New Executive Director for Texas Advocacy

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The Texas Credit Union Association, the political arm in Austin for the Cornerstone League, has a new executive director: Jessica Karlsruher.

Karlsruher (pronounced Karlz-ROO-ER) comes to Cornerstone from the Texas Real Estate Advocacy and Defense (TREAD) Coalition. She has over 20 years of experience with trade associations and nonprofit organizations, so she’s ready to seamlessly enter the 89th Texas Legislature when it commences its regular session on Jan. 14.

“We’re delighted to welcome Jessica Karlsruher to the Texas Credit Union Association,” said Cornerstone League EVP/Chief Advocacy Officer Jim Phelps. “Jessica brings substantial expertise to the position. In addition, her established relationships with lawmakers will be instrumental in lobbying and engagement opportunities. We are confident she will represent Texas credit unions at the highest standards you’ve come to expect.”

More on Jessica Karlsruher
After graduating in 2000 from the University of Texas at Austin with a Bachelor of Science in communication, Karlsruher worked in the Texas Association of Realtors’ governmental affairs department. There, she coordinated lobby days and other grassroots efforts, hosted leadership and PAC conferences, and lobbied on behalf of the organization. She later worked in state-society management in Washington, D.C., including board development, volunteer recruitment, and advocacy efforts. She transitioned to nonprofit fundraising and awareness for patient advocacy organizations, and in 2019 began her tenure with TREAD.

Karlsruher’s roots run deep as a 6th generation Texan, a landowner, and a steward of Texas land and resources. She is a proud member of the Texas Wildlife Association, Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers, and Texas Land & Mineral Owners Association. She also serves on a Pipeline Safety Standards Committee with the American Petroleum Institute.