Pioneering Workplace Civic Responsibility Together
Our Team of Industry, Community and Policy Leaders Know What Works
Our Founders
Shared Vision: Infuse Civics into the Heart of Corporate Culture
In 2015, Jackie and Deirdre met and bonded over Texas politics and shrimp po-boys while working at a global semiconductor company. The two had important jobs leading communications, marketing, and community relations; however, they had an even bigger self-imposed responsibility: to apply civic values, such as freedom, fairness, and representation, to every aspect of the business.
This innovative work earned them praise, press, and awards, but more importantly, it taught them firsthand the positive outcomes of embracing and uniting all stakeholders, regardless of personal belief or political affiliation. Their work measurably led to happier, more loyal, and more productive employees and an improved brand reputation in their communities and industry.
But Jackie and Deirdre wanted to do even more. That’s why they founded IGC Institute. For them, doing good is not just a profession, but a way of life. Taking the lessons learned from nearly a decade of of leading corporate civic engagement efforts in-house, Jackie and Deirdre have spent the last several years helping major brands do the same. In 2024, they decided to expand efforts to more businesses through this nonprofit. Daily, they leverage their experience, skills, and influence to create lasting social change and build a better future for companies, organizations, our country and the world.
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Deirdre Walsh
Founder, Executive Director
Deirdre has been at the forefront of innovation for the last 20 years.
Career Highlights:
Global marketing exec for $1b tech company
Head of communications for IPO
White House Innovation Fellow
Austin LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce Board hair
Texas Impact Foundation Board
Leadership Austin Board
AARO Research Fellow
Prior to co-founding IGC and IGCI, Deirdre was an intrapreneur at a variety of technology companies in Austin and Silicon Valley. She built high-performing teams and award-winning programs focused on measurably improving reputation, reach, relationships, and revenue.
Deirdre has contributed to the community, serving both sides of the aisle. She has been a White House LGBTQ+ Tech and Innovation Fellow under President Obama; a communications specialist for Texas Republican Troy Fraser; the Chair of the Austin LGBT Chamber of Commerce; and a board member for the Texas Impact Foundation and Changing Expectations.
Deirdre's expertise in communications has garnered attention from the Harvard Business Review, VICE, Forbes and the Wall Street Journal; earned her speaking spots at more than 60 events, including Adobe, SXSW and Nike; and honors from Meta, Forrester, and Gartner.
Deirdre is a voracious learner and data nerd. She graduated from The University of Texas, the Austin Area Research Fellows program, and Leadership Austin Essentials.
Deirdre is a wife, mom and hat collector. Her superpower is finding the perfect .gif for any situation.
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Jackie Padgett
Founder, Strategy Officer
Jackie has spent her career building social impact programs and developing community partnerships across the globe.
Career Highlights:
Corporate Communications and HR leader
Strong CSR, nonprofit, public policy experience
Austin Under 40 Award Finalist
Con Mi MADRE Board Chair
Austin Education Fund Board
The New Philanthropists Advisor
Austin Monitor Advisor
Prior to founding IGC and IGCI, Jackie led communications and PR at Silicon Labs. During her tenure, she streamlined the company’s social impact efforts and launched its first public affairs program, giving back more than 1% of profits to global organizations and advocating for mission-aligned causes.
Jackie has a strong nonprofit background. She served as Community Relations Director at the Central Texas Food Bank, driving community engagement initiatives and creating the organization’s first corporate relations program. Additionally, she managed the federal and state charitable campaigns at United Way for Greater Austin, raising millions for nonprofits in Central Texas.
Jackie holds a BA and MA in Political Science from Texas State University. In addition to her professional work, Jackie is a longtime community leader who is passionate about making education and information accessible for all. She is a proud alum of Leadership Austin 2018 and currently serves as board chair of Con Mi MADRE, board member of Austin Ed Fund, and advisory council member of The New Philanthropists and Austin Monitor.
In her free time, you’ll find Jackie running around town with her family and their frisky pup.
Our Civic Cabinet
Leading the Charge in Workplace Civic Responsibility with Expertise and Proven Success
Comprised of current and former corporate executives, legislation experts, and community leaders, IGCI’s cabinet is the trusted authority on “workplace civic responsibility.” We have decades of experience in corporate risk management, social impact, public policy, employee engagement, and strategic communications. Our team has spearheaded many large-scale, civic engagement programs at notable brands, and our successful track record underscores our ability to transform employers into a force for civic participation.
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Andrew Peters
B2B Marketing and Tech Leader, LGBTQ Chamber Board Chair, Corporate Champion
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Bee Moorhead
Texas Impact Foundation, Texas Policy & Grassroots Advocacy Advisor
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Elizabeth Doty
The Erb Institute at University of Michigan, Corporate Political Responsibility Taskforce, IGCI Partner
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Frans Kopp
Retired Civil Engineering Fellow at Shell, Member of CItizens' Climate, IGCI Partner
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Gretta Determann
Democracy & Policy Analyst, Leadership Now Project, IGCI Partner
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Marjorie Clifton
Communications Consultant, Media Personality, Expert on Voting Rights and Immigration, IGCI Partner
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Melissa Andrieux
Experienced Litigator at Dorf Nelson & Zauderer, Chief Diversity Officer, IGCI Partner
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Tom Hedrick
Private Investor, Former McKinsey Partner, Early Childhood Education, Strategic Advisor
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Tyson Tuttle
Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas Board, Retired Semiconductor CEO, Major Donor, Strategic Advisor
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Sandy Dochen
20+ years at IBM, Corporate Citizenship & Public Affairs, Strategic Advisor
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Stephen Phillips
Tax and Business Law and Policy, IGCI Board Member
Our Partners and Major Supporters
Championing Civic Engagement Through Collaboration and Open Dialogue
Our institute’s name, IGC, is an abbreviation for 'In Good Company.' We believe the lack of civics education and engagement is too big of a problem for one organization to solve on its own. Therefore, we’re firmly committed to collaboration. Our nonpartisan nonprofit thrives on open dialogue and partnership. We work with key players, both locally and nationally, across various sectors including academia, business, government, media and nonprofits. Join us!
