Travis County intergovernmental relations officer announces retirement, triggers "aggressive" hiring schedule

Deece Eckstein, Travis County’s first intergovernmental relations officer, announced his resignation earlier this month, triggering what County Judge Sarah Eckhardt called an “aggressive” timeline to find his replacement.

Eckstein will retire at the end of this year for health and personal reasons, according to a county spokesperson. He assumed the role in 2008.

“You outstripped our wildest imaginations of how productive this position would be for Travis County,” Eckhardt said to Eckstein at a Nov. 12 Commissioners Court meeting.

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. They also manage the county’s participation in the U.S. Census and redistricting processes, among other tasks.

Eckstein was a regular fixture at Commissioners Court meetings, especially during legislative sessions. He also oversaw the creation of the new census program manager job, a temporary position that will help lead the region’s upcoming census effort.

Commissioners unanimously approved a job description for Eckstein’s successor Nov. 12. It will be posted Nov. 15, with a goal to begin screening candidates by mid-December, extend an offer by mid-February and onboard the new officer in early March.