Executive Director of Government & Community Relations
Harris County Precinct 2

Mercedes Sánchez serves as Executive Director of Government and Community Relations for Harris County Precinct 2, where she leads the Policy and Community Relations departments, a team of 26 people who are responsible for policy development and community engagement. She also spearheads the Precinct’s government affairs coordination across 17 cities within Harris County Precinct 2. She has led cross-agency initiatives focused on affordable housing, homelessness response, and community development, helping align public, nonprofit, and private partners to expand access to housing and services. Mercedes also serves as Chair of the Harris County Community Land Trust.

She previously held roles with the Houston Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Houston Apartment Association, and the Office of Houston City Council District H. Mercedes holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Southwestern University.

Executive Director
Harris County Housing and Community Development

Thao Costis is the Executive Director of Harris County Housing & Community Development. She leads a department that strives to strengthen communities by investing in housing, infrastructure, and services that promote resiliency. Previously, Thao was President and CEO of SEARCH Homeless Services for over two decades.

Counsel
Grealish McZeal, P.C

Judge Jefferson is Of Counsel with Grealish McZeal P.C. and a retired State District Judge (215th District Court of Harris County, Texas). He has over 30 years of litigation experience. He earned his Bachelor of Government from the University of Texas in 1978, where he subsequently earned his J.D. in 1983.