Top Hired Gun Lobbyists of the Year
Recognizes a contract lobbyist whose work in state government relations stands above the rest. Trusted by clients, legislators, and colleagues alike, they bring sharp strategy, strong relationships, and consistent wins to the table year after year.
12 Honorees
Holly DeShields
Senior Vice President & Director, Texas Government Relations
McGuireWoods Consulting LLCRead profile 
Rising Stars of the Year
Honors an early-career professional whose presence, performance, and potential are impossible to ignore. Whether shaping strategy, delivering testimony, running point on legislation, or mobilizing stakeholders, this rising star is already operating like a seasoned pro.
12 Honorees
Morghan Armenta
K-12 Education Policy Analyst
Office of the Texas Governor Greg Abbott, Budget and Policy DivisionRead profile 
Top Staffer of the Year
Recognizes a legislative staffer whose expertise, judgment, and hustle power a legislator's agenda from behind the scenes. These are the staffers who turn draft ideas into law, anticipate roadblocks before they appear, and make the entire operation smarter, faster, and sharper.
10 Honorees
Vince Leibowitz
Legislative Director & Fiscal Analyst
Office of Texas State Senator Royce WestRead profile 
Association Champion of the Year
Recognizes someone who leads government affairs for a trade, professional, or statewide business association with clarity, credibility, and results. Whether testifying on behalf of hundreds of members or shaping long-term policy strategy, this is the trusted voice decision-makers listen to.
9 Honorees
Trent Hightower
General Counsel & Director of Government Relations
Texas Veterinary Medical AssociationRead profile 
Megan Mauro
Executive Vice President & Chief of Staff, later Interim Preside
Texas Association of BusinessRead profile 
Female Powerhouse of the Year
Honors a standout leader whose influence, results, and presence have reshaped what leadership looks like at the Capitol. Whether she's running the strategy, building coalitions, or mentoring the next generation, she's the one others watch, follow, and trust.
12 Honorees
Strategic Communicator of the Year
Recognizes someone whose message discipline, timing, and voice influence not just public opinion but legislative outcomes. Whether steering a campaign, briefing the press, or managing crisis moments, this person delivers the right message at the right time and makes it stick.
11 Honorees
Lobby Legends of the Year
Honors the professionals whose impact has shaped Texas government affairs for decades. These are the trusted veterans, mentors, and leaders whose reputations are built on results, relationships, and respect. Their presence in the Capitol is synonymous with excellence.
11 Honorees
Policy Intelligence Leaders of the Year
Honors someone who doesn't just keep up, they redefine what it means to stay ahead. This award celebrates the individual using every tool at their disposal to surface what matters faster, brief smarter, and make decisions with unmatched clarity.
12 Honorees
Juliana Peceli
Communications Director / Policy Analyst
Office of Texas State Rep. David CookRead profile 
