2023 Texan of the Year
Judge Nelson Wolff Named 2023 Texan of the Year by Texas Legislative Conference
Judge Nelson Wolff has been named the 2023 Texan of the Year by the Texas Legislative Conference, the well-known annual statewide policy and business forum that is marking its 57th year.
The Texas Legislative Conference is a nonpartisan organization of Texas business and political leaders who meet annually in New Braunfels to focus on public policy issues. This year’s panels will focus on economic development and future opportunities for Texas, the State’s budget surplus during the current legislative session, and immigration and border security.
Wolff will be honored March 23 at the New Braunfels Civic/Convention Center. He will join an array of prominent past honorees since 1974 that includes past presidents, U.S. senators, entertainers, governors, and business icons.
“Having served more than 50 years in elected office, Nelson Wolff is incredibly deserving of this honor,” said Conference Chair Diane Rath of Alamo Area Council of Governments. “His contributions are far too numerous to list, but our region has benefitted significantly from his leadership over the years.”
Wolff has represented Bexar County in various political offices since 1971 when he was elected to the Texas House of Representatives. Thereafter he was elected to the Texas Senate in 1973, the San Antonio City Council in 1987, Mayor of San Antonio from 1991 to 1995, and Judge of Bexar County from 2001 to 2022.
Wolff is well-known for his work to promote and improve economic and workforce development in Bexar County, the 4th largest county in the state. He initiated a $415 million visitor tax-backed bond that aided the construction of 13 amateur sports facilities, the Tobin Center for Fine Arts, improvements to the AT&T Center, and improvements to the San Antonio River. In 2002-2003, Wolff helped bring the Toyota manufacturing plant to Bexar County, resulting in thousands of jobs and advancing manufacturing in the region.
“Wolff has an extensive list of awards and accolades,” said Rath. “We look forward to bestowing this distinguished honor on such a deserving recipient.”
