Experience

Texas Public Charter Schools Association

• United States
• Public Policy Offices
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Vice President, Government Affairs

  • Apr 2022 - Present



Pearson

• United Kingdom
• Education
• 700 & Above Employee

• Director, State Account Relations

  • 2018 - 2022

  Formerly known as Connections Education, Pearson Online & Blended Learning transforms learning into a personalized experience that engages students and improves learning outcomes.I was tapped to guide account management and government relations strategies for the Southwest Region with $120 million portfolio of 9 schools with 20,000 students in 7 states.My role includes:--- Team Leadership --- I built and manage the team that works on the academic, financial, and program implementation side of the business.--- Advocacy --- I’m the liaison between Pearson and our customers, so I’m constantly working with school board members, superintendents, and the schools themselves to understand needs.--- Lobbyist Management --- I’ve managed up to 8 contract lobbyists including setting expectations, providing direction, strategic planning, and milestone management.--- Business Development --- I negotiate new deals and renewals, including a 5-year project with Houston ISD. I also renewed 100% (21/21) of our existing school charters and contracts. Show less

• Vice President, State Relations, Connections Education

  • 2013 - 2018

  I came to Pearson (then Connections Education) after working with them closely at Akin Gump and was quickly promoted to lead government relations for up to 10 states in the Southwest.My role included:--- Public Policy --- I was the SME on school development, legislation, state law, regulations, and funding for schools and built relationships with legislators, policymakers, authorizers, advocacy organizations, and school families.--- Business Development --- We established a new school in a new state with the launch of Arkansas Connections Academy that is now up to 3,000 students.--- Legislation --- I crafted persuasive arguments based on observed core values and provided reasonable suggestions to pass, kill, or amend legislation. Show less



Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP

• Law Practice
• 700 & Above Employee

• Public Policy Specialist

  • 2008 - 2013

  Analyzed legislation and appropriations while lobbying legislators on behalf of education-based clients including Pearson and Teach for America. My role included: --- Public Policy --- I drafted new legislation that was passed into law around Texas Virtual School network course reviews and performance transparency. --- Advocacy --- I organized an “Aspiring to Amazing” virtual learning showcase for over 150 legislators and guests. --- Lobbying --- As part of the lobbying team, I helped Teach for America increase its appropriation. Show less