Texas House of RepresentativesChief of Staff
Nov. 2013 - Jun. 2015Austin, Texas Area● Directing and leading staff on over 30 legislative priorities
● Office liaison for regional/federal/state agencies and private organizations to provide clarification on legislative programs and policies
● Monitoring relevant changes to education statutes, regulations and laws at the state level that
impact early childhood education
● Drafted wrote verbal testimony, responses to potential questions from committee members, and updated testimonies and one-pagers in preparation for hearings
● Drafted and coordinated Tribal partnerships to pass legislative revisions to the Indian Child Welfare Act
● Coordinated bipartisan policy support at the state level for increased quality and investment in early childhood outcomes within Dallas County
● Conferring with stakeholders to clarify legislative issues, identify underlying concerns, and develop an understanding of their respective needs and interests for proper legislation
● Building and maintaining a broad spectrum of partnerships with the community and cross-sector
partners, including business, civic, educational, nonprofit, Texas Independent school district entities
● Worked collaboratively with the Member to promote high-quality early childhood education and excellence in Texas through policy
● Management and supervision of the scope, plan and execution of multiple, often quick-turnaround projects with minimal outside assistance under high pressure time constraints
● Management of staff and member activity, oversight of office budget and overall office business
management
● Establish and maintain effective working relationships with state, local and municipal government officials and media representatives
● Researching laws, regulations, policies, and precedent decisions to prepare for committee hearings