Austin, Texas, United States
As Senior Deputy Director of State & Federal Government Relations for the Texas General Land Office, I lead strategic engagement between one of Texas’s oldest agencies and key policymakers at every level of government. With more than 15 years of legislative, political, and policy experience across the Texas Capitol, I bring a track record of advancing major priorities, building bipartisan coalitions, and driving impactful outcomes for Texans. I’ve served in senior leadership roles in the Texas Legislature and with statewide organizations, where I’ve managed teams, developed legislative strategies, and directed large-scale events and advocacy efforts. My work has included coordinating high-profile initiatives at the intersection of government, policy, and public engagement — always with a focus on integrity, collaboration, and results. What drives me is connecting strategy with service — translating policy into real-world impact. I take pride in mentoring emerging leaders, strengthening institutional relationships, and representing the Texas General Land Office’s mission with professionalism and purpose.
Lead state and federal government relations strategy for the Texas General Land Office, cultivating collaborative relationships with legislators, congressional offices, and policy stakeholders. Serve as senior advisor to executive leadership on legislative priorities, emerging issues, and strategic positioning. Guide the development of high-impact briefings and stakeholder communications that advance the agency’s mission and strengthen its influence in both Austin and Washington, D.C.
Directed statewide legislative engagement, ensuring the agency’s priorities were effectively represented before the Texas Legislature. Successfully secured GLO budget priorities in the state’s biennial budget. Oversaw testimony, outreach, and policy briefings that enhanced the agency’s credibility and presence at the Capitol.
Founded in 2017, Pink Granite is a non-partisan community of women supporting women. Consultants, activists, elected officials, staff, students, and yes - even supportive men, all have a place with the Foundation, regardless of experience level or political affiliation. The Pink Granite Foundation educates women working in politics and public policy. Equipping women of all political affiliations to advance her own career as well as her contributions to the state of Texas. I currently serve as Secretary.
CHIEF OF STAFF | TX STATE REPRESENTATIVE EDDIE RODRIGUEZ | JULY 2016-JANUARY 2023 · Hired to transform the office environment and assist in passing the Representative’s top legislative priorities; established overall office goals while breaking down big-picture objectives into actionable, measurable tasks and oversaw their timely and successful completion. · Under my time as Chief of Staff, the Representative elevated his profile with appointments to the influential Calendars, State Affairs, and Ways & Means Committees of the Texas House of Representatives. · Wrote and collaborated with stakeholders on successful budget amendment that resulted in $12 Billion in federal funds being released to public schools. · Recruited and hired staff and set the office budget; expanded significant relationships in and around the Texas Capitol with legislators, staff, lobbyists, and stakeholders; advised the Representative legislatively and politically. · On the political side, accomplished goals and broke fundraising records while elevating the Representative’s events and increasing his reach. Events include the Representative’s annual Taste of East Austin featuring local chefs and cuisine and raising significant funds.
CHIEF OF STAFF | TX STATE REPRESENTATIVE TREY MARTINEZ FISCHER | JUNE 2014-JAN 2017 · Responsible for hiring, training and managing staff; executing the Representative’s legislative agenda and vision for the office; managing and setting the office budget; preparing the Representative for legislative duties; overseeing media outreach and event planning; providing constituent services to the residents of House District 116 in San Antonio, Texas. · Advised the Representative both legislatively and politically · On the political side, I represented Representative on Democratic donor tables, set up meeting with potential candidates, advised on donations and help cultivate and maintain new relationships. I assisted the Representative in successfully being the top Democrat legislator donor during the last election cycle. · Played significant role in successful legislation passed and stopped by the Representative resulting in numerous “Best Of” awards by notable publications. · Prepared the Representative for numerous panels, presentations, and news casts afforded to a successful senior legislator.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR | MEXICAN AMERICAN LEGISLATIVE CAUCUS (MALC) | DEC. 2011-FEB. 2017 · Reported and answered to the Executive Committee and 41 Legislators of MALC; whipped legislative staffers during legislative session floor activity; recruited and managed MALC Foundation (MALLF) Fellows. · Established and maintained relationships with donors, sponsors, and stakeholders. · Planned and executed all Caucus events and annual fundraisers including: 7 annual Golf and Spa Classics at a PGA course which raised over $500k-$1million each year and included multiple receptions, conferences, family events in addition to the golf and spa day, and required coordination of members, their families, staff, sponsors, and with the host hotel. Bipartisan Gala at former Austin Music Hall with over 500 guests and Grammy-winning artist performance. MALC 40th Anniversary Celebration at the TX Capitol hosting over 6,000 attendees. Partnered with Univision and local organizations to bring the Mexican Independence Day “El Grito” Celebration to the Texas Capitol annually with over 10,000 attendees the first year. · Prepared legal counsel as part of MALC’s redistricting team that traveled to Washington, D.C. to represent the Caucus a before the U.S. Supreme Court.
POLICY ANALYST | MEXICAN AMERICAN LEGISLATIVE CAUCUS (MALC) | SEPT. 2009-DEC. 2011 · Analyzed and suggested policy initiatives for the Caucus. · Managed the administrative day-to-day needs of the office; established and maintained relationships with donors, staff and members on behalf of the Caucus.
SPECIAL PROJECTS DIRECTOR | TX STATE SENATOR ELIOT SHAPLEIGH | JUNE 2005-JAN 2008 · Managed unique targeted GOTV campaign during 2006 midterm elections that resulted in significant turnout increases in all targeted precincts. Goal accomplished through collaboration with volunteers, local elected officials, local media; utilizing budget; focused targeting; engaging community business owners, musicians and activists. · Organized and maintained coalitions on behalf of the office. · Stepped in as Communications Director when role was vacated at end of TX 80th Legislative Session (2007).