Meet our staff

Governmental Affairs Advisor

-Highly motivated and results-oriented professional with extensive experince in state government, politics, public affairs and advocacy work.
-Outstanding communication, public relations and presentation skills.
-Successful in establishing an exceptional rapport with individuals on all levels.
-Enthusiastic leader with the ability to supervise, train and motivate others.
-Shines in fast-paced team environments.
-Excellent organization and planning skills with attention to detail.

Experience
2008– Present  Governmental Affairs Advisor
-Provide practical knowledge, contacts and skills to serve the needs of clients at the local, regional or state level.
-Share political analysis to enable businesses to achieve positive policy change and realize business goals.
-Provide advice, access and advocacy to help clients get their message heard by the right policy-makers at the right time.

2003 - 2008  Speaker Tom Craddick, Texas House of Representatives Austin, Texas
Chief of Staff  (2003-2008)
Legislative Director  (2003-2008)
-Directed a team of 25 staff in the Speaker’s office including the Director of Policy and Budget, Director of Research, Press Secretary, General Counsel,  Director of Administration and Policy Analysts.
-Managed political cross currents, and utilize exceptional public relations skills to communicate with 150 House members.
-Coordinated and implemented long and short-range plans.
-Formulated interim studies for 40 House committees.
-Worked closely with the Texas Governor and Lieutenant Governor.
-Built strong relationships with legislators, legislative staff, lobbyists and state agency officials.
-Directed appointments for special committees and state  agencies, and made recommendations to the Speaker.
-Managed all legislative divisions for the Texas House of Representatives including the Chief Clerk’s office, Committee Coordinator, Sergeant-at-Arms  and Journal Clerk.
-Interfaced with professional organizations, and public and private companies.
-Developed and administered an annual internal budget of $1million.
-Communicated with the Legislative Budget Board and Appropriations Committee regarding the biannual budget.

2000 - 2003 Texas Association of Builders  Austin, Texas

Director of Governmental Affairs
-Actively involved in developing and implementing government relations policies.
-Delivered presentations and made recommendations to the Board of Directors.
-Served as an advocate for the association before regulatory and legislative branches of state government.
-Worked closely with builders, developers, and contractors; and built coalitions to support the organization’s agenda.
-Managed builder's political action committee, and made recommendations regarding campaign contribution levels.
-Communicated with state agency officials to discuss a broad range of complex regulatory activities.

 2000 Texas Department of Economic Development Austin, Texas

 Governmental Relations Director
 -Served as first point of contact regarding economic development legislation and appropriation requests.
 -Monitored interim charges and the Sunset process.
-Prepared and disseminated public information regarding the agency’s programs and services.

1992 - 2000   Garza, Fisher, and Associates Austin, Texas

Vice President
-Consulted with businesses, city and state government agencies, school districts, and non-profit organizations.
-Represented clients before the Texas Legislature as a lobbyist.
-Utilized strong networking skills to develop relationships with legislators and key public officials.
-Interviewed and hired consultants, and managed administrative support staff.
-Developed and conducted seminars on team development, partnering, organizational change, communication skills, and leadership.

 1989  - 1991 Texas Racing Commission Austin, Texas

Deputy Executive Director
-Developed policies, procedures, and administrative rules for a new state agency.
-Hired, supervised, and evaluated staff.
-Worked closely with special interest groups.
-Prepared applications for Pari-Mutuel race tracks in Texas.

 1987 - 1989 Governor William P. Clements Austin, Texas

 Senior Legislative Assistant
-Reported to the Chief of Staff and assisted with special projects.
-Attended Committee meetings and House and Senate floor proceedings on behalf of the Governor.
-Communicated with House and Senate members regarding legislation.
-Participated in senior level staff meetings and briefed the Governor.

1979  - 1987  Representative Bill Messer Austin, Texas

 Administrative Assistant and House Calendars Committee Clerk
-Managed the Capitol office, and provided executive level administrative support.
-Served as the House Calendars Committee Clerk for two sessions.
-Controlled the flow of legislation to the House of Representatives.

1977 - 1979 Texas House of Representatives Sergeant-at-Arms Austin, Texas

 Assistant Sergeant
-Served on the House Floor.