Jenn Saenz

Known for her passionate advocacy, exceptional work ethic and sunny disposition, Jenn is an expert on the legislative process, budget negotiations and navigating all aspects of state government and regulatory agencies. Jenn most recently served as Deputy General Counsel and Policy Advisor for Natural Resources, Water and Agriculture for Speaker of the House Dennis Bonnen. She served as chief advisor on natural disaster response, drainage, flood mitigation and all Hurricane Harvey related legislation and budget appropriations. Jenn also advised the Speaker and House members on compliance with the Texas Public Information Act and ethics laws.

Previously, Jenn worked for six years as Deputy Chief of Staff and General Counsel for Senator Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa, Vice Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, where she served as the Senator’s chief advisor on all legislative and political matters, state budget recommendations and decisions, and local senate district issues. Jenn directed the development of the Senator’s public policy priorities, crafted legislation and facilitated negotiations between stakeholders and lawmakers on matters related to healthcare, Medicaid reform, natural resources, transportation, regulated industries, oil and gas, water districts, economic development and local government. She played a key role in successfully drafting and negotiating passage of Senate Bill 24 (83R), historic legislation that created the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley and the first medical school in South Texas.

Prior to the Senate, Jenn served as General Counsel for former State Representative Veronica Gonzales and State Representative Abel Herrero. She has also worked for a Fortune 500 healthcare company where she led state government relations initiatives for seven states in the Southwest Region, developed strategic policy and planning priorities and directed lobbying teams to advance legislative objectives.

In addition to her decade long public service, Jenn practiced law in Boston for several years focusing on civil and securities litigation before becoming an adjunct professor at New England Law teaching legal research, writing and appellate advocacy. A native Texan, Jenn graduated cum laude from New England Law, Boston and earned her BA in Political Science from Boston College. She is licensed to practice law in Texas, Massachusetts and the U.S. Supreme Court.