About Us

John-Colyandro-Headshot

John D. Colyandro

Prior to starting Colyandro Public Affairs, John Colyandro  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 President George W. Bush 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 is also a stay-at-home mom, a CASA volunteer, and has served on her local school board.

Kate-Decker-Headshot