In Chapter 10 of 18 in his 2011 Capture Your Flag interview with host Erik Michielsen, public affairs and communications strategist Matt Curtis answers "Why is It Not Only Important to Participate in a Scene But Also to Contribute?" He learns that by participating in too many boards and commissions, he becomes "overboarded" and finds his ability to contribute diminished. Curtis comes to prefer helping a non-profit accomplish goals rather than sitting on boards. He advises young professionals to avoid becoming "overboarded" with volunteer commitments and to make sure that with participation comes contribution. 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.