Eric Woomer is a governmental affairs consultant and lobbyist with extensive senior leadership experience advising legislators at the state and national level as well as business interests ranging from Fortune 100 companies to trade associations to family-owned businesses. He is well-regarded for his ability to research, analyze and synthesize issues quickly to design innovative public policy, and he offers his clients tactical political counsel as well as pragmatic solutions to achieve their policy goals.

Eric has served as Chief of Staff and Legislative Director to three Texas state senators, both Republicans and Democrats, representing areas as diverse as the Texas Panhandle and the Houston Ship Channel. Eric successfully coordinated the legislative agendas, community activities, and media strategies for the senators, as well as directing personnel activities for staffs as large as twenty-one. Additionally, Eric served as Press Secretary for U.S. Congressman J.J. “Jake” Pickle, and as a Senior Policy Advisor to U.S. Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison.

Armed with a proven track record of accomplishment, in 2010, Eric opened Policy Solutions, a full service public affairs consulting practice, based in Austin, Texas. Eric offers his clients legislative tactical guidance and policy expertise on matters related to energy & water, natural resources, health care, economic development policy, and the state budget. These abilities are complimented with media management skills and compelling collateral writing – speeches, legislative hearing testimony, press conferences & communications materials, briefings, newsletters and white papers.

As a lobbyist, Eric has provided political and legislative guidance to Texas electricity companies, trade association, advocacy organizations, manufacturing interests, and physician groups, among others. He has managed teams of contract lobbyists, overseen Political Action Committee activities, and coordinated grassroots efforts. Eric is consistently ranked among the state’s most influential lobbyists in Capitol Inside magazine’s annual Lobby Power Rankings.

Eric was born in Malawi, Africa, while his parents served in the Peace Corps. A 1988 National Merit Scholar, Eric received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Government from the University of Texas in 1993. In 2002, he obtained his Masters of Public Affairs from the University of Texas’ Lyndon Baines Johnson School of Public Affairs. He also received the LBJ Award for Academic Excellence, presented annually by former First Lady “Lady Bird” Johnson to the school’s top graduates.

Eric resides in Austin, Texas with his son, Jackson.

Legislative Director

After fifteen years serving the great state of Texas, Courtney Williamson joined Eric Woomer/Policy Solutions as Legislative Director charged with working closely with the Texas Legislature, state leadership, and agencies on policy initiatives and legislative interests for a variety of clients. Courtney brings a wide variety of public policy experience varying from military affairs and health and human services to workforce issues.

Courtney has a solid footing on the ability to navigate state government and the legislative process having worked for a number of state agencies as well as for members in the Texas House and Senate. She served seven years at the Texas Workforce Commission where she was the Director of Governmental Relations and worked hand-in-hand with the members of the Legislature from both sides of the aisle on strategic agency initiatives, agency appropriations and legislation.

Courtney is known for being responsive and solution oriented, having a watchful eye on the details while being able to see the larger picture, and the ability to work with both sides of the aisle.

Courtney holds a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Texas at San Antonio and a bachelor’s degree from St. Edward’s University.

Public Policy Director

Gertie Wilson brings over a decade of experience in public relations, marketing and government affairs to her clients.

A native Texan, she is an accomplished consultant, creative director and entrepreneur. Prior to joining Eric Woomer/Policy Solutions as a lobbyist and Public Policy Director, she held positions at the Texas Capitol, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, and high-profile consulting firms. She also served as an advisor on a groundbreaking, multi-million dollar statewide water conservation project.

Experienced in both the private and public sectors, Gertie is known for her excellent relationships and people skills, adaptability, and determination,. Her visionary perspective has earned her opportunities to work on a variety of public policy initiatives and to develop and market prominent programs. In 2019, Gertie was chosen to represent the city of Austin in Asia as part of an international economic development coalition.

Gertie has firsthand knowledge of the legislative and budget processes and has worked extensively on policy issues related to energy and water conservation, education and telecommunications. In light of her diverse background, Gertie has solidified her influence in Texas government relations. She is known for her energy, tenacity and work ethic.

She is happiest with her husband Bill raising their daughters Goldie and Tillie and rescue pup!

Office Administrator

Our team is assisted in all efforts by our office administrator, Katy Cramer. A veteran of multiple legislative sessions, Cramer seamlessly coordinates the activities of the members of the firm and serves as an additional point of contact for clients. Cramer has demonstrated herself to be a resourceful and accomplished individual with tier-one customer-care skills as well as exceptional clerical expertise, and offers exceptionally effective administrative support.

Congress Avenue Partners