With two offices in Texas and a Washington, D.C. Congressional office, I employ almost 20 staffers who work diligently in order to best serve the residents of the 26th District of Texas.
Lewisville District Office Staff
Erik With - District Director
Robin Vaughan - District Administrator
Robin has served on the district staff since Rep. Burgess was elected to Congress in 2002 and previously served on the state and Washington staffs of U.S. Senator Phil Gramm. She coordinates all District special events, including Town Halls, Summits and the Congressional Veteran Commendation. In addition, Robin oversees services to high school and college students, including Service Academy Nominations, the Congressional High School Art Contest, Graduation Certificates and internships.
Joan Self - District Assistant
Joan came to work for Congressman Burgess after having a career as an elementary school teacher for over twenty years. She joined Dr. Burgess’ office when he was still in the campaign process. After the Congressman was elected to office, Joan worked in the Campaign Office for two years. In 2004, Joan came to work in the District Office in Lewisville. Her responsibilities include coordinating responses for constituent requests, flag certificates, assistance with special projects, along with outreach activities.
David Lehde - District Communications Assistant
David is a Texan, born of a military service member abroad, and is an active alumnus of the University of North Texas (Go Mean Green). He left the private sector/healthcare industry to begin his service on the District staff in 2005. He oversees audio, visual and technology issues in the district and guides technology interns. In addition, David assists with outreach to local press and communities, tracks district issues and also performs various administrative duties.
Fort Worth District Office Staff
Patricia Bostic - Development Director
Pat, also born of a military service member abroad, extended her career by joining the Burgess District staff in October 2005. Prior to becoming part of the congressional office, she worked for several municipal and quasi units of government. Pat has more than 15 years experience in grant and program management, as well as core backgrounds in community, housing, planning, transportation and economic development. Her day-to-day responsibilities include grant, economic and small business development for Texas' 26th District.
Melanie Torres - Constituent Services Aide
Andrew Flores - Constituent Services Aide
Andrew joined Team Burgess in February 2006 after a year-long internship and upon graduating from Texas Wesleyan University. He handles Constituent Services for Congressman Burgess which includes casework matters for constituents that have been experiencing problems with federal agencies. Specifically, Andrew works with the Social Security Administration, Department of Education, Citizenship and Immigration Services, Federal Emergency Management Agency, Veterans Affairs, Medicare Part D, and Comptroller of the Currency.
Washington, D.C. Congressional Office Staff
Barry Brown - Chief of Staff
Barry joined Congressman Burgess in January 2003 as Chief of Staff, having served in the private sector as a government relations representative. He began his congressional career as a Legislative Assistant to then-Chairman of the House Agriculture Committee Rep. Larry Combest (R-Lubbock) and later served as Legislative Director to Rep. Kevin Brady (R-The Woodlands) and Chief of Staff to Rep. Kay Granger (R-Fort Worth). He oversees the overall day-to-day management and operations of the congressional office and advises the Congressman on all strategic matters. He graduated with a BA from Texas Tech University and is the past-President of the National Board of Directors for the Texas Tech Alumni Association. He is married with a son, Leighton, and a daughter, Gipson.
James "J.P." Paluskiewicz - Legislative Director
J.P. joined the office in March of 2009 and oversees the Congressman’s legislative agenda while dealing with public policy relating to domestic social, budgetary, and entitlement issues, particularly those surrounding health care. Formerly, J.P. served Representative Charlie Norwood, D.D.S. (R-GA-10) for over four years in a variety of positions, initially as a Legislative Aide and later as Legislative Director & Health Policy Advisor. J.P. has been recognized by several health care provider groups for his work on Capitol Hill, including the Special Recognition Award from the American Psychiatric Society, the first award ever granted to a Congressional staffer by the organization, and the Gift of Life Legislator of the Year Award from the American Society of Transplantation. J.P. attended American University on a Leadership Scholarship, graduating with majors in Political Science and Law & Society in 2001. In 2005, he earned his Masters in Legislative Affairs from George Washington University with a focus in health policy and constitutional theory.
Lauren Bean - Communications Director
Sery E. Kim - Senior Legislative Counsel
Sery joined Congressman Burgess in July 2008 as Legislative Counsel. Previously, Sery worked for the Huckabee for President campaign as well as the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services during President George W. Bush's Administration. A native of Congressman Burgess' district, Sery graduated from the University of Texas at Austin School of Law at age 23 and received her B.A. in two years (Magna Cum Laude) from the University of North Texas. Sery is the immediate past President of the DC Texas Exes and currently serves as a Member of the Texas Exes Council, a Board Member of the Friends of the Archer Center, as the current President Elect of the DC Texas Exes, a Member of the Young Professionals Committee for the Trust for the National Mall, and writes entertainment reviews for NBC.
James Decker – Legislative Counsel
James joined Congressman Burgess’ Washington D.C. office in September 2009, handling energy, environment, agriculture, labor, and national security issues. James further handles Congressman Burgess’ Subcommittee on Energy & Environment portfolio. James received a B.A. in Classics from Amherst College and a J.D. from The George Washington University Law School. Prior to joining Congressman Burgess’ staff, James served as a Legislative Assistant and Staff Attorney to Senator Arlen Specter and Legislative Counsel to Congressman Tom Davis (R-VA-11). Prior to working on the Hill, he assisted with bankruptcy and contract litigation at law firms in NY and DC.
Eric Wilson – Executive Director, Congressional Health Care Caucus
Originally from Wichita Falls, Eric is a graduate of the Texas Academy of Math and Science at UNT and the University of the South in Sewanee, TN. He coordinates the activities of the Health Caucus, chaired by Congressman Burgess. Eric also handles Second Amendment Issues and entitlement programs. He is interested in using social media and new technologies to foster effective conversations.
Amanda Stevens - Scheduler/Office Manager
Amanda joined the Washington, D.C. office in February 2007 after serving almost 3 years with U.S. Senator Mike DeWine (R-Ohio). Amanda handles the Congressman’s schedule in both Washington and while he is in Texas. In addition, she handles all office administrative duties ensuring the office runs at full speed. Amanda is originally from Ohio, graduating in 2004 with a Bachelor of Arts from Wittenberg University in Springfield, Ohio.
Allison Burzlaff - Legislative Correspondent
Allison joined the Washington, D.C. office in July 2008 after graduating Summa Cum Laude from Texas A&M University. Allison aids the Communications Director with media relations and speaking engagements. She also oversees legislative correspondence, assisting Rep. Burgess in formulating responses to constituent inquiries.
Jessica Straus - Legislative Correspondent
Jessica serves as a legislative correspondent in the Washington, D.C. office. Originally from North Texas, she moved to Washington D.C. in 2007 after graduating from Davidson College in North Carolina. During her first year in Washington D.C., Jessica worked in government relations at the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation. She joined Congressman Burgess’ staff in 2008 as Staff Assistant, and she now works in constituent correspondence.
Coleman Garrison - Staff Assistant
Coleman joined the Washington, D.C. office in July 2009 after previously interning for Congressman Burgess during the spring of 2008. His duties include scheduling Capitol and White House tours, submitting flag and Presidential greeting requests, and coordinating the office's Congressional internship program. Coleman is also the welcoming face of the front office who greets all visitors who come to the Washington, D.C. office. Coleman is originally from Frisco, Texas and graduated from Texas Tech University in May of 2009.
