Travis County announces new intergovernmental relations officer

Julie Wheeler will be Travis County’s new intergovernmental relations officer, Travis County Judge Sarah Eckhardt announced at a Feb. 11 meeting.

Since 2013, Wheeler served as intergovernmental relations specialist and assisted with the creation and execution of Travis County’s state and federal legislative agendas. Previously, she worked as the constituent relations director for former Commissioner Karen Huber.

Wheeler replaces Deece Eckstein, who retired in November after 12 years in the role. Eckstein was the county’s first intergovernmental relations officer.

The intergovernmental relations officer is responsible for developing the county’s state and federal legislative agendas and coordinating across a variety of governmental and intergovernmental organizations with which the county conducts business. He or she also manages the county’s participation in the U.S. census and redistricting processes, among other tasks.

Wheeler was chosen from a pool of 72 applicants, according to a brief prepared by county staff. Four candidates were interviewed in person by the intergovernmental relations subcommittee, which consists of Commissioners Brigid Shea and Gerald Daugherty as well as three executive team staff.