About the Public Affairs Council  

The Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce Public Affairs Council is the organization’s primary voice in advocating for The Chamber membership on government and public affairs. The department is responsible for voicing the concerns and position of the business community to local, state, and federal elected officials and government agencies.

The Public Affairs Department is comprised of a Steering Committee, which meets monthly and hosts semiannual meetings for the overall council, which is comprised of members of all of the committees under the Public Affairs umbrella. The Transportation, Water, Energy and Sustainability and Legislative Committees meet on a regular basis to discuss issues, develop policy and achieve goals outlined in The Chamber’s Strategic Plan.

Energy & Sustainability Committee

Diana Liebmann | Partner, Haynes and Boone, LLP
Identifies and supports long-term, cost-effective energy sources and policies to promote sustainability for economic growth in our community.

Legislative Committee

Julie Klumpyan | Director Government Affairs at Valero Energy Corporation
Researches, discusses and implements The Chamber’s priorities dealing with the Texas State Legislature during legislative sessions, special sessions as well as during the interims. The Committee is responsible for the creation and implementation of The Chamber’s state and federal legislative agendas and focuses on issues that impact San Antonio’s business climate.

Transportation Committee

Howard Hicks | Vice President of Marketing for HOLTCAT
Develops The Chamber's policy positions and strategy to adequately plan, fund, improve and sustain the region's mobility and transportation infrastructure. Working in conjunction with our regional mobility partners, we focus on educating and advocating for alternative and innovative methods of transportation funding and finding solutions for issues that will impact our transportation system in the future. We are leading the discussion to develop a 'San Antonio Transportation Master Vision' to support regional priorities as identified by the City and County.

Water Committee

Mari Garza-Bird | Vice President of CDM
Works to identify and support long-term political solutions to ensure an adequate, affordable quality supply of water on a regional basis.

The Public Affairs Council produces Position Statements reflective of The Chamber’s Board. The Chamber’s statements are the result of a thorough and thoughtful process beginning with the committees and are among the many products of the Public Affairs Council. The Council is responsible for the creation and implementation of The Chamber’s legislative agenda, hosting the Mayor’s State of the City Address, the County Judge’s State of the County Address, facilitating City Council debates in election years, recommending qualified business members to local and state boards and commissions, conducting City Council tours for membership, producing member publications and serving as a conduit of information of current events impacting our community. 

Department staff serves as a liaison between governmental agencies and elected officials on behalf of The Chamber membership and assists in gathering information and making contacts with individuals in the community that can help their businesses grow and prosper.