Jack Balagia ’76 has been named the new executive director of the Kay Bailey Hutchison Energy Center, bringing a wealth of knowledge and leadership experience from his distinguished career in the energy and legal sectors.

Balagia was on the legal team at Exxon Mobil Corp. for nearly two decades, including serving as vice president and general counsel from 2010 until his retirement in 2016. As general counsel, he led a global law department of 450 lawyers and 350 support professionals across 31 offices worldwide. During his time at Exxon Mobil, Balagia played a key role in guiding the company through a wide range of legal challenges, from litigation and regulatory compliance to corporate governance.

Kay Bailey Hutchison served as the United States Ambassador to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) 2017 – 2021. During her term, she focused on the importance of U.S. leadership in the Alliance and strengthening the transatlantic bond that provides the security umbrella for Europe and North America. From 1993 to 2013, Kay represented the State of Texas in the United States Senate. She was elected, by her peers, to chair the Republican Policy Committee. Kay served two terms as Chair of the Board of Visitors at The U.S. Military Academy at West Point. She is the author of three books, including the bestseller, American Heroines, (William Morrow, 2004). In 2013, the Dallas City Council named the City’s Convention Center in her honor. Her alma mater named its Energy Center, The Kay Bailey Hutchison Energy Center at The University of Texas at Austin. Kay is the recipient of The University of Texas Presidential Citation Award, the highest honor bestowed by the University. She earned a B.A and J.D. from the University of Texas at Austin.

Jennifer serves as Executive Director of the KBH Energy Center at the University of Texas at Austin.

We are delighted to officially introduce Jennifer Sloan as the newly appointed Managing Director of The Kay Bailey Hutchison Energy Center. As Managing Director of the Center, Jennifer will play a pivotal leadership role with responsibility for the development and execution of key strategic initiatives. In addition, her responsibilities will include overseeing fundraising and development efforts, managing all Center events, and fostering collaboration with our councils to enhance the Center’s standing both within the University and the broader energy industry. We also want to thank Mari Myers for her outstanding service as Managing Director. Mari has been a dedicated leader and has significantly contributed to our Center’s growth and accomplishments over the past six years. Please join us in congratulating Jennifer and thanking Mari! As we look to the future, we are excited by Jennifer’s appointment and how it will help us further elevate all we do.