Meet the TAA Lobby Team
Synopsis
Experience. The legislative process is complicated, and the session is short. It’s important to hit the ground running and have a team in place that understands the process. TAA has one of the most experienced association lobby teams in the state and that shows in the association’s track record advocating for the industry. They’re also proud Longhorns and love dogs but are non-partisan in their lobby efforts and happy to work with Aggies, Sooners, and cat owners.
David Mintz, Vice President of Government Affairs
David joined TAA in 1992 as the association’s first inhouse government affairs staff member. Beyond overseeing the association’s government affairs activities, he also serves as TAA’s primary media spokesperson. He started as a legislative aide in 1985, and the 2023 session will be the 19th he has worked. David has his bachelor’s degree and a master’s in public affairs from the University of Texas at Austin
Fun fact: David’s first job at the Capitol was during a special session in May 1982 as a messenger in the Texas House. The session only lasted five days and he was let go after a week on the job.
Sandy Garcia Hoy, General Counsel
A major part of Sandy’s role managing the association’s legal affairs, involves working on legislative issues. During the height of the pandemic, Sandy led efforts interacting with justice of the peace, tenant advocates and the Texas Supreme Court. She started working at the Capitol in 2007 before going to law school and practiced oil and gas law prior to joining the association in 2016. Sandy has her bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas at Austin and her law degree from the University of Houston.
Fun Fact: Sandy worked at the Capitol for her hometown legislator when he was first elected to office. Her sister worked for the same legislator and currently serves as his chief of staff in the Texas Senate.
Kyle Jackson, Director of Government Affairs
Kyle joined TAA in 2016. In addition to his role on working on legislative issues, Kyle runs TAA PAC, which is one of the state’s top ten association political action committees. Kyle began working at the Capitol in 2007 and spent three sessions working as an aide in the Texas House and Senate. He also worked with numerous candidates and elected officials as a key member of one of the state’s preeminent political fundraising firms. Kyle has his bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas at Austin.
Fun Fact: Kyle is a longtime member of the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation Towing Advisory Board. He is also a member of Sine Die Smokers, an award-winning BBQ Team, which raises money for various charities.
Chris Newton, Executive Vice President
As TAA’s Executive Vice President, Chris leads all of association’s efforts, including advocacy. Chris started working around the Capitol in 1993 and served as general counsel for a state senator. Prior to joining TAA in 2016, Chris led a statewide trade association in the fuel industry and also lobbied on their behalf. He has both his bachelor’s degree and law degree from the University of Texas at Austin.
Fun fact: Chris’ first job at the Capitol was as a Senate Page in 1981 while he was in the 7th grade.
Team Mascot
Boulder Bear, affectionally known as BB, is the TAA Government Affairs Team’s official mascot. Were he allowed in the State Capitol Building, we are confident that no one would ever vote against TAA’s position on a bill.