About me
I was born and raised in Texas and have spent most of my professional life working to make Texas institutions more effective and responsive to the stakeholders they serve. I have 18 years of experience evaluating Texas state policy and helping a range of organizations improve their effectiveness — from a small nonprofit with one employee to the Texas Health and Human Services Commission with 55,000 employees. For more than 12 years, I evaluated the mission and performance of state government agencies and programs for the Texas Legislature and identified statutory and management barriers to achieving their missions. I then conducted the foundational research for a new, non-partisan think tank evaluating strategic policy issues facing Texas before starting my own consulting business in 2019. Throughout, I have maintained a deep commitment to objective analysis and organizational development.
Key skills & Knowledge
Texas state government · Texas legislative process · Government oversight · Program evaluation · Project prioritization & scoping · Project & team management · Research · Analysis · Interviewing · Focus groups · Surveys · Stakeholder mediation · Facilitation · Writing · Editing · Statutory analysis · Public testimony · Teaching & training · Strategic planning · Process improvement · Board governance · Procurement · Vendor management · Budgeting · Leadership development
Professional Experience
TELEKI CONSULTING LLC (2019-present)
Principal
A Texas-based public policy consultancy offering specialized expertise, objective analysis, and organizational strategy.
TEXAS 2036 (2018-2019)
Director of Policy & Planning
A nonprofit, nonpartisan think tank working to ensure Texas’ continued economic success through its bicentennial in 2036 and beyond.
TEXAS SUNSET ADVISORY COMMISSION (2006-2018)
Review Director
A legislative body with the mission of identifying and eliminating waste, duplication, and inefficiency for 130+ Texas state agencies.
COLIN’S HOPE (2012 - 2017; volunteer leadership role)
Board Chair (2016)
A nonprofit organization focused on drowning prevention and water safety.
Education
UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN
Master of Public Affairs (2006)
Lyndon Baines Johnson School of Public Affairs
Graduate Portfolio Program in Nonprofit & Philanthropic Studies
Bachelor of Arts (2002)
Plan II Honors Program
Phi Beta Kappa
Teaching
UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN
ADJUNCT ASSISTANT PROFESSOR (2023-present)
Lyndon Baines Johnson School of Public Affairs