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Consulting
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Testimonials

“There is a person who’s been toiling in the vineyard of policy reform for decades and an adviser to members of the House and Senate and myself for a long, long time who, for me, has been an architect of so many of these programs that have come to fruition. And that is my policy adviser, John Colyandro.”
Governor Greg AbbottHouse Bill 3 Press Conference, 2019
"John has been a personal friend and professional associate for over 20 years. He’s a leader in state policy, and knows the workings of state government and the legislature. But it’s his honesty, integrity and depth of knowledge that really stand out."
Linda Harper-BrownFormer State Representative 2003-2015
"I worked with John in the legislature for over 15 years. He was the go-to person for understanding policy and developing strategies to get results. There is no one better to have on your side. Brilliant and dependable."
Jodie LaubenbergFormer State Representative 2003-2019
“I have known John the better part of three decades starting when he was a full-time political consultant. We became close friends as well as professional associates. I trust John, and admire his resolve to advance sound public policies and often when others shy away from a difficult fight.”
Diane RathFormer Chair, Texas Workforce Commission
“When I was in the state legislature, John was one of the few people who understood how to combine solid conservative principles with the practical skill of making those principles a reality - and he’s still doing it!”
Bill KefferFormer State Representative (2003–2007) Janet Scivally and David Copeland Endowed Professor of Energy Law, Texas Tech School of Law 
“John worked for me four legislative sessions. The hours were long and sometimes hard but he nevertheless found the right decision. He’s a good man and very smart.”
Warren ChisumFormer State Representative 1989-2013
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About Us

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John D. Colyandro

John Colyandro most recently served as Senior Advisor and Policy Director for Governor Greg Abbott, who also appointed him to represent the State of Texas on the Education Commission of the States, and the Transition Legislative Oversight Committee for the Health and Human Services Commission.

Prior to joining the Office of the Governor, John served for over a decade as Executive Director of the Texas Conservative Coalition Research Institute, a state-based think-tank that develops public policy recommendations. He also served as Executive Director of the Texas Conservative Coalition, a caucus of members of the Texas House and Senate.

John served previously as a campaign policy advisor to Greg Abbott for Attorney General of Texas and then as a gubernatorial candidate, and has had an active role in numerous campaigns throughout the United States including Texas Senator Phil Gramm’s presidential campaign.

Additional public service roles include chief of staff positions with the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts and the Texas Railroad Commission.

John is married with one child.  His wife Gretchen is a stay at home mom who is active in their parish school after working in the Bush 43 White House and in the office of the Texas Speaker of the House. John is an acolyte and lector at their home parish, and formerly served in the Texas State Guard.  

 

Kate Decker

Kate Decker serves as Policy Research Specialist for Colyandro Public Affairs and brings her wealth of experience in both the public and private sectors. 

Kate began her career as a litigator in Dallas, Texas specializing in commercial litigation and professional liability.  She moved to public service in June 2008, serving as Legal Counsel for then-Senator Dan Patrick. Kate honed her research skills while working in Senator Patrick’s office, advising on issues related to finance, criminal justice, and election law.

Following her time in the Texas Legislature, Kate served as Legal Counsel to Barry Smitherman during his tenure as Chairman of the Railroad Commission of Texas. She then returned to the private sector, practicing law in the oil and gas industry. Kate has served in volunteer roles with CASA, women’s ministry, and Girl Scouts. Kate lives in Dripping Springs, Texas with her husband and three children. 

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