of study: Specialized Knowledge
Levels: O
Delivery method: Group Internet-Based
Advanced preparation: None

CEP Continuing Education (CE) credit:1.0 credits *CPE credits are provided for live webcasts only.

Please visit our Continuing Education and Event Policies pages for more information.

ARTICLE

29 August 2025

MUSK FILES TO DISMISS LAWSUIT OVER HIS PURCHASE OF TWITTER SHARES

BBC NEWS

USA

Elon Musk is asking a US court to dismiss an SEC lawsuit accusing him of saving $150 million by disclosing his Twitter stake late in 2022, in violation of rules requiring disclosure within 10 days of surpassing 5% ownership. His lawyers argue the case is baseless, saying he corrected the filing quickly, caused no harm to investors, and is being unfairly targeted due to his public criticism of the regulator. The SEC maintains Musk’s delay caused economic harm and is seeking unusually large monetary penalties compared to similar cases.

READ ARTICLE

ARTICLE

26 August 2025

ESOPS ARE BACK IN THE SPOTLIGHT— WHAT ADVISORS NEED TO KNOW IN 2025

Forbes

USA

Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs) are experiencing a resurgence in 2025, moving beyond manufacturing into mainstream industries as regulators and lawmakers push for broader employee ownership and new financing options. ESOPs offer powerful tax advantages and succession planning benefits, but they come with costs, complexity, and long-term obligations, prompting some businesses to consider Employee Ownership Trusts (EOTs) as a simpler alternative focused on legacy and cultural continuity. For business owners, the choice between ESOPs, EOTs, or other succession strategies ultimately depends on priorities such as liquidity, tax efficiency, employee retention, and preserving company values.

READ ARTICLE

LIVE WEBCAST

20 August 2025, 1 - 2pm EDT

DEMYSTIFYING AI: OPPORTUNITIES, LIMITATIONS, AND THE PATH FORWARD

Matt McKittrick, Baker Tilly
Loren Den Herder, Baker Tilly

Operational effectiveness

Trending now

All plan types

Global

Artificial intelligence is reshaping the way we work—but what does that really mean for today’s business landscape? This session provides a clear, accessible overview of AI, including the current state of the technology, real-world examples of generative AI and machine learning in action, and the challenges organizations face in adopting it. We'll also explore internal roadblocks, such as resistance to change and data concerns, and take a realistic look at AI’s current limitations. Whether you’re new to the conversation or navigating AI integration within your organization, this session will leave you better equipped to evaluate its potential and prepare for what’s next.

KEY LEARNING POINTS:

Gain a foundational understanding of the current AI landscape and how it’s evolving.
Explore practical examples of generative AI and machine learning use cases in business.
Identify common internal challenges and limitations when implementing AI-driven solutions.

CPE CREDIT HOURS: 1.0*
Field of study: Specialized Knowledge
Levels: O
Delivery method: Group Internet-Based
Advanced preparation: None

CEP Continuing Education (CE) credit: 1.0 credits
*CPE credits are provided for live webcasts only.

ATTENDEE COST:
Members: $0
Non-Members - $85

Please visit our Continuing Education and Event Policies pages for more information.

WATCH THE WEBCAST

LIVE WEBCAST

14 August 2025, 1 - 2pm EDT

Bridging the Talent Gap in Equity Management: Smart Strategies for a Stronger Future

Donna Bell, insightsoftware
Michael Mauro, insightsoftware

Design and strategy

Employee engagement

All plan types

Global

The equity compensation industry is facing a critical talent shortage—with more than 60% of finance teams struggling to hire qualified professionals and a shrinking pool of experienced talent creating long-term risks for business continuity. This timely webinar explores how organizations can proactively address this challenge by developing scalable strategies to attract, grow, and retain top equity talent.

Join us to discover how strategic career development, succession planning, and emerging technologies can future-proof your equity programs and ensure long-term success. Whether you're leading a team or building one, walk away with proven approaches to elevate your equity function in a competitive market.

KEY LEARNING POINTS:

Understand the root causes of the talent gap and how it's impacting equity functions across industries
Explore practical strategies for attracting, developing, and retaining skilled equity professionals
Learn how to leverage automation and technology to optimize workflows and reduce dependency on hard-to-fill roles

CPE CREDIT HOURS: 1.0*
Field of study: Specialized Knowledge
Levels: O
Delivery method: Group Internet-Based
Advanced preparation: None

CEP Continuing Education (CE) credit:1.0 credits *CPE credits are provided for live webcasts only.

ATTENDEE COST:
Members: $0
Non-Members - $85

Please visit our Continuing Education and Event Policies pages for more information.

WATCH THE WEBCAST

ARTICLE

14 August 2025

‘BIG BEAUTIFUL BILL’ AFFECTS TAX PLANNING FOR STOCK OPTIONS AND RSUS

Forbes

Finance, tax and accounting

All plan types

USA

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act of 2025 (OBBBA) brings several tax changes that affect equity compensation, including raising the SALT deduction cap from $10,000 to $40,000 through 2029, though the benefit phases out for incomes above $500,000. It also alters Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) rules beginning in 2026, making it more likely high earners exercising incentive stock options will trigger the AMT. Additionally, the law expands Qualified Small Business Stock (QSBS) benefits and shortens holding periods for capital gains exclusions, while adding new limits on charitable deductions starting in 2026.

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ARTICLE

13 August 2025

WHY CFOS MUST STOP TREATING COMPENSATION AS A COST

CFO Dive

Finance, tax and accounting

All plan types

Global

CFOs should stop viewing compensation purely as a cost and instead treat it as a strategic investment aligned with business goals, using data-driven approaches that balance base pay, variable pay, equity, and benefits. A comprehensive compensation strategy helps retain top performers, manage underperformers, and attract talent even in uncertain markets, avoiding the costly turnover and inefficiencies of reactive, boom-and-bust pay tactics. By leveraging market intelligence and flexible incentives, companies can maximize the value of every compensation dollar and build resilience through economic cycles.

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ARTICLE

8 August 2025

EQUITY COMPENSATION FOR STARTUPS AND EARLY-STAGE EMPLOYEES

Ann Arbor SPARK

Private and pre-IPO companies

All plan types

Global

Equity compensation is a key tool for startups to attract and retain talent while conserving cash, offering employees ownership stakes that align their incentives with the company’s long-term success. Common forms include restricted stock awards (RSAs) and stock options (ISOs and NSOs), each with different tax treatments, benefits, and risks. While equity can motivate employees and provide significant financial upside, it also introduces legal, tax, and administrative complexities, making careful plan design and professional guidance essential.

READ ARTICLE

IN-PERSON CHAPTER EVENT

1 October 2025, 11am - 1pm CDT

GEO TEXAS CHAPTER

Austin, TX

Trending now

All plan types

USA

TEXAS FALL ROADSHOW

EQUITY EXCELLENCE: STRATEGIC EQUITY PLAN DESIGN AND YEAR-END EXECUTION

Join us this fall for this great session, presented by Stock & Option Solutions! We're offering three convenient dates and locations to make it easy for you to attend. This session will guide you through the best practices for designing and managing effective equity compensation plans that attract top talent and align with your organization's goals. We'll cover essential considerations like plan structure, grant types, vesting schedules, and participant communication.

You'll also get a comprehensive guide to year-end administration, including critical timelines, compliance requirements, tax considerations, and strategies for efficient reporting. Leave with actionable insights to optimize your equity programs and ensure a smooth year-end close.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Learn to design equity plans that attract talent and meet business objectives.
Master key aspects of plan structure, grants, and clear communication.
Navigate year-end administration, compliance, and reporting with confidence.

There is no cost to attend and members and non-member are free to join, but registration is required.

LOCATION
UBS Financial Services
98 San Jacinto Blvd
#600
Austin, Texas 78701
(UBS First Floor Conference Room)

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS

CHAPTER DISCUSSION BOARD

GEO members in your area can come together to engage in meaningful discussions, share ideas, ask questions, and connect with fellow members who share similar interests via GEOconnect. Whether you're a long-time member or a newcomer, we encourage you to participate and contribute to the vibrant discussions happening here.

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PAST EVENTS AND RESOURCES

Access details of past local events and their materials. Whether you missed an event or want to revisit the content, our community discussion board provides a platform to access event information, including presentations, videos, and discussions.

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REGIONAL NEWS AND INSIGHTS

Explore the GEO Insights area, where you can filter by region to access the latest events, articles, survey findings, and reports. Stay updated with the latest information and insights specific to your region, and gain valuable knowledge from our curated content.

View regional news & resources

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NORTH AMERICA CHAPTER

CHAPTER TEAM:

GEO BOARD CHAPTER LIAISON:

WELCOME TO THE TEXAS CHAPTER

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CHAPTER DISCUSSION BOARD

PAST EVENTS AND RESOURCES

REGIONAL NEWS AND INSIGHTS

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