In Chapter 4 of 18 in his 2011 Capture Your Flag interview with host Erik Michielsen, public affairs and communications strategist Matt Curtis answers "How Do You Make a Leader More Effective in What You Do?" He notes the importance of supporting them and focusing not on individual aims but the aims of the elected official. Curtis notes the daily challenges elected officials face with nonstop interaction. He amplifies leadership effectiveness by providing a positive environment and also identifying and making introductions that support his leader's aims. 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.