Political Communications Veteran Lauren Willis Named Director of Public Affairs for Railroad Commissioner David Porter

March 16, 2011 (AUSTIN, Texas) — Texas Railroad Commissioner David Porter announced today that Lauren Willis will join his leadership team as Director of Public Affairs. Willis will serve as strategic communications counselor and spokesperson for Commissioner Porter.

Willis has over a decade of government affairs, communications and national, regional and local public policy experience. Most recently, she was a Vice President in the Public Affairs division of Edelman Southwest, responsible for managing public affairs strategies and communication activities for LIVESTRONG ( formerly known as the Lance Armstrong Foundation) and clients in the energy sector. Willis also served the Bush administration in communications roles at both the US Department of Justice and the White House.

“We are pleased to welcome Lauren to our team and are confident she will be a strong voice for our office,” said Commissioner Porter. “As we move through the legislative session and Sunset review, we will benefit greatly from Lauren's vast political background and experience with the media."

After graduating from the University of Texas with a degree in journalism, Willis began her career working for then Texas Governor Bush’s gubernatorial reelection campaign. She then spent two legislative sessions working in both the Texas House and Senate, handling media relations, constituent services and legislative policy before heading to Washington, DC.

###

David J. Porter was elected to the Texas Railroad Commission on November 2, 2010. A Certified Public Accountant and successful small business owner, Commissioner Porter has worked with oil and gas producers for nearly three decades providing strategic financial advice and tax counsel. He has a long record of pro-business, free market, conservative credentials.