Summary
Overview
Skills
Work History
Education
Certification
Interests
Work Preference
Timeline
Internships
Generic
Open To Work

Trey Owens

Houston ,TX

Summary

Public affairs and government relations leader with 15+ years of experience driving legislative strategy, policy development, and stakeholder engagement. Proven success shaping impactful legislation and leading advocacy initiatives that strengthen communities and improve public outcomes. Currently enrolled in the UT McCombs Post Graduate Program in Data Science and Generative AI, leveraging emerging technology and data-driven insight to advance civic engagement, transparency, and innovation within public institutions such as the Houston Metropolitan Transit Authority.

Overview

16
16
years of professional experience
10
10

Years of Leadership in Legislative Strategy & Policy Development

7
7

Years of Real Estate and Finanical Services Experience

4
4

Professional Licenses &. Certifications

5
5

States [TX, VA, OH, MI, SC] I am Licensed in Life Insurance

1
1
Certificate

Skills

  • Legislative & Policy Expertise: Legislative advocacy, policy analysis, research, drafting issue briefs, policy tracking
  • Client & Stakeholder Management: Client service, stakeholder coordination, cross-team collaboration
  • Fundraising & Development: Donor engagement, relationship management, and strategic fundraising for political campaigns, nonprofit organizations, and community initiatives
  • Communications & Media RelationS: Strategic messaging, media engagement, public affairs support, public speaking & speech writing

  • Project & Administrative Skills: Calendar & Timeline management, project coordination, office operations, travel coordination
  • Technical Proficiency: Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, Teams, and Adobe Acrobat; experienced with virtual meeting platforms and managing organizational social media accounts for engagement and outreach
  • Generative AI Tools: ChatGPT, Gemini, Copilot, Perplexity, Grok, Claude, Midjourney, DALLE, Runway ML

Work History

Licensed Insurance Agent

Symmetry Financial Group
09.2024 - Current

Symmetry Financial Group

  • Developed customized insurance solutions to meet client needs and enhance satisfaction.
  • Cultivated long-term relationships with clients through effective communication and trust-building strategies.
  • Educated clients on policy options, coverage details, and benefits to facilitate informed decisions.

Public Affairs Consultant

Independent Contractor w/ Community Justice
01.2020 - Current
  • Developed and promoted targeted public messaging for a national gun violence prevention organization, increasing visibility and stakeholder engagement.
  • Conducted in-depth research and policy analysis to support data-driven public affairs strategies and the Executive Director's initiatives.
  • Represented the organization in Washington, D.C. , participating in panel discussions and policy workshops on gun violence prevention and its impact on Black and Brown communities.
  • Facilitated workshops and training sessions to empower community members and promote restorative practices.

Licensed Real Estate Advisor

Engel & Voelkers, REMAX, Gary Greene, Compass
01.2019 - 08.2024
  • Represented clients in high-value residential and off-market investment real estate transactions throughout Greater Houston.
  • Earned the Onyx Level Award (E&V) in 2020 for exceptional performance in closed transactions advisor needed to achieve between $75,000 and $149,999 in closed GCI or a minimum of 18 closed sides,

.

Policy Analyst

Texas Criminal Justice Coalition
01.2015 - 05.2015
  • Lobbied for criminal justice reform during the 84th Texas Legislative Session, influencing policy outcomes.
  • Mobilized citizens and stakeholders through grassroots advocacy campaigns supporting reform initiatives.
  • Conducted policy impact assessments and in-depth analyses to identify gaps and recommend evidence-based reforms.
  • Collaborated with legislators, advocacy groups, and community organizations to develop evidence-based policy solutions..

Campaign Coordinator

John Whitmire's Senate Re-Election Campaigns
11.2013 - 11.2022
  • Directed fundraising and donor relations , increasing campaign reserves by 22% (from $9M to $11M) across three successful state senate re-election campaigns .
  • Managed volunteer networks and grassroots outreach , boosting voter engagement and campaign visibility.
  • Developed data-driven campaign timelines and strategies , aligning fundraising, outreach, and communications with electoral milestones.
  • Implemented targeted social media campaigns , increasing engagement and amplifying key messages.
  • Forged strategic partnerships with community organizations, expanding outreach and supporter base.


District Director & Executive Assistant

Texas State Senator John Whitmire, SD15
05.2012 - 11.2022
  • Improved district performance through strategic initiatives and collaboration with civic leaders, private partners, and community organizations.
  • Led legislative strategy for three consecutive Texas sessions (83rd, 84th Specials, 85th) , achieving passage of key legislation in criminal justice, juvenile justice, business & commerce, education, and public safety.
  • Delivered policy analysis and strategic guidance , translating complex issues into actionable recommendations.
  • Supervised legislative staff and interns , managing research, communications, and constituent engagement.
  • Directed media relations , including press releases, social media content, and stakeholder communications.
  • Mentored junior staff , fostering professional growth and high-performing teams.
  • Handled confidential and sensitive information with discretion and tact.

Government Relations Associate

Focused Advocacy
01.2011 - 05.2012
  • Cultivated relationships with elected officials and stakeholders to influence policy decisions on energy and natural resources.
  • Produced actionable summaries for “This Week Under the Dome” memos, keeping clients informed of legislative developments.
  • Developed advocacy and media materials , including briefings, press releases, speeches, op-eds, and position papers.
  • Enhanced government relations strategies through in-depth research and analysis of political and policy trends..

External Affairs Coordinator

Office of the City Manager, City of Huntsville
01.2010 - 01.2011

Conducted comprehensive public policy research through legislative hearings, city council meetings, county commissioners court, and finance hearings.

  • Built strategic relationships with elected officials, staff, and stakeholders to advance city initiatives.
  • Managed federal and state grants for infrastructure, drainage, and housing projects, ensuring successful implementation.
  • Directed the City's SHSU Internship Program , mentoring student interns and supporting professional development.

Education

Master of Arts - Public Administration

University of St. Thomas
Houston, TX
12.2015

Bachelor of Science - Criminal Justice Minor in Political Science

Sam Houston State University
Huntsville, TX
05.2010

Some College (No Degree) -

Southern Methodist University
Dallas, TX

Certification

  • Texas Life Insurance General Lines
  • Texas Property & Casualty Insurance General Lines
  • Texas Real Estate Salesperson License (TREC# 700998)
  • New Homes Sales Agent Certification (NHSAC)

Interests

I love traveling and soaking up inspiration from new places


Avid sports fans try to attend as many live sporting events as I can I enjoy rooting for all the hometown teams Houston Rockets, Houston Texans , Houston Dynamos and the World Champion Houston Astros!

I'm a self-proclaimed painter and drawer,

I really enjoy getting creative with DIY projects, home remodeling, and interior design

When I'm not working on something, I'm hanging out with my dog, Bailey, who keeps life fun and full of energy

Work Preference

Work Type

Full Time

Location Preference

On-Site

Important To Me

Career advancementStock Options / Equity / Profit Sharing

Timeline

Licensed Insurance Agent

Symmetry Financial Group
09.2024 - Current

Public Affairs Consultant

Independent Contractor w/ Community Justice
01.2020 - Current

Licensed Real Estate Advisor

Engel & Voelkers, REMAX, Gary Greene, Compass
01.2019 - 08.2024

Policy Analyst

Texas Criminal Justice Coalition
01.2015 - 05.2015

Campaign Coordinator

John Whitmire's Senate Re-Election Campaigns
11.2013 - 11.2022

District Director & Executive Assistant

Texas State Senator John Whitmire, SD15
05.2012 - 11.2022

Government Relations Associate

Focused Advocacy
01.2011 - 05.2012

External Affairs Coordinator

Office of the City Manager, City of Huntsville
01.2010 - 01.2011

Master of Arts - Public Administration

University of St. Thomas

Bachelor of Science - Criminal Justice Minor in Political Science

Sam Houston State University

Some College (No Degree) -

Southern Methodist University

Internships

Texas Legislative Internship Program (TLIP) Intern, Texas State Senator Kel Seliger , SD 31

Austin, TX | 81st Legislative Session [Spring 2009] Full-time staff position while attending SHSU

District Office Intern, Texas State House Representative Terri Hodge , HD 100

Dallas, TX | [Fall 2007 - Summer 2008] Part-time staff position while attending SMU