Rising Stars of the Year

Ana Grace Husted has quickly established herself as one of the most impressive new advocates in Texas government affairs. Joining ABC Texas in 2023, she rose from Policy Intern to Director of Advocacy and Outreach within a single year. Earning her recognition across the Capitol for her preparation, professionalism, and poise under pressure.

“Ana Grace started working for ABC Texas in 2023 and has quickly risen to prominence among her association lobby peers,” her nominator shared. “She shepherded nine priority bills across the association, testified over a dozen times on complex legislation, and handled a 20-minute cross-examination in State Affairs with the composure of a seasoned veteran.”

In her role, Ana Grace leads statewide government-affairs efforts for one of Texas’s largest construction associations, shaping major workforce and regulatory reforms that strengthen the merit-shop industry. Her strategic mindset, paired with a genuine passion for free-enterprise advocacy, has made her a trusted resource to both members and legislators.

A graduate of Texas A&M University’s Mays Business School, Ana Grace blends policy insight with a clear sense of mission. Proving that leadership isn’t measured by years of experience, but by the impact you make.

As one of this year’s Rising Stars of the Year, Ana Grace Husted represents the drive, discipline, and emerging influence shaping the future of Texas advocacy

Avery Dishaw is redefining what early success looks like in Texas government affairs. Known for her sharp instincts, strong relationships, and relentless follow-through, Avery made a major impact in her first legislative session. Earning the trust of clients, staff, and lawmakers across the Capitol. Her ability to connect, communicate, and deliver results has already made her one of the most talked-about rising professionals in state advocacy.

“Avery stepped into a new role this session and never backed down from the fight,” one nominator wrote. “She exceeded all expectations and made us feel like the only client in her orbit.” Another added, “She’s the epitome of a team player. She takes initiative, makes things happen, and brings impeccable morals, character, and professionalism to every project.”

Before joining PLUS Communications, Avery served as Communications Director in the Texas Senate, providing strategic counsel, managing digital platforms, and shaping messaging on public policy issues. She’s also led national media campaigns uniting over 40 nonprofits around shared legislative goals. Proof that her blend of policy insight and storytelling power translates into real results.

With an expansive network of colleagues and legislators, Avery brings energy, creativity, and credibility to every issue she touches.

As one of this year’s Rising Stars of the Year, Avery Dishaw represents the professionalism, drive, and influence defining the next generation of Texas leaders in government affairs.

Caitriana Corkill has earned a reputation as one of the most capable and composed professionals in Texas government affairs. As Vice President at BGR Government Affairs, she brings more than a decade of experience in legislative strategy, legal analysis, and policy leadership.

“She managed the hardest committee in the Texas Legislature,” one nominator shared. “It had the longest hearings, the most bills, and the most controversial issues yet she kept everything organized, efficient, and respectful. She was always professional and polite to staff and lobbyists alike.”

Before joining BGR, Caitriana served as Committee Director for Chairman Bryan Hughes over the Texas Senate Committees on State Affairs and Jurisprudence, managing agendas, providing legal counsel, and guiding landmark legislation through some of the session’s toughest hearings. Her balance of calm under pressure and precise command of the process made her a trusted advisor to lawmakers and stakeholders alike.

A graduate of the University of Texas at Austin and Liberty University School of Law, Caitriana combines deep policy understanding with an instinct for leadership. These traits make her one of the most promising new figures in Texas government affairs.

As one of this year’s Rising Stars of the Year, Caitriana Corkill represents the composure, professionalism, and intellect defining the next generation of Texas leaders.

Drew Graham has quickly distinguished himself as one of the rising new talents in Texas government affairs. After more than a decade of public service in senior roles within the Legislature, he made a seamless transition from Capitol staff to full-time advocate, bringing with him a reputation for hard work, reliability, and depth of policy expertise that’s rare this early in a lobbying career.

“Drew has navigated the change from longtime staffer to lobbyist with great success,” one nominator shared. “He balances his deep understanding of what staff need with the ability to let clients communicate their highly technical information. A skill some take years to master.” Another noted, “He works hard, is honest, and cares deeply about his clients and their wellbeing.”

Before entering the private sector, Drew served as Chief of Staff to Senator Charles Schwertner, leading a 20-person team and managing legislative strategy across eleven counties. He also served as Deputy Committee Director and Policy Analyst for the Senate Committee on Health and Human Services and as a policy analyst at the Texas Sunset Advisory Commission, building a strong foundation in both legislative operations and policy design.

A graduate of Texas Tech University and the Bush School of Government and Public Service at Texas A&M, Drew combines academic insight with hands-on experience to deliver results across a range of policy areas from energy to insurance to business regulation.

As one of this year’s Rising Stars of the Year, Drew Graham exemplifies the professionalism, insight, and strong leadership that define the next generation of top advocates in Texas government affairs.

Emily Love has already established herself as one of the most capable and respected emerging advocates in Texas government affairs. As Director of Legislative Affairs at Cross Oak Group, she brings focus, composure, and relentless drive to every challenge. These traits have earned her the trust of both clients and colleagues across the Capitol.

“Emily is a powerhouse,” one nominator wrote. “Despite hurdles during this past session, she persevered and overdelivered for her clients. She is so deserving of this award.” That determination and grace under pressure have become her signature.

Before joining Cross Oak Group, Emily served as External Affairs Coordinator for Texas 2036, supporting statewide engagement under the leadership of former U.S. Secretary of Education Margaret Spellings. She began her career in the Texas House of Representatives as Administrative Director to State Representative DeWayne Burns, later expanding her portfolio into political fundraising and consulting through her work with Norfleet Strategies.

A proud graduate of Tarleton State University, Emily continues to give back to her community as a board member for both the Tarleton Alumni Association and The Matt Harbin Foundation, which advances research and advocacy on mental health.

As one of this year’s Rising Stars of the Year, Emily Love exemplifies the resilience, professionalism, and heart that define Texas’s next generation of leaders in public policy and advocacy.

Eric MacPherson currently serves as a Government Relations Specialist at the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services. His initial experience in Texas government, however, was in the office of State Senator Royce West where he served as a Legislative Aide Intern during the 89th legislative session. During his time with Senator West, he supported the Senator's education agenda and worked directly on several pieces of legislation that eventually became laws. He is committed to living a life of public service and looks forward to a long career making the lives of his fellow Texans better.

Ikenna Okoro exemplifies what it means to combine legal precision with a passion for public service. As an attorney and government relations professional with more than five years of experience in and around the Texas Capitol, he has already established himself as a trusted advocate, respected for his expertise, professionalism, and unwavering work ethic.

“Ikenna is excellent to work with,” one peer shared. “He showcases the definition of hard work and has a great connection with everyone he encounters. I would work with him again and again.”

Before founding Okoro Law, PLLC, Ikenna served as Assistant Parliamentarian in the Texas House of Representatives, appointed by two Speakers. In that role, he advised all 150 House members and their staff on procedural and legal questions — experience that gave him a deep understanding of how Texas policy is shaped from the inside. He later transitioned to private practice, where his focus on regulatory and legislative issues in energy, utilities, and business affairs sharpened his ability to deliver results for corporate and nonprofit clients alike.

A graduate of the University of Miami and The University of Texas School of Law, Ikenna continues to contribute to the Capitol community by mentoring college and law students and providing guidance to the next generation of advocates.

As one of this year’s Rising Stars of the Year, Ikenna Okoro represents the integrity, intellect, and drive that define Texas’s next generation of leaders in government affairs.

Jenna Harlan has quickly become one of the standout new voices in the Texas Capitol. As Legislative Director in the Texas House of Representatives, she brings sharp instincts, clear communication, and steady leadership to the fast-paced world of state policymaking. Known for her ability to adapt, anticipate, and deliver results, Jenna is already operating with the confidence and capability of a seasoned professional.

“Jenna has jumped in with both feet,” one nominator shared. “She’s already shown wisdom and the ability to adapt better than staffers who’ve been in the Capitol for years.” Another offered a shorter summary: “She’s the GOAT.”

Before joining the Legislature, Jenna built her foundation in political campaigning and consulting, developing a keen understanding of how policy, people, and messaging intersect to drive outcomes. That background, paired with her disciplined approach and natural communication skills, has made her an asset in shaping thoughtful, results-driven legislation.

A proud Longhorn and graduate of the University of Texas at Austin, Jenna brings the same focus and determination she applies at the Capitol to every area of her life, from mentoring peers to exploring the outdoors around Lady Bird Lake.

As one of this year’s Rising Stars of the Year, Jenna Harlan represents the next generation of Texas leadership; adaptable, insightful, and already setting a high bar for excellence in state government.

Kate Goodrich has quickly become one of the most respected new advocates in Texas government affairs. Known for her intellect, authenticity, and fearless command of complex policy. A licensed attorney and contract lobbyist with the Texas Lobby Group, Kate brings a rare mix of legal depth and legislative experience that makes her a go-to resource for clients and colleagues alike.

“Kate is amazing to work with because she’s sharp, no-nonsense, and genuine,” one nominator wrote. “Her legal and policy depth is unmatched and she’s a huge supporter of other women.” Another added, “Kate is one of the smartest, most authentic, hardest working, and resourceful lobbyists in the business.”

A double Longhorn, Kate earned both her undergraduate and law degrees from the University of Texas at Austin, along with a Master’s in Global Politics from Trinity College Dublin, where she studied on a Rotary International scholarship. Before returning to Austin for law school, she spent three years as a federally registered lobbyist in Washington, D.C. Her Texas experience includes serving in three Senate committee offices, Natural Resources, Finance, and Health & Human Services, and as Deputy General Counsel and Policy Advisor to House Speaker Dade Phelan.

Kate’s combination of legal precision, political insight, and genuine character has made her one of the Capitol’s most trusted emerging voices.

As one of this year’s Rising Stars of the Year, Kate Goodrich represents the intellect, drive, and authenticity that define the next generation of leaders in Texas government affairs.

Michael Geary is quickly becoming one of the go-to names in Texas government affairs. As Principal at August Strategy Group, he has earned a reputation for results, reliability, and relentless drive. Earning the respect of peers across the Capitol.

“Michael has exceeded all expectations for clients who have hired him,” one nominator shared. Another added, “He’s not even two years into his lobbying career and is already kicking butt and taking names, landing big clients and getting their priorities passed as leadership bills under both Lt. Governor Patrick and Speaker Burrows.”

A former Communications Director in the Texas Senate and caucus liaison for the Texas Conservative Coalition, Michael draws on nearly a decade of experience around the Capitol. His ability to combine message discipline with strategic insight has helped transform client goals into real legislative outcomes and his rapid rise reflects both talent and trust.

Before his policy career, Michael served as a U.S. Army Reserve Captain and earned his degree from Texas A&M University–Kingsville, experiences that continue to shape his discipline and leadership style today.

As one of this year’s Rising Stars of the Year, Michael Geary represents the determination, strategic skill, and integrity defining the next generation of top advocates in Texas government affairs.

Morghan Armenta is part of the new generation shaping the future of Texas education policy. As a K–12 Education Policy Analyst in the Budget and Policy Division of Governor Greg Abbott’s office, she supports the development and analysis of statewide initiatives that strengthen classrooms, expand opportunity, and drive long-term results for students across Texas.

Colleagues describe Morghan as “incredibly smart, extremely hard-working, and deserving of more credit than she gets.” That humility, paired with her talent for problem-solving and data-driven insight, has made her a trusted contributor in high-stakes policy conversations. Her work blends research precision with a deep understanding of how education policy impacts real communities and her steady leadership continues to make a visible difference.

Before joining the Governor’s office, Morghan served as a Lone Star Fellow at Texas 2036, where she advanced long-term education and workforce priorities through data-backed policy development. She previously staffed both the House Public Education and Homeland Security & Public Safety Committees in the Texas House of Representatives and is a 2025 Fellow with the Education Reformers Academy, a national program developing emerging leaders in student-centered reform.

A proud Texas State University graduate, Morghan continues to lead through civic engagement, having served as Legislative Chair for the Hays County Republican Women and contributing actively to the Texas Federation of Republican Women.

As one of this year’s Rising Stars of the Year, Morghan Armenta represents the intelligence, discipline, and strength that define Texas’s next generation of policy leaders.

Sara Allen is one of the most impressive emerging advocates in Texas politics — known for her professionalism, calm confidence, and steady command of the process. As a Lobbyist at Imperium Public Affairs, she focuses on healthcare policy, bringing a practical understanding of how policy and politics connect. Her ability to stay composed under pressure while keeping complex priorities on track has earned her the respect of colleagues across the Capitol.

“Sara is hardworking, thoughtful, and calm under pressure — a steady presence in every room she walks into,” one nominator shared. “She’s collaborative, approachable, and ensures her clients’ priorities are taken seriously.” Another added, “Sara is always happy, always eager to help and learn, and always around. She knows everyone in and around the Capitol and keeps building new connections.”

Before joining Imperium, Sara gained experience across the Texas legislative ecosystem — from trade associations to political fundraising — honing her understanding of how relationships drive results. Today, she channels that insight into representing clients with credibility, care, and consistency.

As one of this year’s Rising Stars of the Year, Sara Allen represents the intelligence, warmth, and focus that define Texas’s next generation of leaders in government affairs.