In Chapter 11 of 18 in his 2011 Capture Your Flag interview with host Erik Michielsen, public affairs and communications strategist Matt Curtis answers "How Has Winning Austinite of the Year Validated Your Approach to Community and Public Service?" Winning the award as part of Austin Under 40, Curtis connects his experience serving the community to promoting community service as a lifestyle option. Curtis sets a life goal to create more community service centered lifestyles by promoting the positive change volunteering creates. Curtis is the communications director for Austin mayor Lee Leffingwell. Curtis' charity work includes affiliations with Capital Area Food Bank, Big Brothers, Big Sisters, Students of the World, the Rainforest Project and the Art Alliance. In 2011, Curtis won "Austinite of the Year" in the Austin Under 40 Awards. He earned his bachelor's degree in radio, television and film from the University of North Texas.