About

Deece Eckstein Deece Eckstein *

Deece Eckstein is the founder and owner of the Johnson Creek Consultancy, a political and public affairs consulting firm based in Texas. He’s been a Capitol insider in Austin for over twenty years, with a distinguished record as a policy expert and public servant.

His government service includes three years on the staff of Texas Governor Ann Richards, whom he served as Director of Economic and Regulatory Policy (1991-1993). Governor Richards then appointed him to the State Board of Insurance, a position from which he helped shape insurance regulatory policy and supervised an agency of over 1,000 employees (1993-1994).

Deece also spent six years (1998-2004) as Chief of Staff to state Senator Rodney Ellis from Houston, in which capacity he coordinated all the legislative, political, constituent outreach and administrative activities of the office and managed a staff of 15.

In addition to his government service, Deece’s public service has included three years as director of a regional office for People for the American Way (2004-2007), lobbying for safety-net hospitals and other clients (1995-1998), and a stint as a community organizer with the Industrial Areas Foundation in San Antonio, working with Ernesto Cortés on both state and local issues (1982-1985).

Deece began his professional career as an educator, teaching high school for three years in Chicago, Illinois, and Fort Worth, Texas. He has recently rekindled his passion for educating and mentoring young leaders by accepting an appointment as an adjunct faculty member at St. Edward’s University in Austin, teaching courses in political leadership, campaign management, and state and local government.

Deece also volunteers at Austin community radio station KOOP, where he produces and hosts a weekly radio show called “Texas Politics Today.”

Deece grew up in San Antonio, graduating from Central Catholic High School. He did undergraduate work at the University of Notre Dame and St. Mary’s University, graduating cum laude from the latter institution in 1977. He has a law degree from The University of Texas School of Law. Deece was a member of the Marianist religious order for ten years.

* Pronounced “Deese ECK-stein”