Coalition Builders
Our expertise includes the ability to bring like minded entities together to develop a strategy for success while acting as one voice in front of the legislative bodies and regulatory agencies.
Firm Principals
Bradford Shields founded the firm in 1988 and is noted for his in-depth knowledge of the political and legislative processes and how it affects the balance of power in Texas. His expertise enhances his firm’s ability to represent those who have vital interests pending before the state of Texas. The web-based publication Mike Hailey’s Capitol Inside ranked Shields among the Top Hired Gun Contract Lobbyists in Texas and as one of the Top Five Education Lobbyists in Texas.
Accomplished Speaker
Shields is a frequent speaker, often called upon to address public forums, candidate-training sessions and as a guest lecturer for university classes. He is certified for continuing education presentations where professional organizations utilize his knowledge and expertise pertaining to legislative updates affecting new laws in their profession.
Nationally Recognized
A nationally televised PBS Special, "Vote for Me, Politics in America" featured Shields as a prominent lobbyist from Texas.
Active Citizen
He was elected to the Eanes Independent School District in Austin, Texas, and served two terms as its president. He served as a Trustee of the Texas Association of School Boards; President of the Federation of Texas Hospitals; as a board member of the Texas Society of Association Executives; Chairman of the Texas Health Care Council and Chairman of the PAC Information Council. He has been active in the Boy Scouts of America, serving as district chairman for the Capitol Area Council and helped create a new scout district in the Austin Metropolitan Area. He served as a Deacon Moderator at the Westlake Hills Presbyterian Church and also is the Voice of the Chaparrals during Westlake High School football games in Austin.
Texas Lobby Power Rankings
The web-based publication Mike Hailey's Capitol Inside ranked Mr. Shields among the Top Hired Gun Contract Lobbyists in Texas and as one of the Top Five Education Lobbyists in Texas.
512.413.2700
Bradford Shields
Brad T. Shields II has spent more than 15 years in Texas politics in multiple capacities. He began his legislative career working in the House of Representatives and the Texas Senate while attending the University of Texas at Austin. He served on staff of multiple State Representatives during legislative sessions handling legislation and policy issues.
In addition, he worked on political campaigns helping incumbents and challengers towards victory to their respective offices. In 2004, he joined the Texas Retailers Association lobby team as their legislative associate. There he worked with multiple fortune 500 companies as it related to legislation and political functions.
512.658.1990
Brad T. Shields II
Firm Lobby Network
Leticia Van de Putte
Co-Founder & President
Leticia Van de Putte, a practicing pharmacist since 1980, served in the Texas Legislature for over two decades representing a large portion of San Antonio and Bexar County. Senator Van de Putte was named by Texas Monthly Magazine as one of the “Top Ten Legislators” and is the subject of a book, Latina Legislator: Leticia Van de Putte and the Road to Leadership.
Steve Koebele
TexCouncil
Steve works closely with clients and ties tactical steps (ranging from subtle to bold) with the energy necessary to execute a positive strategy. Key components of that strategy typically include completing appropriate research, developing effective public policy arguments, and accessing decision makers. A hired gun professional skilled in both politics and public policy, Steve previously served as legal and public policy counsel in the key Texas offices of Governor, Comptroller, Attorney General, and the United States Department of Justice.
Colette Vallot
Entré Strategic Partners
Colette Vallot is the founder and managing partner of Entré Strategic Partners, specializing in leveraging relationships to deliver favorable outcomes for clients. She is an attorney with over 20 years of experience working in a broad array of industries, Fortune 500 companies, municipalities and non-profit organizations. Entré Strategic Partners is HUB and M/W/DBE certified.
Firm Public Relations Network
Frank Ward
Founding Partner, Poplar Group, Austin
The Poplar Group isn’t your typical strategic consulting and advisory firm. Yes, we have experience at the highest levels of government, business, and campaigns, but we know that doesn’t mean much unless you can apply it to the real world. We’re based in places like Texas and Tennessee for that very reason. That’s the Poplar difference.