About Rodney Ahart
Executive Director - Keep Austin Beautiful

Rodney Ahart, a third generation native Austinite with deep ties in the city comes to KAB with over 12 years of professional experience. Rodney served as Chief of Staff in the Texas House of Representatives for over six years where he gained valuable experience on diverse issues. Most recently serving as the Government Relations Director for the American Cancer Society, Rodney spearheaded the volunteer-driven ballot initiative making all public places in Austin smoke-free.

As the Vice-Chair of the City of Austin Environmental Board he led the charge to protect the critical environmental features in Eastern Travis County. His other volunteer work includes the City of Austin Citizens Bond Advisory Task Force, Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce, Leadership Austin, and Literacy Austin.

Ahart, a graduate of Texas A&M University, has been bestowed several honors including an Austin Under 40 Award in the medical/healthcare category and Austin Toastmaster of the Year.

Was there a particular experience that prepared you for leadership?
I grew up watching my parents serve the Austin community while leaning on their faith as a source of strength and inspiration. By having such amazing parents I became impassioned to serve my family and community with all that I am. I learned many things from my parents, like the importance of holding the door of opportunity open to those behind me, but also reaching back and pulling them through it if that’s what it takes. And as a result, I strongly desire to afford others the same opportunities that I was given.
What was the 'aha' moment that got you started on this career/line of work?
I remember in high school my Dad told me, “Never expect praise for doing the right thing. That is to be expected. Do something that makes life easier for someone like you and that not only deserves my praise, that deserves my help.” For each of us has a unique personal story. And if we are looking for meaning and direction in our lives we only need to "look close and dig deep.” Every challenge, every obstacle and every loss we face in our lives is a significant source of our meaning.
What are the key things that you'd counsel someone coming into the workforce?
A dear friend once said to me, “Rodney, it’s never been about your job, it’s always been about your body of work.” At the end of the day, it’s not about our jobs, our titles or our positions…it’s genuinely about what we do…day in and day out including the times before and after the 9 to 5 Monday through Friday grind…what we do with the time -- we have been blessed with on earth...bringing out the best in others, speaking our mind and creating opportunities.
What is the most rewarding thing about working in public/social service?
KAB plays an active role in citywide sustainability initiatives and practices but what most people don’t realize is that through environmental projects we empower citizens to take ownership and make a difference in the places that matter most to them. Community-led initiatives create a feeling of ownership and a culture of appreciation and respect. Being a part of this effort on a daily basis and watching community members roll up their sleeves and work hard brings me great satisfaction and the knowledge that I am a part of creating a more vibrant unified Austin.
Describe your utopian Austin. How would it be different from today?
Keeping Austin beautiful means many things to many people. Growing up in East Austin I am acutely aware of the different aesthetics that exist as you cross I-35. I believe that through education, beautification, and community building KAB can serve as a catalyst for bringing divergent communities together, preserving Austin’s high quality of life, and ultimately creating a utopian Austin where beauty parity exists regardless of your address and by all definitions of the word.
When you were 10, what did you want to be when you grew up?
My Dad was a super hero to me. As an Austin Police Officer he drove a three-wheeled motorcycle, carried a gun and wore a uniform. He fought for justice and put the bad guys behind bars. I was in awe and so proud of him. I definitely wanted to be an Austin Police Officer when I grew up.
What is your favorite Austin experience?
I visit Bartholomew Park regularly to sit under a large oak tree near the creek where I read, journal and meditate. I feel a strong connection to God when I’m surrounded by nature. Sometimes I even play on the swings and slides. I am also a firm believer in doing something that scares you at least once in your life. Recently while I was at Bartholomew Park, I decided to continue overcoming my fear of heights by climbing a huge tree. I can't remember the last time I held onto something so tight. And I have the scars on my forearms to show for it. I tell you what, if I wasn’t a treehugger before, I am definitely one now! And every time I look at those scars, it reminds me of what I can do when I embrace my fears with both arms.
What is your favorite guilty pleasure?
A half a gallon of Blue Bell Moolinium Crunch with half a dozen HEB sour cream glazed doughnuts. Talk about guilty pleasure.