Budget for ONE Conference, April 27-29, in San Antonio! 
The people and partners working to advance the rental housing industry at the Texas Capitol
As Texas prepares for the 2027 legislative session, the Texas Apartment Association is already at work advocating for policies that support a strong rental housing industry and the Texans who call rental housing home.
Behind that work is a team of TAA staff, volunteer leaders, consultants and strategic partners who bring expertise in legislative advocacy, law, property taxes, affordable housing, communications and political engagement. Together, they help TAA anticipate emerging issues, shape policy solutions and ensure the rental housing industry’s voice is heard at the Texas Capitol.
Advocacy Leadership
Chris Newton, Executive Vice President
Chris oversees TAA’s operations, staff and governance and provides strategic leadership for the association’s advocacy efforts. He works closely with TAA leaders, members and partners to advance the association’s priorities and strengthen the rental housing industry across Texas.
Sandy Garcia Hoy, Vice President & General Counsel
Sandy leads TAA’s legal affairs and provides critical legal and policy expertise on issues affecting rental housing providers. She plays an integral role in developing TAA’s legislative positions, evaluating proposed legislation and navigating the complex legal and regulatory issues facing the industry.
Phenix & Saenz, LLC | Legislative Advocacy
TAA’s outside lobbying team at Phenix & Saenz, LLC provides strategic counsel, legislative expertise and relationships at the Texas Capitol. Billy Phenix, Jenn Saenz and Will Temple work closely with TAA’s Government Affairs team to advance the association’s legislative priorities.
Advocacy Team & Partners
TAA’s advocacy efforts are supported by a collaborative team of staff and specialized partners who bring expertise in communications, property tax, affordable housing and political engagement to advance the association’s priorities at the Texas Capitol.
Lorri Michel | Property Tax
Lorri Michel, co-founder of Michel & Rogers, PC, brings more than 30 years of experience in Texas property tax law. As TAA’s tax consultant, Lorri provides strategic guidance and subject matter expertise on property tax legislation and policy affecting Texas rental housing. She is also an adjunct professor at the University of Texas School of Law and has testified before the Texas Senate on property tax reform.
Celine Williams | Affordable Housing
Celine Williams, MBA, CAPS, CPO, HCCP, ARM, partners with TAA as an Affordable Housing Consultant, bringing extensive expertise in affordable housing and regulatory compliance. As President of Celine M. Williams Services, she provides consulting, training and compliance support to the rental housing industry and is a certified HUD REAC Inspector and NAAEI Faculty member.
Vianovo | Strategic Communications
Effective advocacy requires more than good policy—it requires communicating why that policy matters. Sam Taylor and John Wittman of Vianovo help TAA develop and deliver strategic communications that clearly articulate the rental housing industry’s priorities to policymakers, the media and other key audiences.
TAA Marketing & Communications
Sarah Chezbro, Vice President of Marketing, & Madalyn Howell, Director of Marketing, support TAA’s Government Affairs team by developing and executing communications that keep members informed and engaged on legislative and advocacy priorities across TAA’s communications channels.
Erin Wilson, Westover Strategies | TAA PAC
Erin Wilson, Principal of Westover Strategies, brings extensive experience in political communications, public policy and stakeholder engagement. She partners with TAA to develop creative strategies that strengthen PAC fundraising, engage members and build lasting support for the association’s advocacy efforts.
2026-2027 TAA Legislative Committee
TAA’s advocacy is strengthened by rental housing professionals from across the state who volunteer their time and expertise to help shape the association’s legislative agenda.
Crystal Moya, LUMA Residential, serves as the 2026–2027 TAA Legislative Committee Chair, working alongside TAA’s Government Affairs team and fellow committee members to identify industry priorities and guide TAA’s advocacy heading into the 2027 legislative session.
Ready for 2027
From developing policy and monitoring legislation to engaging policymakers and communicating the industry’s story, effective advocacy is a team effort.
As the 2027 Texas legislative session approaches, TAA’s staff, volunteer leaders and strategic partners are working together to protect the interests of TAA members, address the challenges facing rental housing providers and advance policies that support the future of rental housing in Texas.
Throughout the session, TAA will keep members informed about the issues that matter most, opportunities to engage and the progress of the association’s legislative priorities. Learn more at taa.org/advocate.
