Myra Leo

HB Strategies Texas Principal Myra Leo has been named Strategic Communicator of the Year by USLege's 2026 Best in Government Affairs Awards.

The peer-nominated recognition honors the top twelve professionals in Texas whose message discipline, timing, and voice influence not just public opinion, but legislative outcomes: communicators who know how to deliver the right message at the right time.

For more than 25 years, Myra has been a defining voice in Texas government affairs as a strategist, connector, and communicator whose influence extends across sectors and generations. As a Principal at HB Strategies, she blends policy expertise with strategic communication to move complex issues through the legislative and regulatory arenas with clarity, credibility, and impact.

“Myra's career reflects a distinguished record of success in guiding complex policy and regulatory issues before the Texas Legislature and state agencies,” one nominator wrote. “Her expertise spans municipal and county government, higher education, pharmaceuticals, energy, telecom, transportation, and healthcare, giving her clients a formidable advantage.” Another added, “Her career embodies the very essence of strategic communication: clarity of vision, strength of influence, and the ability to connect across industries, communities, and generations.”

Before joining HB Strategies, Myra worked as a government affairs advisor at K&L Gates, representing a variety of clients over 23 years. Earlier, she worked for the City of San Antonio, advancing city priorities at the federal, state, and local levels. Key to Myra's career path was serving as Chief of Staff to former State Representative Irma Rangel, the first Hispanic woman elected to the Texas Legislature, where she also directed the Mexican American Legislative Caucus.

A ninth-generation Texan and a member of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas, Myra is a well-respected mentor who continues to serve on boards including the Senate Hispanic Research Council, Austin PBS, the Lozano Long Institute of Latin American Studies, the UT President's Development Board, and the Texas Exes. She is an avid supporter of local arts organizations and Catholic nonprofits in the central Texas region. Myra was named a “Distinguished Alumnus” by the University of Texas and awarded the “Women of Distinction” honor by the Texas Association of Mexican American Chambers of Commerce.

Her leadership reflects a lifelong commitment to civic engagement, mentorship, and cultural stewardship. As one of this year's Strategic Communicator of the Year honorees, Myra represents the vision, strength, and voice that define Texas's most trusted and enduring leaders in public affairs.