Evan founded Autry Public Affairs (APA) following a successful election cycle as the first Political Director for Texas House Speaker Dade Phelan. He was recently named the #1 "Rising Lobby Star" by Capitol Inside.

 

Evan began his career in Texas politics by managing a successful campaign for a member of the Texas House. He then served as the Legislative Director for the Chairman of Energy Resources in the Texas House where he helped pass landmark legislation to fix county and state roads damaged due to increased oil and gas production. In 2014, he stepped away from the Capitol to run another successful House campaign.

 

Prior to joining Speaker Phelan’s team, Evan lobbied for nearly a decade for the rural electric cooperative association, as Director of Legislative Affairs, during which time he became well versed in utility, energy and telecommunications policy.

 

Evan was tapped in 2020 by Speaker Phelan to implement the Speaker’s political agenda by organizing and directing support to Texas House candidates. Evan managed a $6 million dollar budget that supported scores of members and candidates in their campaigns. It was one of the most successful Speaker-led election cycles in Texas history.

​

Evan has a unique perspective on how public policy is set and formed – from the motivations that generate the policy initiatives, to the currents that shape it during the legislative process. This unique perspective comes from his extensive experience both inside the halls of state government, and out in the political field.

 

Evan holds a Bachelor of Arts in history from the University of Texas at Austin, and a Master of Business Administration from Texas Tech University. He lives in Austin with his wife Lindsey, and their children, Cameron and Crew.