Director of Government Affairs

Trent W. Thomas serves as the director of Government Affairs.

In this role, Thomas oversees federal affairs and state legislative affairs.

Thomas began his career with TxDOT in 2012 as the director of State Legislative Affairs, where he has been instrumental in navigating the department through multiple legislative sessions (and special sessions), and the Sunset Commission Review process. Thomas previously served as chief of staff to State Representative Drew Darby from 2008 to 2012. He also served as legislative director to former state representatives Jim Keffer from 2004 to 2008 and Bob Turner from 1999 to 2002. Thomas was responsible for all legislative initiatives and budgetary agendas and was the advisor to state-elected officials on public policy and political fundraising. He spent two years in Washington, D.C., as the director of government relations and special counsel for a grassroots U.S. trade organization, where he served as an advisor on federal and international trade issues.

Thomas holds a bachelor’s degree in agricultural science and development with a teaching emphasis and a master’s degree in education, both from Tarleton State University in Stephenville.