In Chapter 9 of 18 in his 2011 Capture Your Flag interview with host Erik Michielsen, public affairs and communications strategist Matt Curtis answers "Where Has Learning to Say No Been Most Impactful in Your Own Professional Growth?" Over time he learns to help people in the most effective way possible. This includes saying "no", especially when asked to volunteer time for non-profit board activities. By limiting his commitments, Curtis finds himself making a more substantive contribution in the causes and groups he does support with his time. 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.