Lobbyists Serving Austin

Robert Miller is a Partner at Troutman Pepper Locke LLP and Principal of Troutman Strategies, representing businesses and prominent individuals in their interactions with government. With over 40 years of experience in lobbying local, state, and federal governments, Robert has established himself as one of Texas's most influential government relations professionals. Named a 2025 Texas Lobby Legend by USLege, Robert's distinguished career includes serving as Chairman of the Board for the Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County from 1998 to 2002, where he led the largest transit agency in Texas. He previously spent 40 years as a Partner at Locke Lord LLP, building one of the most respected government affairs practices in the state. Robert represents a diverse portfolio of prominent Texas clients including CenterPoint Energy, Phillips 66, Wells Fargo, Airbnb, Roblox Corporation, Harris County, University of Houston, Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, Greater Houston Partnership, and many others across energy, technology, real estate, and civic sectors. A graduate of The University of Texas School of Law (J.D., Order of the Coif) and Rice University (B.A. Economics and Political Science), Robert combines deep legal expertise with decades of legislative experience. He began his career as Legislative Director for Texas Senator Don Henderson during the 68th Texas Legislature. Based in Austin and Houston, Robert continues to be a leading voice in Texas government relations, known for his strategic counsel and ability to navigate complex public policy matters.

Denise Rose is a Partner at Jackson Walker LLP and chair of the firm's Government Relations & Public Policy group, recognized as one of Texas's premier legislative strategists. With nearly two decades of experience at the Texas Capitol, she has established herself as a leading expert in Texas legislative and regulatory matters, providing strategic counsel to clients ranging from non-profits to Fortune 500 companies. Named to Capitol Inside's 2025 "Texas Lobby Power Rankings" among the elite "Hired Guns" list of top lobbyists in the state, Denise is renowned for her exceptional legislative advocacy and regulatory solutions. Ranked Band 1 by Chambers in 2024 and recognized as a "budget expert," she has secured historic funding increases for critical state programs, particularly in healthcare. Her landmark achievements include securing funding for graduate medical education and the largest funding increase in Texas history for family violence services. Denise's career reflects deep expertise across the healthcare and non-profit sectors. Prior to joining Jackson Walker in 2016, she served as Senior Director of Government Relations at the Texas Hospital Association (2008-2012) and Government Relations Liaison at Texas Children's Hospital (2006-2008). Her early career included roles as a Policy Analyst for the Sunset Advisory Commission and Legislative Fellow with the Texas House of Representatives. A licensed attorney and member of the State Bar of Texas since 2004, Denise earned her J.D. from the University of Houston Law Center and her B.S. in Zoology from the University of Oklahoma. Beyond her legislative accomplishments, she is recognized as a respected mentor and community leader, receiving the Pink Granite Supporter of Women Award in 2021 for her work at the Capitol and dedication to supporting women in government relations. Based in Austin, Denise continues to be a powerful advocate for her clients, known for her strategic acumen, legislative expertise, and proven track record of delivering results on the most challenging policy matters facing Texas.

Mike Toomey is a Partner at Texas Lobby Partners and widely recognized as the premier business lobbyist in Texas. Ranked as the Top Hired Gun Lobbyist by Capitol Inside in 2021 and rated in the top five hired gun lobbyists every year since entering the profession, Mike has maintained his position at the pinnacle of Texas government relations for over two decades. Capitol Inside inducted him into the Texas Lobby Hall of Fame (2005-2019), noting he has "all but owned the top of the mountain" in their power rankings since their inception. Mike holds a distinction unmatched in Texas political history: he is the only person ever to serve as chief of staff for two Texas Governors. He served Governor Rick Perry from 2002-2004, with the Governor crediting him for being "a major factor in the successes of the 2003 legislative session," and Governor Bill Clements from 1989-1990, who praised his "hard work" contributing "significantly to the success of the regular session." Most recently, he served as Senior Advisor and Chief Operating Officer to Governor Abbott's Strike Force to Open Texas in 2020, with Governor Abbott calling him "a proven chief operating officer who knows how to quickly deliver results." During his distinguished legislative career as a three-term Texas House member representing HD 135 in Houston (1983-1988), Mike earned exceptional recognition for his effectiveness and policy expertise. Named Best House Freshman by the Fort Worth Star-Telegram in his first term, he went on to be named one of the Ten Best Legislators by Texas Monthly Magazine and one of the Seven Best Legislators by the Dallas Morning News. As Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, he successfully sponsored landmark tort reform legislation and was honored with the American Tort Reform Association's "Tort Reformer" award in 1987. Colleagues described him as someone who "read every single bill that was filed" and possessed "all the qualities essential to mastering this most difficult of legislative arts." A graduate of South Texas College of Law (J.D., 1976) and Baylor University (B.A. Philosophy, 1972), Mike has built his career on an extraordinary work ethic and encyclopedic knowledge of state government. The New York Times has called him "the leading business lobbyist in Texas," while Texas Monthly noted his "legendary" work ethic and "zeal and tenacity that even his detractors admire." His approach to lobbying is characterized by meticulous preparation, comprehensive issue knowledge, and an unmatched dedication to delivering results for his clients. Based in Austin, Mike continues to be the go-to strategist for businesses and prominent individuals seeking to navigate Texas government. His influence extends across every major policy area, built on decades of relationships, unparalleled institutional knowledge, and a track record of success that has made him a fixture at the top of every credible ranking of Texas lobbyists for the past twenty years.