Representative Wray announces 84th Legislative staff

John Wray was sworn in as the new Texas State Representative of House District 10 on Jan. 13, 2015.

ELLIS COUNTY — Today, Representative John Wray (Waxahachie) announced his staff hires for the upcoming 84th Texas Legislative Session, which convened January 13, 2015.

“As we prepare for the upcoming legislative session, I am honored to welcome our new staff members,” Representative Wray stated. “Each of them bring their unique skill sets, years of experience, and knowledge of policy that will benefit both our Capitol and District offices. I look forward to working with each of them to ensure our first session in the Texas House is a success for the constituents of House District 10 and the people of Texas.”

Tabatha Vasquez, Chief of Staff
Tabatha was born in Tucson, AZ and grew up in Navarre, Florida at Hurlburt Field Air Force Base. She studied Sociology with a concentration in Criminal Justice and minored in Business at Mars Hill College. Tabatha was not only an Honor Scholar student, but also a member of the Women's Varsity Soccer Team and an Executive Board Member in Delta Zeta sorority. During college, she worked on the presidential campaign in 2008, managing volunteer activity for 13 counties in western North Carolina. With deep family roots in Texas, Tabatha moved here after graduating. She refined her talents with a consulting firm over the last four years, helping numerous local, state, and federal candidates get elected to office. Most recently, she worked for a statewide PAC. Tabatha is a proud Lifetime member of NRA and attends Austin Stone Church with her husband, Jose, and son, Rylan.

Michelle Burks, District Director
Born in Camden, Arkansas, Michelle and her family moved to Waxahachie in the early 70’s. Following graduation from Waxahachie High School in 1981, Michelle studied International Business and Marketing at Baylor University, graduating in 1985. Michelle’s family modeled community involvement offering her a wide variety of opportunities to serve and be involved throughout her upbringing. Soon after college graduation Michelle joined the United States Peace Corps where she served as a Business Consultant in Jamaica. Upon her return from the U.S.P.C., she met and married Waxahachie native Brian Burks, to whom she has been married for 26 years. They have one child, Bonham Burks, who is an 8th Grader in Waxahachie Schools. Michelle and her husband have owned and operated Burks’ Security Services since 1988. Additionally, Michelle served as the Director of Marketing, Community Relations & Development at The Canterbury Episcopal School in Desoto. Throughout her adult life in Waxahachie Michelle has enjoyed being involved with a variety of different service and non-profit organizations; such as the Texas Agricultural Extension Service-Ellis County, Waxahachie Community Development Corporation, Waxahachie Junior Service League, Waxahachie Chamber of Commerce, and many more. Currently Michelle is an active member of the Waxahachie District Advisory Team for W.I.S.D., the Women’s Council of Baylor Medical Center, and serves as Vice President of the Board of Trustees of Waxahachie Foundation. Michelle and her family are active members of Central Presbyterian Church of Waxahachie.

Daniel Mittnacht, Legislative Director
Daniel is originally from Milwaukee, Wisconsin. After accompanying his father, who served in various posts across the globe in the State Department, Daniel moved to Texas to pursue his undergraduate education at the University of Dallas. Upon graduation, and after falling in love with the Texan way of life, he made his home in DFW. His interest in politics led to a stint in Washington D.C. where he worked in support of educational and professional initiatives. He soon realized the dysfunction and out-of-touch rhetoric of Washington, and felt the call to return home and campaign for conservative candidates in North Texas. Daniel looks forward to serving the constituents of HD10 and furthering the conservative principles that have made Texas a leader in liberty and prosperity.

David Turner, Legislative Aid
Born in New York, David got to Texas as soon as he could walk and talk at the age of three. He was raised in Dallas where he attended Trinity Christian Academy. David studied Business Entrepreneurship and earned his BA at Baylor University in 2013. After college, he took his talents to the campaign trail where he met John and ended up managing his House District 10 State Representative campaign and various other campaigns during the 2014 cycle. David prides himself in his knowledge of House District 10, especially the local restaurants. He considers The Tuscan Slice in Waxahachie his favorite.

Jacob Pomroy, Legislative Intern
Jacob grew up in Colleyville, Texas and attended Colleyville Heritage High School. He now attends the University of Texas in Austin where he studies Government and is a member of the College. His passion for the political process has led Jacob to working on local, state, and federal campaigns for two years as well as interning for a Congressman and a Texas political consultant.

Ford Albert, Legislative Intern
Ford is born and raised in Dallas where he graduated from Cistercian Preparatory School. He is an Eagle Scout and considers himself a true outdoorsman. Ford is currently a Sophomore at the University of Texas where he studies Advertising and is a member of the Phi Gamma Delta Fraternity. He is interested in politics because he believes it is a great way to help citizens protect their rights. His goal over the next five months is to master the legislative process.

Representative John Wray is a principled conservative who represents Texas House District 10, the area encompassing Ellis County and part of Henderson County. John currently resides in Waxahachie with his wife, Michele, and their two children, Morgan and Patrick.