President

Marcie McSwane is the President of The McSwane Group (TMG), a government relations firm she established in January 2019 after working for 10 years alongside of former New York Congressman Ray McGrath (even New Yorkers need a little Texas in their life!).

Over the course of her time in DC, Marcie has worked on an array of issues such as aerospace, taxes, veterans, oceans, animals, disability, special education, healthcare, technology, and the wildlife trade. As a board member of the National Republican Club of Capitol Hill (Capitol Hill Club), Marcie co-chairs an annual “Texas Night” event honoring the ‘great state’ as well as a successful quarterly networking event called “Red Meet”. Within her role on the Texas State Society board, she serves on the Black Tie & Boots Committee. Prior to starting her own company, she worked at The McGrath Group from 2015-2019 and at a bi-partisan firm, Downey McGrath Group from 2009 to 2015.

Born and raised in Tyler and a graduate of Texas A&M, Marcie moved to DC in 2007 where she began her career with her hometown Congressman Louie Gohmert (TX-01) and then worked for Rep. Frank Lucas (OK-03). In her free time, Marcie is an avid traveler and concert-goer. Gig ‘em Ags.

First Vice President

Congressman August Pfluger represents the 11th District of Texas including the largest oil and gas producing region in the Nation and two military bases. He serves on the House Energy & Commerce and Homeland Security Committees.

A graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy, Congressman Pfluger served in the Air Force for twenty years as a decorated fighter pilot and squadron commander before coming to Congress.

He is the Chairman of the House Energy Action Team and founded the MACH-1 Caucus—a coalition of former fighter pilots serving in Congress who promote airpower and advise on matters of national security.

Second Vice President

Norberto, a Native Texan from Arlington, earned his Bachelor’s degree from Wabash College and his law degree from the University of Michigan.

He is a partner at Capitol Counsel, a government relations consulting firm. He previously managed the consulting firm, Salinas Strategies; held various positions at Intel Corporation, including leading its global workforce policy and its political engagement with the U.S. House Democratic Caucus; was Senior Counsel on the U.S. House Committee on the Judiciary; and practiced law in Washington, D.C.

Secretary

Melissa Carl was born and raised in Fort Worth, TX. She attended the University of Texas at Austin and received her bachelor of science degree in biology. She also has a masters in public administration from George Mason University.

After moving to D.C. to intern for her hometown Congressman (then Representative Joe Barton), she worked for the House Science Committee, which lead her into the science policy arena working with engineering nonprofit associations for the past twenty years. She is currently the Director, Business Development, Career and Member Services at IEEE-USA.

Melissa’s husband Jeremy also grew up in Texas (Dallas to be specific), so they are proud that their daughter, Maggie, claims Texas as home (even though she has never lived there).

Treasurer

Maria Wojciechowski was raised to be an Aggie, having moved to Bryan/College Station as a toddler and eventually attending Texas A&M. 

After graduating from A&M in 1999 with a bachelor of Science degree in Political Science, Maria and her husband, Mark, moved to Houston where she worked for Senator Phil Gramm. 

Maria moved to the D.C. area in 2004 for her husband’s job and spent many years at home with their five children.  Once her youngest child started school, Maria joined her husband’s firm working in political accounting & compliance. 

Maria enjoys spending time with her husband and children, who range in age from 27 to 11, and traveling.

Historian

Lyssa Bell is a 6th Generation Texan, born and raised in Midland, Texas. She graduated from Texas Tech University in May of 2018 and immediately moved to Washington, D.C. for an internship on Capitol Hill through the TTU Government & Public Service Internship Program.

She is honored to serve the people of her hometown and the 11th District of Texas—first in the office of Congressman Mike Conaway and now as the Deputy Chief of Staff for Congressman August Pfluger.

Communications Director

Brooke is a 6th generation Texan, born and raised in South Austin. She went to Bowie High School before attending Texas A&M University, graduating in May 2018 with a degree in History & Political Science. Following graduation, she moved to DC and began on the Hill as a shared Finance Assistant for multiple Members across Texas and the rest of the country. Currently, she serves Texas-11 as the Director of Operations for Rep. August Pfluger, and was previously with Rep. K. Michael Conaway and the House Agriculture Committee. In her free time she enjoys traveling (esp. back to Texas) and trying all of DC’s best dining locations.

Immediate Past President-Director

Born and raised in North Dallas by a single mom who was a Dallas public school teacher, Congressman Colin Allred was class president at Hillcrest High School and earned a full-ride football scholarship to Baylor University.

Diploma in hand and prepared to attend law school, Colin deferred his acceptance to play in the NFL. He was a linebacker for five seasons before sustaining a career-ending injury that opened the door for him to fulfill his other dream — becoming a civil rights attorney.

Colin served in the General Counsel’s office at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Colin later returned home to Dallas and decided to run for office to represent the district he grew up in.

Colin’s dedicated to helping North Texas families gain the same opportunities he had to fulfill his dreams. He believes Congress must find common ground to rebuild our aging roads and bridges, pass comprehensive immigration reform and take care of our veterans.

Past-President Director

A proud Aggie, Ryan Thompson is not only a seasoned political veteran but also proudly served in the U.S. Marine Corps before his impactful tenure in the U.S. House of Representatives. His reputation resonates through the hallowed halls of Congress, where his expertise has been honed, and his relationships have been forged.

Beyond the political arena, Thompson's leadership extended to the baseball diamond, where he ran the Congressional Baseball Game for several years. This unique blend of experiences, from military service to public service and community engagement, defines his commitment to missions that matter. At Live Oak Strategies, hard work in service to worthy causes is the common thread weaving through our ethos.

While at Texas A&M, Ryan spent his free time working on Aggie Bonfire, an Aggie tradition.

Director through 2026

James Mismash currently serves as the Military Legislative Assistant to Chairman Mike Gallagher (WI-08), where he manages Mr. Gallagher’s defense and national security portfolio.

Prior to this role, James was a defense budget and military strategy researcher at the American Enterprise Institute where he supported the work of Mackenzie Eaglen. He has previous public policy affiliations with the Ronald Reagan Institute, Office of the Texas Governor, and various state agencies.

James is a proud University of Texas graduate where he was a Frank Denius Normandy Scholar of WWII, and currently serves as a board member of the Texas State Society of Washington, D.C. and the Live Like Johnny Foundation.

Director through 2026

J. Roby Penn IV is the Principal of Penn International LLC – a non-profit development and marketing consultancy – and the Director of Development and Communications for Rising for Justice – a housing services organization for the District of Columbia.

Roby has previously served in positions that involved executive leadership, marketing, consulting, and strategic fundraising in both the private and public sectors—from the petroleum industry to national political campaigns to arts institutions to international nonprofits.

A Fort Worth, Texas native, Roby is an alumnus of Culver Military Academy where he was Cadet Captain and Black Horse Troop Commander. He received a BA in History from Texas Christian University. His post-graduate studies include attending Georgetown University (MLA), and he is a Candidate for a Master of Divinity at Palm Beach Atlantic University. He received a Certificate from the Center for Congressional and Presidential Studies at American University.

Roby serves or has served as a board or committee member of numerous organizations including Achilles International for Wounded Veterans, the American Ballet Theater, the American Friends of British Art, the Chinati Foundation, the Corcoran Gallery, the Instituto Allende, the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo, HOPE for Depression, the Kimball Museum, the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the Society of the Four Arts.

Roby is an avid sailor and polo player. He resides in Washington, D.C. and Palm Beach, Florida.

Director through 2026

An East Texas native, graduate of the University of Texas at Tyler, and former Bill Archer Fellow, Josh began his career interning for Congressman Louie Gohmert (TX-01) before serving in the offices of former-Congressman Pete Olson (TX-22) and former Ways and Means Chairman Kevin Brady (TX-08).

He then spent two years focusing on border, trade, and economic security policy at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

Before returning to the Texas Delegation as Chief of Staff to Congressman Nathaniel Moran (TX-01) in 2023, he also spent two years in the Alabama Delegation as a Deputy Chief of Staff and Legislative Director.

He lives with his wife (also an ETX-native), daughter (honorary Texan), and two beagles in Northern Virginia.

Director through 2026

Elizabeth Armstrong Boylan, a fourth generation Houstonian, sixth generation Texan, began her government affairs career in DC, returned to Houston for the energy revolution working with key stakeholders across major oil and gas basins, including the Eagle Ford, Permian and Gulf of Mexico. She relocated back to DC to establish a presence for a multinational advanced materials and chemical company.

In 2021, she joined FMC Corporation as the Director for Government and Industry Affairs for North America. She is a graduate of Clear Lake High School in the diverse NASA community and Clemson University.

Elizabeth comes from a long line of strong female pioneers across the state including the first female postmaster in Texas. She remains committed to preserving the state’s history and heritage through the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo and the Former Texas Rangers Association.

She and her family attend Church of the Ascension and Saint Agnes in downtown. They thoroughly enjoy supporting their favorite philanthropies, college football, traveling and exploring the outdoors with their german shepherds.

Director through 2026

Dustin R. Bryant is the Associate Vice Chancellor for Federal Relations at the Texas A&M University System, a role he has held since January 2022. Based in Washington, D.C., he leads the system’s federal advocacy efforts, serving as the primary liaison to Congress and federal agencies. His work supports the system’s 11 universities and eight state agencies in securing federal funding and advancing policy priorities in education, research, and public service.

Bryant brings over two decades of experience in public policy and government relations. Before rejoining Texas A&M, he served as Director of Federal Relations for the University of Alaska System from December 2018 to January 2022, where he focused on land-grant and research funding initiatives. Previously, he spent more than 11 years with the Texas A&M System in various federal relations roles, including Assistant Director.

Earlier in his career, Bryant worked as a Field Representative and intern for U.S. Representative Rubén Hinojosa (D-TX), and held policy roles with Meyers & Associates Inc. and the American Sheep Industry Association. He is a graduate of Texas A&M University, holding a B.S. in Agricultural Development.

Director through 2027

Andrew Okuyiga serves as Vice President, Public Affairs at UPS. In this role, he leads the company’s policy advocacy to Congress and the Executive Branch on trucking, rail, and maritime issues.

Prior to joining UPS, Andrew was a member of Amazon’s Public Policy team, leading the company’s federal policy advocacy on surface transportation issues.

Before joining Amazon, Andrew served as a Professional Staff Member on the US House of Representatives Transportation & Infrastructure Committee, and worked in Capitol Hill office of Congressman Lloyd Doggett (TX).

Andrew is a Houston native and earned his bachelor’s degree in Economics from Harvard University.

Director through 2027

Patricia Tamez is a Senior Policy Adviser at Shell USA Inc., where she leads the company’s federal advocacy on key energy, climate, and environmental policy issues. Since joining Shell in 2015, she has built strong bipartisan relationships and advanced legislative and regulatory priorities critical to the company’s U.S. operations. Her work supports Shell’s efforts to navigate the evolving energy landscape while engaging constructively with policymakers on decarbonization and energy transition.

Before transitioning to the private sector, Patricia spent over a decade on Capitol Hill in senior policy and leadership roles. She served as Executive Director of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus under Representatives Rubén Hinojosa and Charlie Gonzalez, guiding the Caucus’s legislative agenda and strategy. Earlier in her career, she held key roles with Representatives Solomon Ortiz and Ciro Rodriguez, including Deputy Chief of Staff, Legislative Director, and Legislative Assistant, focusing on defense, education, and border issues.

Patricia is known for her deep understanding of legislative processes and her ability to bridge public and private sector priorities. With extensive experience in government affairs, coalition-building, and minority advocacy, she brings a valuable perspective to complex policy challenges.

Director through 2027

LaKeitha Anderson has over 15 years of experience in the political and government affairs arena. She is currently Policy Director at Eli Lilly, where she focuses on advancing the company’s legislative and regulatory priorities at the federal level.

A native Texan, LaKeitha began her career as a Legislative Assistant for Texas State Representative Helen Giddings. She later worked in the Texas Senate on a range of issues including education and economic development, and was a member of the “Read to Succeed” education task force assembled by then-Governor George W. Bush. After relocating to Washington, D.C., she worked on the U.S. Senate campaign of former Dallas Mayor Ron Kirk.

Her diverse professional background includes roles at the Foundation for Ethnic Understanding, Stewart Partners, LLC, and as the Federal Government Relations Coordinator for the City of Dallas. LaKeitha has served on the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s Corporate Advisory Council, the Executive Committee of the National Black Caucus of State Legislators, and is active in several organizations including The Links, Inc., Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and Calibr, an ELC organization. She holds a degree from the University of North Texas and an Executive MBA from Georgetown University. A two-time marathon finisher, LaKeitha also enjoys skiing and golfing, and currently resides in Washington, D.C.

Director through 2027

Born and raised in Houston, TX, Lexi developed an interest in politics at a young age from her dad who served as a Member of Congress (TX-8) from 1980 to 1996.

After graduating from Southwestern University with a B.A. in Communications and Spanish, Lexi moved to D.C. to make her own impact in politics. She currently serves as Director of Government Affairs for Twenty-First Century Group where she handles issues pertaining to technology, transportation and infrastructure, telecommunications, and the federal appropriations process.

In her free time, Lexi likes to dance, create art, and take her beloved corgi, Biscuit, on nature walks.

Director through 2027

Wes Hambrick is the Executive Director of the Texas Office of State-Federal Relations for Governor Greg Abbott. The Office of State-Federal Relations is the state’s advocate in Washington, D.C., representing state government with the administration, Congress, and federal agencies to advocate the interests of Texas.

Wes has served the state since 2015 and previously worked in the United States Senate for Texas Senator John Cornyn.

In addition to the Texas State Society Board, he serves on the Board of the Washington D.C. chapter of the Sports Business and Leadership Association. He is also a volunteer for the Congressional Baseball Game for Charity.

Wes is originally from Houston and graduated from The University of Texas at Austin.

Chair of Entertainment Committee

Kyle is a principal with BlueWater Strategies, an energy, environment, and natural resources focused firm. He spent ten years on Capitol Hill serving as Legislative Director and Chief Policy Advisor to Congressman Ralph Hall from Rockwall, where his mother grew up.

Kyle is a 6th generation Texan, and the ox bow that pulled his ancestors to Texas from California in 1876 proudly hangs above the fireplace in his parent’s home.

Born and raised in Austin, Kyle graduated from the University of Texas, where he was a Silver Spur. Kyle’s wife Aaricka (an Aggie – yikes!) is from Denison, TX, and they have two girls, Pearl and Chancellor, who are learning the ways of what it means to be a Texan in D.C.

Chair of Membership Committee

Ally is a 5th generation Texan, born in Houston and raised in Austin. She attended St. Andrew’s Episcopal High School before attending Sewanee: The University of the South, graduating in May 2019 with a degree in political science.

Following graduation, she moved to DC to work for Drucker Lawhon as a fundraising associate; where one of her favorite clients was Judge Carter (TX-31). She then went on to work as Manager of Political Programs at Oracle Corporation. 

Ally enjoys visiting DC’s amazing museums, trying new restaurants, and getting back to Texas every chance she gets!

Chair of Sponsorship Committee

David was raised in Lindale, Texas and graduated from Texas A&M University. He works as Senior Director of Federal and Diplomatic Relations at The Coca-Cola Company.

David moved to DC in 2008 where he spent five years as a professional staff member with former Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison and Congressman Kenny Marchant. 

David is married to Elizabeth Haines.  They reside in Falls Church and enjoy traveling, exploring the outdoors, and their involvement with The Falls Church Anglican.

Breakfast Club Chair

Barry is a fifth-generation Texan from Greenville, Texas. After graduating from Greenville High School, Barry completed his studies at Texas Tech University in Lubbock and then moved to Washington to pursue a job on Capitol Hill. 

Over the next 20 years he served as a Legislative Assistant to Congressman Larry Combest (R-Lubbock), Legislative Director to Rep. Kevin Brady (R-The Woodlands), Chief of Staff to Rep. Kay Granger (R-Fort Worth) and Chief of Staff to Rep. Michael C. Burgess, MD (R-Lewisville). 

He is currently a Vice President at the lobby firm the Alpine Group in Washington, DC.  Barry is married to Jennifer Brown and they have two children where they reside on Capitol Hill.

Juneteenth Co-Chair

LaKeitha Anderson has over 15 years of experience in the political and government affairs arena. She is currently Policy Director at Eli Lilly, where she focuses on advancing the company’s legislative and regulatory priorities at the federal level.

A native Texan, LaKeitha began her career as a Legislative Assistant for Texas State Representative Helen Giddings. She later worked in the Texas Senate on a range of issues including education and economic development, and was a member of the “Read to Succeed” education task force assembled by then-Governor George W. Bush. After relocating to Washington, D.C., she worked on the U.S. Senate campaign of former Dallas Mayor Ron Kirk.

Her diverse professional background includes roles at the Foundation for Ethnic Understanding, Stewart Partners, LLC, and as the Federal Government Relations Coordinator for the City of Dallas. LaKeitha has served on the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s Corporate Advisory Council, the Executive Committee of the National Black Caucus of State Legislators, and is active in several organizations including The Links, Inc., Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and Calibr, an ELC organization. She holds a degree from the University of North Texas and an Executive MBA from Georgetown University. A two-time marathon finisher, LaKeitha also enjoys skiing and golfing, and currently resides in Washington, D.C.

Juneteenth Co-Chair

Rosemary Garza serves as Director of Government & Corporate Affairs. In this capacity, Ms. Garza is responsible for developing and executing a legislative and political engagement strategy for Grifols.

Previously, she was Associate Director of Government Affairs at Medtronic where she worked with Members of Congress to advance federal policies that supported organizational goals and objectives.  Rosemary also served as a Capitol Hill staffer for U.S. Energy and Commerce Committee Representatives Gene Green (TX-29) and Charlie Gonzalez (TX-20).

Ms. Garza was born in Brownsville and raised in Houston, Texas.  Ms. Garza is a graduate from the University of Houston with a B.A. in Political Science and a Minor in Spanish. Ms. Garza also has a Master in Public Health (MPH) from George Washington University. Ms. Garza is a member of Women in Government Relations and Hispanic Lobbyist Association. She is also an avid tennis player and longtime member of the Capitol Hill Tennis Club.

LBJ Birthday Celebration Chair

Stacy is a first-generation college graduate and proud alumna of the University of Texas. She brings energy, dedication, and innovative thinking to every initiative she takes on. Her expertise spans international trade, government relations—both domestic and international—foreign investment screening (CFIUS), physical security technology, legislative affairs, and national economic security.

With a strong background in policy analysis and project management, Stacy is known for her collaborative spirit and commitment to fostering a positive, solutions-oriented environment. She is passionate about uplifting those around her and driving meaningful impact through strategic leadership.

Chair of Black Tie & Boots Committee

Ryan Thompson is not only a seasoned political veteran but also proudly served in the U.S. Marine Corps before his impactful tenure in the U.S. House of Representatives. His reputation resonates through the hallowed halls of Congress, where his expertise has been honed, and his relationships have been forged.​

Beyond the political arena, Thompson's leadership extended to the baseball diamond, where he ran the Congressional Baseball Game for several years. This unique blend of experiences, from military service to public service and community engagement, defines his commitment to missions that matter. At Live Oak Strategies, hard work in service to worthy causes is the common thread weaving through our ethos.

Cherry Blossom Program Chair

Loretta Solon Greene is founder of the Washington, D.C.-based global consulting company Greene Strategy. She is also proud to serve as a Georgetown University Adjunct Professor, Internship Advisor for their Semester in Washington Program.

She recently served as the 2014 NCSS Cherry Blossom Grand Ball and U.S. Cherry Blossom Queen Coronation Chair. Greene is a native of Dallas, Texas, where she attended Ursuline Academy.

She holds a BA in Political Science from Hollins University in Roanoke, Virginia. Her husband, Bill Greene, works on Capitol Hill. They have three children, Julia, Tommy, and Isabella.

NCSS Liaison

Brooke is a 6th generation Texan, born and raised in South Austin. She went to Bowie High School before attending Texas A&M University, graduating in May 2018 with a degree in History & Political Science.

Following graduation, she moved to DC and began on the Hill as a shared Finance Assistant for multiple Members across Texas and the rest of the country.

Currently, she serves Texas-11 as the Director of Operations for Rep. August Pfluger, and was previously with Rep. K. Michael Conaway and the House Agriculture Committee.

In her free time she enjoys traveling (esp. back to Texas) and trying all of DC’s best dining locations.

Salute to Congress Chair

Emma Cunningham is the Member Services Director at the National Republican Senatorial Committee, where she supports GOP Senators and their staff with strategic coordination and constituent services. She brings extensive experience in scheduling, operations, and congressional affairs, having previously served in the House Republican Conference under Chair Elise Stefanik and in the offices of Representatives Michael McCaul and John Carter.

A proud Texas native, Emma began her career in public service as an intern for both Senator John Cornyn and Representative John Carter. She is a graduate of Texas Tech University, where she earned a B.A. in History and was a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma.

Known for her strong organizational skills, calm under pressure, and commitment to public service, Emma continues to support Republican leadership through a behind-the-scenes role that keeps the Hill running smoothly.

Senate Liaison

Eric Gustafson serves as Energy Policy Advisor to Senator John Hoeven (ND). Prior to joining Senator Hoeven’s staff in 2019, he spent fourteen years working in the U.S. House of Representatives, most recently as Deputy Chief of Staff and Legislative Director for Rep. Bill Flores (TX-17), and in various roles for Reps. Roy Blunt (MO-07) and Tom DeLay (TX-22).

Born in Houston and raised in Brownwood, Eric has called Pearland home since 2001 and is a 2005 graduate of Texas A&M University with a B.S. in economics. He has lived in the Washington, DC area since 2006.

Democrat Congressional Liaison

Carlie Tianello serves as Legislative Director for U.S. Representative Julie Johnson (D-TX-32), where she leads the congresswoman’s policy agenda and legislative strategy. In this role, she manages a broad portfolio that includes appropriations, commerce, civil rights, and economic policy, while also advising on foreign affairs and public finance.

Prior to joining Rep. Johnson’s office, Carlie spent three years working for Congressman Colin Allred (D-TX), representing the same district. Her experience in both offices has given her a deep understanding of the policy needs and priorities of North Texas constituents.

Carlie is recognized for her strategic approach to legislative work and her commitment to advancing equitable, community-focused policies. She continues to serve as a key liaison between the district and Capitol Hill, ensuring that local voices are reflected in federal policymaking.

Republican Congressional Liaison

Meredith Moore is a Legislative Assistant in the U.S. House of Representatives, where she manages a diverse policy portfolio including Homeland Security, Judiciary, Appropriations, and Second Amendment issues. Known for her sharp policy insight and commitment to public service, Meredith plays a key role in advancing legislative priorities and providing strategic counsel on complex national security and legal matters.

She holds a Master’s degree in Intelligence & Security with a concentration in Leadership Studies from The Citadel Graduate College, and earned her undergraduate degree in Psychology from the University of Mississippi, with minors in Intelligence & Security and Legal Studies. Her academic background equips her with a unique understanding of the intersection between behavioral science, security, and lawmaking.

Meredith brings a thoughtful, solutions-driven perspective to every role she takes on. With a passion for public policy and a strong foundation in national security, she is dedicated to making meaningful contributions both on and off the Hill.

Volunteer Coordinator/Collegiate Liaison

Grace Dunlap serves as General Counsel to Congressman Jake Ellzey (TX-06), a member of the House Appropriations Committee. In this role, Grace leads the Congressman’s work on the Department of the Interior, EPA, and Related Agencies subcommittee portfolio, providing legal and legislative guidance on federal funding and regulatory matters that impact natural resources, conservation, and environmental policy.

Grace earned her Juris Doctor from the University of Houston Law Center in May 2022 and is admitted to practice law in the District of Columbia. Her legal training and policy acumen allow her to navigate complex legislative frameworks and advocate for thoughtful, effective governance.

With a strong commitment to public service and a keen understanding of the legislative process, Grace brings a detail-oriented, solutions-driven approach to her work on Capitol Hill. She continues to be a trusted advisor on both legal and appropriations matters, helping to shape policy that reflects the needs of Texas and the nation.

Texas Liaison

From January 1995 until April 2021, Jack served as Federal Liaison for Harris County and worked to protect the interests of the citizens of Harris County and the constituents of the Harris County Flood Control District. Today, he has retired to his father’s hometown of Kerrville, Texas. He has enjoyed many years of membership in the TSS and serving on the board and as an officer. He considers this to be one of the best things he participated in while in the DC area because it allowed him to stay strongly connected to his home.

Born in Beaumont, Jack grew up in Houston, moved to Austin in 1970 and graduated from the University of Texas at Austin. He worked in a variety of capacities in and around the Texas Capitol Building from 1973 until 1989, when he moved to Arlington, Virginia.  Jack is the proud father of Michael N. Peterson and Charles K. Peterson. Michael, is a graduate of George Mason University with and MA in Economics.  He lives in Arlington, VA and works at the American Enterprise Institute. Charles, a graduate of Longwood University, lives in Richmond, VA, with his wife, Lisa. He works in the food service industry and enjoys the many opportunities presented in Richmond to pursue his interests in the arts.

Legal Advisor

David Pore is a fifth-generation Texan and a partner in the DC office of the Austin-based law firm Hance Scarborough LLP. He represents clients in federal legislative and regulatory matters. Prior to re-joining Hance Scarborough, David was a Counsel at the DC office of Arnold & Porter from 2009-2017.

Before that he was an Associate at the Hance Scarborough Austin office (2005-09) and a lobbyist for the Association of Texas Professional Educators (2002-04). David served as Legislative Director for a US Congressman from Texas (1999-2002) and as a Legislative Aide to a member of the Texas House (1998-99).

He is a 1998 graduate of the Texas Tech University School of Law.