Joel Romo is President & Founder of Texana Public Affairs which focuses on local, state and federal legislative affairs.  Romo possesses over 30 years of experience at the Texas Legislature where he served as Chief of Staff for members of the Texas House and has experience on state budgetary issues and has advocated for clients on topics ranging from public and higher education, transportation, public health, to taxation.

Prior to forming Texana Public Affairs, Romo served ten years as the State Government Relations for the American Heart Association. His work with non-profit and public sector entities has provided him with the opportunity to engage on local, state and federal issues.  Additionally, he has been instrumental in the creation of major public health coalitions and possesses a strong understanding of coordinating legislative agendas with key partners and stakeholders.  

Romo serves as Chair of the Legislative Committee for the Partnership for a Healthy Texas Coalition, He also serves as an advisor to the Michael & Susan Dell Center for a Healthy Living Texas Research to Policy Initiative as well as served as member of the Texas Public Health Coalition’s and the Texas Tobacco Control Partners Steering Committee.  Romo has vast lobbying experience on key policy issues such as public health, county government, higher education, transportation, and budgetary issues.  

Romo also provides frequent legislative updates, virtually or via blog for his clients and advises on grassroots and volunteer engagement strategies.  He provides legislative workshops, briefings and serves on numerous panels throughout Texas to share guidance on the legislative process, coalition building and campaign strategies.

Additionally, Romo is a member of Bank of Brenham Board of Directors, Vice President of the Washington the Brazos Historical Foundation, Vice President of the CASA for Kids of South-Central Texas, and President of the Chappell Hill Chamber of Commerce.  He and his wife Denise reside in Washington County and have four sons and two granddaughters.  

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