As the Comptroller of Public Accounts, Susan Combs serves as the state’s chief financial officer. During her tenure as comptroller, she led efforts to make her office more transparent to Texas citizens. She created Where the Money Goes, a website that allows taxpayers to see how each state entity spends its money. Combs also directed efforts to integrate data from different state agencies to make the exchange of information more efficient. She directed the agency to release new studies on economic trends in the state and to provide resources for local small businesses. Additionally, she launched Texas in Focus, a Web site designed to serve as a resource for small businesses.
Combs began her career in elected office in 1998 as the first woman elected Agriculture Commissioner. She was re-elected in 2002. As commissioner, Combs trimmed her agency’s budget by 18 percent. Combs holds a B.A. from Vassar College and worked in advertising and finance in New York and for the federal government before enrolling at the University of Texas School of Law. After earning her law degree, she worked as an assistant district attorney in Dallas, handling child abuse cases. A San Antonio native, Combs owns a ranching operation in Brewster County. She lives in Austin with her husband, Joe, and has three sons.
ABOUT THIS EVENT
Several times a month, The Texas Tribune hosts a series of conversations featuring prominent elected officials and other newsmakers at the historic Austin Club in downtown Austin. These in-depth discussions are moderated by the Tribune's CEO and editor in chief, Evan Smith. Coffee and pastries are served before the conversation begins, allowing time for our attendees to mingle. A Q&A session afterward offers a chance for the audience to interact with our honored guest.
