What does it really take to help define the voice of a city? In this episode, we sit down with Kristin Marcum, CEO of ECPR Texas, whose 25-year journey in public relations mirrors Austin’s evolution from a quirky college town to a 21st-century boomtown. From organizing Lady Bird Johnson’s funeral coverage to playing a pivotal role in launching Austin FC and shaping the narrative around major civic milestones, Kristin’s work has quietly influenced how the city sees itself - and how the world sees Austin.
We trace her story from humble beginnings clipping press articles in a converted bathroom office to leading a 25-person firm at the forefront of media strategy, civic advocacy, and community storytelling. Along the way, you’ll hear wild behind-the-scenes stories - like wrangling elephants on Congress Avenue - and thoughtful reflections on mentorship, leadership, and the city’s growing pains.
This episode is a masterclass in quiet influence, strategic storytelling, and what it means to build something meaningful in the city you love.
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

🐘 Pulling off an elephant parade—and what it taught about city logistics

🏟️ Bringing Austin its first major league stadium and sports team

📰 How public relations evolved from scissors and fax machines to digital strategy

🌱 Why mentorship, adaptability, and service shape sustainable leadership

About Kristin Marcum:

Kristin Marcum is the CEO of ECPR Texas, one of the state’s top public relations firms (and celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2025). She joined the company in 1999 and went on to acquire it in 2022, expanding it into a full-service brand management partner offering strategic communications, digital marketing, video production, event planning and crisis response. Kristin is known for her calm, clear-headed leadership—she’s the person organizations call on their best day and in their darkest hour. She’s guided clients through mass casualty events, natural disasters, high-stakes litigation and major corporate milestones.

Her leadership has earned recognition from the Austin Business Journal, Women in Communications and the Association of Fundraising Professionals. Kristin also serves on several nonprofit and civic boards, including United Way for Greater Austin, where she is Chair. She holds a degree in mass communication and political science from Texas State and completed crisis communications training at Harvard.

Personal LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristin-marcum-3036604/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kristinmarcum/

ECPR LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ecprtexas

ECPR Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ECPRTX

ECPR Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ecprtexas/

ECPR website: https://ecprtexas.com/

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