Policy Maker Breakfasts Web Header-20260828
By
Kennice Leisk '22
August 28, 2026
Summary
Trinity's 2026-27 Policy Maker Breakfast Series will bring Robert Costa, Jen Easterly, Ron Insana, and Geeta Nayyar to San Antonio to share their insights on some of the most pressing issues in our world today.

Over the past 45 years, Trinity University’s Policy Maker Breakfast Series has become the premier event of its kind in San Antonio, attracting an extraordinarily diverse, intellectual, and influential audience. 

This year, the university, in partnership with Bank of America, will welcome Robert Costa, Jen Easterly, Ron Insana, and Geeta Nayyar to share their insights on the world’s current and emerging issues. From a chief Washington analyst for CBS News and a national cybersecurity expert to an award-winning journalist and a globally recognized chief medical officer, the 2026-27 lineup presents a can’t-miss opportunity to engage with the individuals helping to shape our future.

"Building a resilient business ecosystem in San Antonio requires more than financial capital; it requires access to transformative ideas," said Ventura Perez, the president of Bank of America San Antonio. "As local leaders navigate challenges such as economic shifts, cybersecurity threats, and the rapid evolution of AI, Bank of America is committed to bringing this extraordinary caliber of expertise to our city. Through our partnership with Trinity University, we are equipping executives with the actionable insights needed to make informed decisions that shape our community’s future.”

All breakfasts will be held at the Mays Family Center at the Witte Museum at 3801 Broadway in San Antonio.

  • Arrive at 7 a.m. to enjoy networking and coffee.
  • Event doors will open at 7:20 a.m., and breakfast will be served at 7:30 a.m.
  • The program will begin at 8 a.m., followed by a question-and-answer session with the audience.

Tickets for the complete Policy Maker Breakfast Series, which includes all four breakfasts, cost $260; tickets for individual breakfasts are available for $70. For information or to register, visit gotu.us/pmb26 or call Trinity University’s Office of Conferences and Special Programs at 210-999-7601. Advance registration is required.

This series is underwritten by the Stevens Academic Enrichment Fund and the Office of Conferences and Special Programs, with support from presenting sponsor Bank of America and other local San Antonio businesses. Visit the registration site to learn more about sponsors and sponsorship opportunities. Trinity University affirms freedom of expression. Views expressed by speakers and participants before, during, and after speaking engagements do not represent or reflect the views of the university.

Meet this year’s four guest speakers:

Robert Costa-20260828

Robert Costa

Tuesday, October 6, 2026

“Inside the Upcoming Elections”

Robert Costa is a national correspondent for CBS News Sunday Morning and chief Washington analyst for CBS News, providing political reporting and analysis across the network’s flagship news programs. A veteran political journalist, he previously served as CBS News’ chief election and campaign correspondent and spent years as a national political reporter at The Washington Post, where he also moderated and managed PBS’ Washington Week. In 2021, Costa co-authored with Bob Woodward the No. 1 New York Times bestseller Peril. An Emmy Award winner, Costa is known for his incisive interviews, thoughtful reporting, and deep expertise on American politics, government, and leadership.

Jen Easterly-20260901

Jen Easterly

Tuesday, November 17, 2026

“Defending the Digital Frontier: Securing Critical Infrastructure in an Era of Innovation”

Jen Easterly has led at the highest levels of cybersecurity, national security, and organizational resilience. She commanded the Army’s first cyber battalion, helped establish U.S. Cyber Command, and served in senior leadership roles at the White House and the National Security Agency. She built Morgan Stanley’s Cybersecurity Fusion Center and led the firm’s resilience strategy. As director of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), she oversaw the defense of America’s critical infrastructure. Today, as CEO of RSAC, she brings together the global cybersecurity and AI communities to shape the future of digital security. Widely recognized as a leading voice on AI, cybersecurity, and leadership, Easterly equips organizations to navigate technological change with confidence, resilience, and a security-first mindset.

Ron Insana-20260828

Ron Insana

Tuesday, February 9, 2027

“The Economy 2027: Washington, Wall Street, and the World—Who Stands To Win, Who Stands To Lose?”

Ron Insana is MS NOW’s senior business analyst, providing insight on the economic, market, political, and geopolitical developments affecting Wall Street and Main Street. Prior to joining MS NOW in 2026, he spent more than 42 years as an anchor and contributor with Financial News Network, CNBC, MSNBC, and NBC News. Throughout his career, Insana has interviewed former Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush, business leaders Warren Buffett and Jack Welch, investment titans George Soros, Peter Lynch, and Larry Fink, and international figures Mikhail Gorbachev and Queen Rania of Jordan. Insana has authored four books on money and markets and was named one of the “Top 100 Business News Journalists of the 20th Century.” He also earned an Emmy nomination for NBC’s coverage of September 11.

Geeta Nayyar-20260828

Geeta Nayyar

Tuesday, April 6, 2027

“Diagnosing and Treating Health Care’s Misinformation Illness

Geeta Nayyar, M.D., MBA, is a globally recognized chief medical officer, technologist, and bestselling author who helps leaders leverage a human approach to innovation, including rapid advances in AI, to achieve better health and business outcomes. A widely sought-after speaker and author of the Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestseller Dead Wrong: Diagnosing and Treating Healthcare’s Misinformation Illness, Nayyar has appeared on CNBC, CNN, CBS, and other prominent media outlets. She has served as chief medical officer for Salesforce and AT&T, among other executive roles. She currently serves on the board of the American Telemedicine Association and as an adviser to the American Medical Association. A rheumatologist, Nayyar earned her medical degree at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, where she was admitted into an accelerated program at age 17. She earned her Master of Business Administration at The George Washington University.