AUSTIN —
District 22 State Sen. Brian Birdwell (R-Granbury) announced Wednesday the finalized list of his Capitol staff members going into the 83rd Legislative Session. Matthew Cope, Barbara Erickson, Spencer Harris, Stephen Leland, Anna Paulson, Liz Sanchez, Jason Steele and Ben Stratmann will represent the senator in the Austin office.
“I am excited to officially introduce my Capitol staff,” said Sen. Birdwell. “The 83rd Legislative Session will be a rigorous one, so I am pleased to have such a talented team to help me serve the citizens of Senate District 22.”
Chief of Staff Ben Stratmann came to the senator's staff from the office of Lieutenant Governor David Dewhurst in January of 2011. In the past two years he has worked in several roles, including Policy Analyst, Communications Director and Campaign Manager. Stratmann will also advise the senator on transportation, water and budget issues.
Legislative Director Anna Paulson began as a campaign aide to Sen. Birdwell in early 2010. Before being promoted to spearhead the senator's legislative efforts, Paulson previously served as Senior Policy Analyst for committees such as Veterans Affairs & Military Installations (VAMI), Business & Commerce and will continue on the Sunset Advisory Commission.
Director of Constituent Services Barbara Erickson is a veteran Capitol staffer, working in the Texas House and Senate since 1994. A former resident of Senate District 22, Erickson has been Sen. Birdwell's lead advisor on constituent casework and local affairs since late 2010.
Senior Policy Analyst Spencer Harris joined the staff in July of 2012. Harris previously worked as a senior advisor at the Texas Public Policy Foundation, where his studies in state health care and welfare policy were printed in numerous national and state publications.
Policy Analyst Jason Steele, a longtime resident of Senate District 22, is the former Special Assistant to Comptroller Susan Combs and Senior Legislative Aide to State Representative Jim Pitts of Waxahachie. Steele will serve as the senator's advisor on the Criminal Justice, State Affairs and VAMI committees.
Policy Analyst Matt Cope is a recent graduate of Texas A&M University, and has previously served as Legislative Aide to State Representative Kelly Hancock and in the office of Congressman Jeb Hensarling. Cope will serve as the senator's advisor on the Natural Resources, Economic Development and Agricultural, Rural Affairs & Homeland Security Committees.
Administrative Aide Liz Sanchez is a native of San Antonio and a graduate of the University of the Incarnate Word. Sanchez served previously as a Senate Messenger and State Preservation Board Capitol Guide, and will play a key role in all staff affairs and office operations.
Also joining the staff through the Bob Bullock Scholars Program is Stephen Leland, a Baylor University Army ROTC candidate and political science major.
Senator Birdwell also welcomes his District Managers, both of whom joined the staff in early 2012 to manage constituent casework and serve as local liaisons on his behalf. Shelly Verlander of Waco is a certified paralegal and has worked with major companies such as Motorola USA and Broadwing Communications. Taylor Blackburn of Granbury worked in management of a private contracting business and is a graduate of the Travis Academy of Fine Arts in Fort Worth.
Birdwell represents Senate District 22, which includes Bosque, Ellis, Falls, Hill, Hood, Johnson, McLennan, Navarro and Somervell County and part of Tarrant County.
—————
Want to “Soundoff” on this story? Email: soundoff@corsicanadailysun.com
News
Related Photos
-
District 22 State Sen. Brian Birdwell (R-Granbury)
Discussion
Birdwell names capitol staff
State Senator goes to work in 83rd Legislative session
- News
-
-
City proposes route changes for Clean-Up Day
For more than 10 years, Navarro County and the City of Corsicana have co-hosted a county-wide clean-up day. For most residents, it means an opportunity to take their bulk trash to the city’s landfill for free.
-
City to consider rules for airport, swear in new attorney
The Corsicana City Council will swear in the new city attorney, and consider requests for money from local charities when the group meets in regular session at 6 p.m. Tuesday in the council chambers of the Government Center, 200 N. 12th St. The new city attorney will be Kerri Anderson Donica. She ran unopposed for the position, along with Municipal Judge Mike Russell.
-
CISD to hire architects for new campus
The Corsicana ISD Board of Trustees will consider selecting an architectural firm for the new middle school when the group meets in regular session at 6 p.m. Monday, 601 North 13th Street.
-
New pocket park planned
A former plumbing supply shop that has since become nothing more than one wall and one partial wall, is going to become the latest city park in Corsicana.
-
Navarro College students to attend prestigious piano academy
They’re different as daylight and dark — she loves soccer and history, he loves math and science. She hails from Flower Mound, he from Malaysia. She is bubbly, outgoing and excited; he is a bit shy, somewhat reserved.
-
Police Beat
• A woman was arrested for trying to interfere in the serving of two felony warrants around noon Thursday at an apartment at 4301 W. Highway 31.
-
Local Beat
May 15 to July 31
The Navarro Council of the arts presents "With Six You Get Eggrolls" A Fine Art Exhibit featuring the works of Helen Albritton, Barbara Jones, Gladys Espenson, Deb Miller, Stephanie Ford, and Margie Taylor at the Warehouse Gallery from May 15 to July. Exhibit is free and open to the public daily. -
Monday jury for Judge Lagomarsino dismissed
Jury for District Court Judge James Lagomarsino for Monday, May 20, 2013 has been dismissed.
-
Texas residents missing after tornadoes found safe
People who were missing in the wake of the destructive tornadoes in North Texas have been found safe, officials said Friday, but they didn't indicate when residents of one hard-hit neighborhood will be allowed to return to survey damage to their homes.
-
Police department open house Tuesday
The renovation of the Corsicana Police Department got a bit more involved than it was originally intended to. An error with some concrete resulted in water flooding city hall, and forcing replacement of carpeting and flooring. As well, the renovations quickly led to renovations of the municipal court, as well.
- More News Headlines
-
Raw: Trucker Bumps I-5 Bridge Before Collapse
Raw: Texas Deputy Shot by Colo. Suspect Honored
Major Detours Following Wash. Bridge Collapse
American Held in Grisly Czech Murders
Raw: Jersey Shore Reopens for Summer
UK-bound Pakistan Plane Diverted, 2 Men Arrested
Officials: Tsarnaev Friend Linked to Slaying
Obama:Sexual Assault Threatens Trust in Military
Bridge Collapse Survivor: 'Rough Day'
Jersey Shore Open for Business
Raw: Memorial Day Flags Placed at Arlington
New Wheelchair Lift Promises More Access
First Person: Mom Discusses Famous Tornado Photo
Raw Video: Washington State Bridge Collapse
Boy Scouts Approve Plan to Accept Gay Boys
