Andrea McWilliams

Lobbyist and political fundraiser Andrea McWilliamshttp://www.mcwilliamsandassociates.com/andrea-mcwilliams.html is a skilled strategist, combining grace with grit and patience with persuasion. Known for her meticulous attention to detail, McWilliams brings her unique expertise to every issue she engages, drawing on her time in both the private and the public sector.

Currently, Andrea serves as Texas co-chair for the Mike Huckabee Presidential Campaignhttp://www.statesman.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/austin/campaign/entries/2007/11/09/huckabee_texas.html. In 2005 the Dallas Morning News ranked McWilliams as one of Texas’ top grossing lobbyists, while Texans for Public Justice recognized her as the top female Texas lobbyist on their elite ‘Million Dollar Lobbyists’ list. Capitol Inside, the insiders’ news source of the Texas Legislature, has listed McWilliams as one of the top ten Impact Players in the industry.

Always a tireless force for her clients, McWilliams has a noteworthy track record. Her ability to achieve legislative results in the face of extreme adversity has been likened to the resurrection of the biblical Lazarus. Indeed, in 2007, Capitol Inside reported on McWilliams’ key outside-the-Chamber role in saving a $3 billion cancer research package.

The national media, including Newsweek, USA Today, CNN and NPR, have reported on McWilliams’ role as a leading fundraiser for President George W. Bush. One of the first to be named a Bush Pioneer in 2000, McWilliams also served on the Honorary Committee for the 54th Presidential Inauguration.

A Chief of Staff at 21, McWilliams went on to hone her private sector grassroots skills, working on major accounts including Southwestern Bell, at iconic public relations company Public Strategies, Inc. Today she is the co-founder of McWilliams & Associates, a full-service firm of governmental affairs consultants. McWilliams & Associates opened its doors when the husband and wife team of Andrea and Dean combined their talents and experience to form what has become a respected alliance, trusted at the local, state and national level.

Government Experience:

During the 74th Texas legislative session, McWilliams worked as a legislative aide for then Texas Senator Jim Turner, prior to his service in the U.S. Congress. While Chief of Staff for State Rep. Mike Martin, McWilliams was responsible for the Representative’s legislative program, including the complex insurance issues addressed during Rep. Martin’s tenure as Vice Chair of the House Committee on Insurance.

In 1994, McWilliams worked jointly for Rep. Martin and Senator Frank Madla, former Chairman of the Senate Intergovernmental Relations Committee. Serving as Chief Committee Clerk for the Joint Interim Committee on Health Insurance Access, she made recommendations to statewide leaders and the Texas Legislature on the future of health insurance in the state. McWilliams subsequently served on the Lieutenant Governor’s Task Force on Health Care Reform.

During the 73rd Texas Legislative Session, McWilliams served as Chief of Staff for former House Appropriations Committee member State Rep. Richard Raymond, actively garnering legislative support for the North American Free Trade Agreement. In 1991, McWilliams played an integral part in federally mandated redistricting as Legislative Director for State Rep. Rene Olivera, past Chairman of both the House Mexican-American Legislative Caucus, and the House Ways and Means Committee. During this time, McWilliams also worked on initiatives including environmental and regulatory issues, state appropriations and higher education.

McWilliams began her career in the Texas legislature in 1989, during the 71st Session, working as Projects Coordinator for State Rep. Steve Wolens, former Chairman of both the House State Affairs Committee and the Joint Committee on Electric Restructuring.

Family and Community:

Raised just steps from the Texas Capitol, McWilliams now resides in Austin’s historic neighborhood of Old Enfield, where she and husband Dean are raising their three children in an elegantly restored home.

A past president of Inherit Austin, McWilliams is a well-known philanthropist and community volunteer, who was named to the 2005, 2006 and 2007 Austin American Statesman Fortunate 500 lists. In 2007, McWilliams began working with The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation and KillCancer, two nonprofit groups committed to cancer prevention.

As an active supporter of the arts, McWilliams is an inaugural member of the Long Center’s Notable Women; and a member of the board of directors of Ballet Austin and Arthouse. She is also a member of the Women’s Symphony League, and a past board member and current member of the Heritage Society of Austin. McWilliams serves as a board member for many other nonprofit organizations, including Texas Lyceum, the Elizabeth Ann Seton Hospital, Austin Children in Crisis, Pioneer Farms, Old Enfield Homeowner’s Association and St. David’s Toast of the Town Committee.