Graduate Archer Fellowship Program Alumni Profiles
W. Brady Franks
Summer 2011 Archer Fellow
Internship: Texas Office of State-Federal Relations (Texas Department of Transportation)
Education
The University of Texas at Austin
M.P.Aff., M.S. Community and Regional Planning (MSCRP); expected spring 2018
B.A. Government; spring 2008
Career
Director of Governmental Relations at The University of Texas at Austin
Senior Budget and Policy Advisor, Texas Speaker of the House of Representatives - previous
Summer 2011 Archer Fellow
Internship: Texas Office of State-Federal Relations (Texas Department of Transportation)
Education
The University of Texas at Austin
M.P.Aff., M.S. Community and Regional Planning (MSCRP); expected spring 2018
B.A. Government; spring 2008
Career
Director of Governmental Relations at The University of Texas at Austin
Senior Budget and Policy Advisor, Texas Speaker of the House of Representatives - previous
“The Graduate Program in Public Policy perfectly blended an academic introduction to federal policy making and real-world experience. That, in combination with experiencing an incredible city with many fellow-minded classmates, made for an unforgettable adventure."
Q & A with Brady
Please give us a snapshot of your current position.
I work to advance The University of Texas at Austin state government relations, including serving as a policy advisor and strategist, contributing to strategic and policy engagement related to the state appropriations process, and maintaining working relationships with government officials.
What has been your general career path?
Working in state policy-making, primarily relating to the state budget. I served in various roles in the state legislature, finally working for Speaker of the House Joe Straus before transitioning to The University of Texas at Austin.
How has being an Archer Fellow influenced your professional path and goals?
It rounded out my knowledge and experience in policy-making and has provided invaluable context for goings on in the federal government.
What do you value the most about your experience as an Archer Fellow?
The Graduate Program in Public Policy perfectly blended an academic introduction to federal policy making and real-world experience. That, in combination with experiencing an incredible city with many fellow-minded classmates, made for an unforgettable adventure.
What was the most important thing you learned as an Archer Fellow?
I learned that I enjoyed D.C. and that aspect of policy making, but wanted to use my knowledge gained through the Archer Fellowship to return to Texas and work to influence good public policy there.
What do you value the most about being an Archer Alumnus?
The people you meet during the Graduate Program in Public Policy and those who went before you, and will come after, are some of the most passionate and intelligent you will ever meet.
What is your favorite memory from the program?
We were lucky enough to tour the West Wing while they were negotiating the debt ceiling deal in 2011. Typically they don't allow tours when the President is working, but as we walked by we saw his then Chief of Staff looking grim and with him was Vice President Biden looking amiable as ever.
Do you have advice for prospective students?
If you have any interest in the program or experiencing Washington, D.C., apply. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity and you do not want to let it pass you by.
Please give us a snapshot of your current position.
I work to advance The University of Texas at Austin state government relations, including serving as a policy advisor and strategist, contributing to strategic and policy engagement related to the state appropriations process, and maintaining working relationships with government officials.
What has been your general career path?
Working in state policy-making, primarily relating to the state budget. I served in various roles in the state legislature, finally working for Speaker of the House Joe Straus before transitioning to The University of Texas at Austin.
How has being an Archer Fellow influenced your professional path and goals?
It rounded out my knowledge and experience in policy-making and has provided invaluable context for goings on in the federal government.
What do you value the most about your experience as an Archer Fellow?
The Graduate Program in Public Policy perfectly blended an academic introduction to federal policy making and real-world experience. That, in combination with experiencing an incredible city with many fellow-minded classmates, made for an unforgettable adventure.
What was the most important thing you learned as an Archer Fellow?
I learned that I enjoyed D.C. and that aspect of policy making, but wanted to use my knowledge gained through the Archer Fellowship to return to Texas and work to influence good public policy there.
What do you value the most about being an Archer Alumnus?
The people you meet during the Graduate Program in Public Policy and those who went before you, and will come after, are some of the most passionate and intelligent you will ever meet.
What is your favorite memory from the program?
We were lucky enough to tour the West Wing while they were negotiating the debt ceiling deal in 2011. Typically they don't allow tours when the President is working, but as we walked by we saw his then Chief of Staff looking grim and with him was Vice President Biden looking amiable as ever.
Do you have advice for prospective students?
If you have any interest in the program or experiencing Washington, D.C., apply. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity and you do not want to let it pass you by.
