Austin is an award-winning media relations leader with more than 15 years of experience. He currently works at CSX in Jacksonville, Fla., where he serves as the director of media relations and is responsible for the development and execution of strategic media relations programs that protect and enhance the reputation of the company. Prior to relocating to Florida in June 2024, Austin served in a variety of media relations and communications roles in Houston at bp, TC Energy, and Pierpont Communications. He is a past president of IABC Houston, and is the founder of two podcasts — Cautious Coffee and The Business Communicators.At TC Energy, Austin amplified the mission, vision, and messaging of TC Energy’s U.S. operations during a period of intense media and regulatory scrutiny while supporting the company’s commercial and operational communications in the U.S. and Canada.He joined TC Energy from Pierpont Communications where he worked with clients to advance key client objectives, shape public narratives, and influence press coverage across broadcast, digital, and print channels. He worked with clients and executives to develop and implement crisis communications plans and media training.Prior to joining Pierpont, Austin worked at bp and managed the creation and production of video, photography and graphic design content for the US, campaign measurement for the US digital team, co-led bp’s media and crisis communications training for senior executives at the company’s US assets, and handled media outreach for the Houston Open and bp’s partnership with the US Paralympic Committee. Austin served as the Public Information Officer during bp’s initial response to the COVID-19 pandemic in the Gulf of Mexico. While at bp, Austin held secondments in Washington State, Brazil, and Oman.As the past president for IABC Houston, Austin spearheaded the organization’s professional development program and the launch of the nonprofit’s podcast, The Business Communicators. The podcast is now a Texas LLC. Under Austin’s direction, IABC Houston was recognized as the 2020 IABC International Chapter of the Year and won six Chapter Management Awards. Additionally, Austin launched the chapter’s mentorship program in 2019 and the Career Center page following the impact of COVID-19.Austin is a native of The Woodlands, Texas. He graduated with a political science degree from Baylor University in 2010, and a certificate in sustainable business strategy from the Harvard Business School Online in 2021.