#70 - Director of Governmental Relations | TMRS PositionCast™

In this episode of The Clear Voice, guests Debbie Munoz, Executive Director of the Texas Municipal Retirement System, Dan Wattles, former TMRS Director of Governmental Relations, and Michael Boese, President of Clear Career Professionals, join host James Groom to discuss an important executive leadership opportunity with TMRS. TMRS is recruiting for its next Director of Governmental Relations, a role that sits at the intersection of public policy, relationships, pension governance, and public service. This position plays a critical role in protecting the retirement system that serves Texas cities, public servants, retirees, and their families. Throughout the conversation, Debbie and Dan explain why governmental relations at TMRS is about much more than monitoring legislation. The right person must build trust before session begins, understand how policy changes can impact the system, work closely with internal departments, and maintain strong relationships with state and federal stakeholders. Dan shares his experience serving in the role and describes TMRS as one of the most rewarding positions of his career. Debbie also discusses TMRS’s organizational culture, the importance of collaboration, and the kind of energetic, engaged, mission-driven leader she hopes to bring into the organization. For candidates with governmental relations experience, public policy knowledge, strong relationship-building skills, and a passion for public service, this is a rare opportunity to help protect one of the most important retirement systems in Texas. Apply for the Position Learn more and apply for the TMRS Director of Governmental Relations position here: https://clearcareerpro.com/clear-news/tmrs-director-of-governmental-relations-posting In This Episode 00:00 Introduction and Why This Role Matters 03:02 Dan Wattles’ Path to TMRS 06:17 Serving Texas Cities, Public Servants, and Retirees 08:11 Debbie Munoz’s Background and TMRS Mission 12:53 Why Governmental Relations Is Critical to TMRS 15:16 Building Trust Before Legislative Session 18:11 Playing Defense and Protecting the System 21:04 Federal Issues and Pension Policy 25:25 Why TMRS Is Different from a State Agency 28:57 The Culture and Organizational Health at TMRS 32:55 Internal Relationships and Cross-Department Collaboration 38:23 The Work Between Legislative Sessions 42:23 How to Apply for the TMRS Opportunity 45:20 Living and Working in Austin 50:19 Can Private-Sector GR Experience Transfer? 53:17 Final Advice for Applicants   The views and opinions expressed on The Clear Voice do not necessarily reflect those of Clear Career Professionals. The discussion of any company, product, or service is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an endorsement. Connect With Clear Career Professionals Clear Career Professionals is a Texas based municipal executive search firm specializing in City Manager search services, municipal executive search, and local government leadership consulting for cities and counties across Texas and the United States. Clear works with communities to recruit City Managers, City Administrators, Assistant City Managers, Police Chiefs, Fire Chiefs, Finance Directors, HR Directors, and other senior municipal leaders. In addition to executive search services, Clear provides local government leadership training, organizational assessments, executive coaching, interim leadership placements, and strategic consulting designed to strengthen city organizations and support effective public service leadership. Clear partners with city councils, county commissioners, and public sector leadership teams seeking experienced municipal professionals who can guide growing communities, manage complex organizations, and deliver strong public service outcomes.  Career Opportunities https://clearcareerpro.com/career-opportunities LinkedIn https://linkedin.com/company/clear-career-pro