CHris Lawson
Candidate for Open Division Asst Commissioner
(214) 335-8882
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1. What is it about the Board position you would like to hold that most interests you in running for office?
Assistant Commissioner
2. How will you contribute to the Board as a whole if elected?
If elected as Assistant Commissioner of the Softball Austin Board, I would bring a strong commitment to being a dependable leader, problem-solver, and invaluable support to both the Commissioner and the entire board. My focus would be on ensuring seamless league operations, fostering clear communication, and creating an outstanding experience for players, coaches, and fans alike.
Having been involved in sports my entire life, I truly understand the perspectives of coaches, players, and fans. As a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, I’m especially attuned to the unique concerns that new players might have when entering the sport. I believe in creating an inclusive environment where everyone, from the absolute beginner to the seasoned player who’s been on the field since they were 4, feels welcomed and supported. There’s a place for everyone at Softball Austin, where each individual is treated with respect and provided the chance to enjoy both the game and the camaraderie that comes with it – on and off the field.
Here’s how I would add value:
- Supporting the Commissioner & Board – I’d be a second-in-command, ready to step in when needed, assist with decision-making, and ensure board initiatives are carried out effectively.
- League Operations & Organization – From scheduling games and securing fields to ensuring rules and policies are followed, I’d work to keep everything running smoothly.
- Problem-Solving & Conflict Resolution – I would be dedicated to addressing any concerns from players and coaches, ensuring that all issues are resolved fairly and respectfully, while fostering a positive and inclusive league culture. I take pride in being responsive and thoughtful, always providing quick and clear communication so that our members never have to wonder about the status of their concerns.
- Enhancing Communication – I’d work to improve communication between the board, teams, and individual players through regular updates, social media, and clear league guidelines. The goal is to get ahead months in advance to ensure coaches have everything they need far in advance. League calendar, schedules, events coordinated, etc.
- Player & Coach Support – I would assist in organizing training programs to ensure coaches have the resources they need, while also making sure players feel supported and encouraged. The key to growing the league is increasing the number of players who are willing to step up and coach or manage teams. I’m committed to providing new coaches with the tools and guidance they need, helping them navigate the process so they never feel like they’re going it alone.
- Fundraising & Sponsorship Growth – I would work to secure sponsorships and plan fundraising efforts to ensure the league remains financially strong and accessible to everyone. Austin is home to many major corporations, and I believe we can secure significant corporate sponsorships that will help us build long-term, sustainable partnerships. By locking in these relationships, we can provide the financial foundation necessary to support growth year after year.
- League Growth & Community Engagement – I would focus on recruitment efforts to bring in new players and volunteers, while building strong relationships with local businesses and community leaders. At the same time, it’s crucial that we keep our current players happy, as their satisfaction directly contributes to the league’s future growth. When players and fans are engaged and content, they’ll enthusiastically promote the league, helping to attract new members and retain them year after year.
3. Please list other volunteer commitments you have at this time.
I currently coach a B and C team and help assist other coaches in the lower divisions with practices, etc. Providing advice and feedback when asked.
Summarize your experience with Softball Austin.
I’m currently in my 4th season with Softball Austin, but my journey with the league goes way back. Before 2022, I played against Softball Austin teams dating as far back as 2006. In my first official season, I joined the ATX Wildcats in the C division. I then played as a pickup player for the ATX Rough Riders at the 2022 World Series in Dallas. In 2023, I founded the Austin Iron Bear Ghostrunners in the C division. We won our division and earned a spot at the series in Minneapolis that year. We came back in 2024 to win our division again. That same year, I had the honor of coaching the OCH Varsity D team, which also won their division and joined other Austin teams in Las Vegas for the series.
For 2025, we promoted 5 players from the Ghostrunners C team to form the Austin Ghostrunners B team. Now, I’m coaching both the Austin Iron Bear Ghostrunners B and C teams, managing a total of 30 players. I’ve also had the incredible opportunity to play in the Fall league for two of those years.
What skills and knowledge are you willing to bring to our Board?
I bring a combination of leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills, honed through my extensive experience in both sports and management. With a background in organizing teams, managing diverse groups, and addressing the needs of individuals at all levels, I’m confident in my ability to support the board in fostering an inclusive, effective, and enjoyable environment for all members. Additionally, I’m committed to building strong relationships within the community, securing sponsorships, and implementing strategies for both player retention and league growth. My goal is to ensure that Softball Austin remains financially sustainable and continues to thrive in the years ahead.
Please indicate your experience in the following areas:
| Area | Experience Level |
|---|---|
| Planning | Very Experienced |
| Fundraising | Very Experienced |
| Program planning and evaluation | Very Experienced |
| Recruiting, hiring and evaluating personnel | Very Experienced |
| Financial management and control (budgeting, accounting) | Very Experienced |
| Communication, public and media relations | Very Experienced |
| Public speaking | Some Experience |
| Information technology | Very Experienced |
| Writing, journalism | Some Experience |
| Special events (planning and implementing) | Very Experienced |
For the items you checked as “very experienced” or “some experience,” please provide details.
Planning – I’ve had the opportunity to coach and play across divisions from A to E. Over the years, I’ve managed my B team, as well as coached and managed both C, D, and E teams. My involvement starts months before the season kicks off and continues until the conclusion of the World Series. Throughout this process, I’ve taken on various league roles, such as Rating Chair, Protest Chair, and organized large-scale fundraising events to support World Series teams. I’ve helped raise over $50k–$60k in multiple years to fund travel for teams attending the World Series.
Fundraising – Since 2006, I’ve secured sponsorships for every team I’ve been a part of, building strong relationships with vendors, bar sponsors, and others to secure continued funding year after year. I’ve never had a sponsor drop off. Additionally, I’ve organized large fundraisers for up to 15 teams at once, helping raise up to $60k over two months to cover World Series expenses. These events also played a key role in recruiting new players, as they served as a way for people to learn about the league and get involved.
Program Planning and Evaluation – Throughout my time in the league, I’ve helped run recruitment days, coaches’ education classes, pre-season and post-season tournaments, and more. These events catered to players of all skill levels, and I worked to understand the needs of everyone, from first-time players to those with college-level experience.
Recruiting, hiring and evaluating personnel – I started coaching with IPride in 2006, coaching my first D team while playing in C at the age of 22. I also served as the Recruitment Coordinator for the league, helping grow it from 6 teams in 2005 to 11 teams in 2006. Since then, I’ve coached and managed an average of 2 teams each season, recruiting players, evaluating talent, and delegating leadership roles to ensure team success. Many players from my original teams went on to create their own teams, further expanding the league.
Financial management and control – I’ve been managing team budgets, player fees, travel expenses, fundraising, and sponsorships since 2006. Additionally, I run three companies in my personal life, which requires meticulous accounting and tracking of every cent. With my background in accounting, I’ve developed the skills to maintain accurate and clean financial records year after year.
Communication, public and media relations – I’ve served as the webmaster for multiple seasons, managing team pages, social media, and public relations. This allowed us to effectively recruit players, promote fundraisers, and communicate upcoming events. I understand the importance of reaching the broader league community, not just a small subset of players or fans. It’s about ensuring that information is accessible to everyone, including those not on social media.
Please attach a resume or provide a bio of your work experience, highlighting volunteer work.
I’m currently leading three companies within a rapidly growing Tech Real Estate startup that achieved Unicorn status in 2021. Since stepping in to take over the initial company in 2020, we’ve expanded from operating solely in Texas and Colorado to now doing business in 37 states – and we’re continuing to grow every day.
At the heart of my role is managing managers, while still fostering meaningful relationships with everyone in the organization, from entry-level employees to the C-suite. I take pride in tailoring my leadership approach to each individual, recognizing that every team member has unique needs. It’s not just about managing people – it’s about understanding them and coaching them in a way that resonates with their strengths, aspirations, and challenges.
Return to 2025 Elections page.