Our People

President

Yale Abernathy is a photographer, writer, and composer currently studying Ethics and Politics at the University of Austin. Prior to UATX, Yale has worked as a lab technician at Atom Mines, a nuclear medicine developer; a photographer for Crux Defense, a US military contractor; and as a producer and session musician in Austin. As President of the Austin Union, he hopes to participate in recording the institution's development and progress, both through the unique power of images, and the gravity of the written word.

Vice President 

McKenna Conlin is a lifelong debate enthusiast from Seattle, Washington. Through mock trial at both the high school and collegiate level, she has argued with the best fake lawyers in the world. In her role as Vice President, she wants to bring the best version of the world’s most urgent questions to the debate stage. She knows that the journey to becoming a great speaker is both work and play. She is honored to be a part of UATX’s inaugural class and the first council of the Union.

Secretary

Samuel Indyk is a truth enthusiast, part-time lover of literature, and a devoted student at the University of Austin. He will debate anyone on anything, anytime. He especially likes to question and dispute people's most fundamental beliefs, which has perhaps been detrimental to his relationship-building at times. However, he has not been executed for corrupting the youth yet, and therefore maintains his fearless pursuit of truth with upright zeal. He is honored to be a part of Austin's newest and most interesting debate society. 

Treasurer

Alistair is from southeast Connecticut and is passionate about economics, politics, and parodying songs. He serves as president of the Economics and Finance Club at UATX. He hopes that UATX exemplifies institutional neutrality and the pursuit of truth. In high school, Alistair started the debate club and is happy to continue with debate in college. He looks forward to different perspectives and learning from intellectuals across disciplines and fields. By prioritizing open dialogue over ideological agendas, Alistair believes the Austin Union can inspire a broader culture of intellectual integrity and a commitment to the clear-eyed pursuit of truth.

Parliamentarian

Corban Fikes is a somewhat classically educated logophile and theater kid from Boerne, Texas. Corban knows the virtue of a Parliamentarian is not just pedantry and bureaucracy. Shared rules allow us to play games, especially the game of debate and mutual conversation.

Governor

David Poirier comes from a four-year background of high school debate experience. He qualified for the National Speech and Debate Tournament twice and the Pennsylvania State Debate Tournament three times while serving as the Vice President and later President of his high school debate team. David firmly believes in the Austin Union’s mission of truth through debate. David is fascinated with American monetary policy and likes to run in his free time.

Procurator

Allen Rubin is a dedicated student of economics and computer science with an interest in energy policy and technology. His leadership experience spans high school mock trial and collegiate consulting where he led an award-winning team in strategic growth initiatives and record-breaking fundraising initiatives. As Procurator Allen focuses on the Union’s health and growth, ensuring it rises as the premiere space for principled debate and intellectual exploration. Beyond the Union, Allen is a saber fencer, saxophonist, and machine learning enthusiast who enjoys pushing boundaries both in and out of the classroom.