Our Team

ATXM Fund™ Leadership

At Austin Texas Musicians, our leadership team brings together artists, advocates, and creative professionals who share one mission: to protect, empower, and elevate Central Texas musicians. United by a deep love for Austin’s music community, our board and staff work collaboratively to expand resources, strengthen advocacy, and build sustainable careers for the people who make the Live Music Capital of the World truly live.

From grassroots organizing to strategic marketing, community engagement, and artist development, this team represents the heart of Austin’s creative economy—working every day to ensure that musicians not only have a voice, but a thriving future.

Meet the Team

Patrick Buchta

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, FOUNDING BOARD MEMBER

Read Bio
Ray Price

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

Read Bio
Mary McKeown-Christie

CHIEF MARKETING OFFICER, BOARD MEMBER

Read Bio
Adi Rao

COMMUNITY MANAGER

Read Bio
Margaret Rogers

GRANT WRITER

Read Bio

Pat Buchta
Executive Director, Founding Board Member

Patrick Buchta is an experienced political advocate, cause marketing professional, and creative leader dedicated to advancing Austin’s music, policy, and nonprofit sectors. As Executive Director of Austin Texas Musicians, he has built one of Central Texas’s most influential advocacy networks, uniting over 6,000 musicians to drive policy reform, strengthen economic opportunities, and preserve the cultural heartbeat of the Live Music Capital of the World.

With a decade at KVUE Media Group leading community partnerships and philanthropic initiatives—including the award-winning “Texas Strong: Harvey Can’t Mess with Texas” benefit concert—Patrick brings deep expertise in strategic communications, public policy, and entertainment-driven cause marketing.

A liver transplant recipient, composer, and performer, Patrick’s work embodies resilience and service. He currently serves on the City of Austin Downtown Commission (District 6) and the Texas Music Museum Board of Directors, continuing his lifelong mission to amplify creative voices and champion meaningful civic engagement.

Ray Price
Chief Operating Officer

Ray Price, also known as Syx Synce, is a musician, U.S. Army veteran, educator, and community advocate dedicated to strengthening Austin’s music ecosystem. Since 2012, he has recorded and produced more than 500 songs, earning recognition from local media and building a growing audience across platforms

A longtime leader within Austin Texas Musicians, Ray has served on the ATXM Advisory Panel and led the ATXM News program, amplifying the voices of artists and industry professionals across the region. In February 2026, he was appointed Chief Operating Officer, helping guide operations, partnerships, and programming that support musicians and venues throughout Central Texas.

Ray also serves as Area Director for Notes for Notes, providing youth with access to free recording studios and mentorship, and represents District 1 on the Austin Music Commission, appointed by Council Member Natasha Harper-Madison (May 2, 2024 – February 28, 2027). Through civic leadership and nonprofit service, Ray remains committed to advancing opportunity, equity, and sustainability across Austin’s music community.

Mary McKeown-Christie
Chief Marketing Officer, Board Member

Mary McKeown-Christie is a strategic marketing executive, cause-driven communicator, and creative leader committed to strengthening Austin’s music economy and the artists who sustain it. As Chief Marketing Officer and Board Member of Austin Texas Musicians, she leads efforts to expand services, grow community engagement, and amplify advocacy for more than 6,000 Central Texas musicians.

With more than three decades of experience guiding growth and brand transformation across the communications, SaaS, and professional services sectors, Mary brings proven expertise in strategic storytelling, revenue marketing, and mission-based leadership. Through her firm, Maven Marketing Solutions, she has helped both global enterprises and grassroots nonprofits align purpose with performance to create lasting impact.

A passionate believer in the power of creativity to connect and uplift communities, Mary continues to champion Austin’s working musicians through advocacy, education, and economic development—ensuring the Live Music Capital of the World remains a place where artists can live, work, and thrive.

Margaret Rogers
Grant Writer

Margaret Rogers is a passionate music industry professional and creative project manager dedicated to supporting Austin’s artist community. As Project Manager for Austin Texas Musicians, she helps bring the organization’s initiatives to life by coordinating advocacy, education, and community programs that empower Central Texas musicians to build sustainable careers.

A Nashville native raised in a family of working musicians, Margaret’s life has always been rooted in music. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Music Industry Studies from Loyola University New Orleans and went on to work in artist management and artist relations with renowned firms, including C3 Management. Her experience bridges creative development and operational execution, combining empathy for artists with precision in project delivery.

When she’s not managing projects for ATXM, Margaret channels her creativity through Two Lips Floral, her Austin-based floral design studio. Whether building a campaign or crafting an arrangement, her work reflects a deep appreciation for artistry, collaboration, and community.

Adi Rao
Community Manager

Adi Rao is an Indian-American singer, songwriter, and booking manager whose global career bridges cultures and sounds. Born in India, raised on the East Coast, and now based in Austin, Adi blends his Carnatic classical training with Western influences to create a signature style that fuses Eastern soul with alternative edge.

A recipient of India’s State Award for Excellence in the Performing Arts (2013) and Best Debut Artist (2015), Adi has built an international reputation for his versatile artistry and dynamic stage presence. His career highlights include performances for the Indian Prime Minister, the President of the United States, and audiences of more than 50,000 fans worldwide.

Adi’s voice can be heard on major film soundtracks including Pelé: Birth of a Legend and Achcham Yenbadhu Madamaiyada, collaborating with multi–Grammy and Oscar-winning composer A.R. Rahman. He has also lent his vocals to projects with Billie Eilish, Camila Cabello, Thirty Seconds to Mars, and Carlos Santana, as well as leading the soundtrack for Beauty in the Broken.

As Community Manager for Austin Texas Musicians, Adi brings his deep industry experience and global perspective to strengthening performance opportunities for Central Texas artists. His work reflects a lifelong mission to elevate diverse voices, build community through music, and connect Austin’s live music scene with the world.

ATXM Musicians Advisory Panel

Our Musicians Advisory Panel (MAP) is made up of musicians from each diverse community, genre, and Council District so that all musicians are equitably represented. Their voices bring real change to our community. From working on teams that address specific needs, providing valuable feedback to city staff, and volunteering, MAP Members work to create a better music community.