Jason Kirksey
Austin,Texas
Summary
Accomplished Legislative Professional with extensive experience managing legislative portfolios, leading teams, and navigating complex policy landscapes. Proven track record in advancing legislative initiatives through thorough research, strategic drafting, and successful passage, consistently achieving top results. Adept at advising on diverse policy areas including Health, Finance, Energy, and more. Skilled in fostering robust relationships with legislators, government officials, advocacy groups, and industry stakeholders. Demonstrated expertise in coordinating communication strategies and effectively representing elected officials in meetings and public forums.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Deputy Chief of Staff and Legislative Director
State Senator Paul Bettencourt
Austin, Texas
06.2022 - Current
- Managed and supervised a policy staff of four, and shepherded a portfolio of bills through research, drafting, and the legislative process, leading to the Senator passing the most bills in his career out of the Senate.
- Served as chief advisor on a wide range of policy matters, including State Affairs, Health and Human Services, Finance, and Business and Commerce.
- Established and maintained strong relationships with key stakeholders, including legislators, government agencies, advocacy groups, and industry representatives.
- Coordinated with our Communications Director on press releases and communication strategies.
Chief of Staff
State Representative Geanie Morrison
Austin, Texas
09.2021 - 05.2022
- Managed legislative portfolio and committees on Appropriations, Redistricting, and Environmental Regulation.
- Serve as the Representative's top strategist for public policy decisions, legislative initiatives, media outreach, and constituent relations.
- Managed all scheduling and social media for the State Representative.
Legislative Director
State Senator Donna Campbell
Austin, Texas
08.2019 - 09.2021
- Managed and supervised a policy staff of five and shepherded a portfolio of bills through research, drafting, and the legislative process
- Managed legislative committees on Health and Human Services, Article II of Finance, Criminal Justice, Criminal Jurisprudence, and Redistricting
- Identified constituent concerns, reviewed policy issues, prepared legislative drafts, tracked legislation, and communicated with various governmental agencies
- Managed the Senator's social media accounts and speech writing on a variety of different policy issues.
Legislative Director
State Representative Rick Miller
Austin, Texas
06.2016 - 08.2019
- Managed legislative committees on Human Services, Public Health, and Article II of Appropriations
- Prepared the Representative's voting recommendation sheet before every committee and House floor vote.
Legislative Aid
State Representative Rick Miller
Austin, Texas
06.2013 - 06.2016
- Acted as liaison between State agencies and constituents
- Researched topics to create legislation.
Team Leader
United States Army Reserve
Camp Mabry, Texas
06.2009 - 09.2012
- Team Leader of six men; responsible for their training and performance
- Supervised and instructed team members in procedures and skills to ensure compliance with operational expectations and goals
- Responsible for cross-training team members in all positions needed to run the squad efficiently and effectively.
Team Leader/Tank Gunner
United States Army
Fort Hood, Texas
09.2005 - 06.2009
- Team Leader of four men; responsible for their training and performance
- Maintained accountability of 7.5 million dollars of equipment
- Participated in the planning and execution of missions and raids during two deployments to Iraq.
Education
Bachelor - Liberal Arts - Major: History
Concordia University
Austin, Texas05.2014
Skills
- Legislative portfolio management
- Team leadership
- Policy research and drafting
- Relationship building with stakeholders
- Communication strategies
- Public speaking
- Strategic planning
- Media Outreach
- Constituent relations
- Social media management
- Speech writing
- Training and instruction
- Operational compliance
- Cross-training
- Mission planning and execution
References
References available upon request
Timeline
Deputy Chief of Staff and Legislative Director
State Senator Paul Bettencourt
06.2022 - Current
Chief of Staff
State Representative Geanie Morrison
09.2021 - 05.2022
Legislative Director
State Senator Donna Campbell
08.2019 - 09.2021
Legislative Director
State Representative Rick Miller
06.2016 - 08.2019
Legislative Aid
State Representative Rick Miller
06.2013 - 06.2016
Team Leader
United States Army Reserve
06.2009 - 09.2012
Team Leader/Tank Gunner
United States Army
09.2005 - 06.2009
Bachelor - Liberal Arts - Major: History
Concordia University
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