Director Government Relations

Jon Weist

Proven ability to successfully manage delicate political situations 24 years

Trusted & Respected Strong Team Leader Articulate & Persuasive

Creative Writer

Arlington Chamber of Commerce VP Government Relations

2007 2014
Chief Lobbyist for 1000 member non-profit in Arlington, Texas on many issues such as
zoning, employment, economic development, education, transportation
Convinced City Council not to ban plastic bags, spoke publically on many policy issues
Led group that won approval for several changes in new city development code
Wrote articles, white papers & designed materials for Chamber members and other groups
Communicated with members, government officials & media in person, web site & emails
Collaborated with advisory councils, non-profit groups and other outside organizations on
state and local issues
Researched, analyzed issues and recommended policy positions to governing body
Advocated Chamber positions to elected officials at state and local level
Participated in development and advocacy of legislative agenda for voluntary group of states
largest chambers of commerce

Tarrant County
Chief of Staff
1990 2007
Reported to Elected Official managing a district of 145 sq miles & 345,000 residents
Main point of contact for local Governments, non-profit groups and private interests
Interacted with state and federal elected officials & staffs and testified before committees
Created & administered a $3 million budget - HR, Benefits, Transportation & Administration
Managed supervisors over a 30 person crew handling road construction and maintenance
Helped clear area & build parking lots for the Dallas Cowboys new stadium
Negotiated many agreements with cities and school districts on public works improvements
Authorized to represent the Commissioner in internal and other public & private meetings
Represented Tarrant County on several economic development boards in the district
Managed internal and external communications for elected official
Managed commissioners office relationship with executives and board members of hospital
district and local medical facilities
Part of county intergovernmental team working on issues at Texas Legislature
Newspapers
Staff Writer
1983 1990
Specialized in government affairs and politics plus sports and book reviews
Interviewed government officials, elected local, state & federal politicians & staff members
Wrote single topic articles and round-up stories for:
Fort Worth Star Telegram
Arlington Daily News
Denton Record Chronicle
B.A. Communications; B.A. Political Science
University of Texas - Arlington
24 Journalism Awards as individual or team member Phi Beta Kappa
Editor Student Newspaper, Editor Entertainment, Editor Editorial Page

GPA 3.5

Relevant Interactions with individuals, staffs and groups

Attorneys
Hospitals
Engineers
Colleges
Architects
EPA
Consultants
CofCs

Mayors
Commissioners
Legislators
City Planners

Proficiencies & Community Activities

Microsoft: Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Word, Windows
Other Software: Some knowledge of QuickBooks
Member, Roger C. Dycus Scholarship Committee, UT Arlington
Member, Board of Directors, Viridian Municipal Management District
Member, Board of Directors, Levitt Pavillion
Happily married, willing to travel, excellent health, outstanding professional appearance
H: 817-821-9589
Resumes by ROSS

jweisttx@gmail.com