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AUSTIN – McGuireWoods Consulting today announced Luis Saenz has rejoined the firm as a senior advisor in its Texas office. Saenz left the firm in January 2015 to serve as appointments director for Gov. Greg Abbott, a senior staff position responsible for filling key leadership positions in state agencies and on state boards and commissions.
“Luis’s tenure and experienced leadership in the administrations of Texas’ two most recent governors has earned him a reputation as a respected and trusted voice within state government,” said L.F. Payne, president of McGuireWoods Consulting. “He brings valuable knowledge and expertise in policy and procedural matters that will benefit both our team and clients, and we are excited about his return to McGuireWoods.”
Prior to serving in the Abbott Administration, Saenz owned a private consulting practice, Saenz Public Affairs, before being recruited and tabbed to launch the Texas office of McGuireWoods Consulting. He is a former Texas Assistant Secretary of State and senior advisor to Gov. Rick Perry, also serving as his 2006 Campaign Manager.
Saenz has also served on the staffs of former United States Senators Phil Gramm and Kay Bailey Hutchison, on the staff of former Congressman Henry Bonilla, was Chief of Staff to former Comptroller Carole Keeton Rylander, and was a Presidential Appointee at the U.S. Department of State in the administration of former President George H.W. Bush. Saenz began his career at the Heritage Foundation following his graduation from St. Mary’s University in San Antonio, Texas.
“As a result of decades of experience working in and around state government, Luis understands the challenges and issues most relevant in today’s business climate, and he possesses the skills necessary to turn client needs into action and results. McGuireWoods Consulting is proud to welcome Luis back to the team in a move that will undoubtedly benefit current and future clients,” said Frank Atkinson, chairman of McGuireWoods Consulting.
Mark Miner and Holly Deshields will continue to serve as co-directors of the Austin office, with Jennifer Rodriguez, Kwame Walker and Amber Hausenfluck continuing in their capacities as vice presidents for state government relations. Today’s announcement follows McGuireWoods Consulting’s recent hire of Cait Meisenheimer, former deputy press secretary to Governor Abbott, as an assistant vice president and Chasity Tillis, former chief of staff for Representative Marisa Marquez, as a research assistant.
Founded in 1998, McGuireWoods Consulting LLC is a full-service public affairs firm offering government relations, strategic communications & grassroots, and infrastructure and economic development services. McGuireWoods Consulting is a subsidiary of McGuireWoods LLP, a leading international law firm with more than 1,000 lawyers in 22 cities.
In 2015, McGuireWoods Consulting was ranked in the Top 15 of The National Law Journal’s “The Influence 50,” an annual report of the top public affairs firms in Washington, D.C. McGuireWoods Consulting has offices in Washington, D.C., Richmond, Virginia, McLean, Virginia, Atlanta, Chicago, Raleigh, North Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, Springfield, Illinois, Austin, Texas and Bucharest, Romania. For more information, visit McGuireWoods Consulting’s website at www.mcguirewoodsconsulting.com.