The Texas A&M Transportation Institute (TTI) Advisory Council is comprised of a small group of high-level transportation professionals from across Texas and every sector of the transportation world. The council, which meets annually, offers a tremendous service to the Institute by advising on transportation issues and trends and supporting TTI‘s research programs and initiatives. TTI profiles several council members in each issue of Researcher.
Perri D’Armond
President and CEO, West Houston Association
Houston, Texas
Perri D’Armond leads an organization of major developers, landowners, employers and service firms dedicated to quality growth in fast-growing Greater West Houston. The organization promotes sustainable growth-oriented projects and addresses public policies and regulations on major infrastructure issues, land use, environment and education.
Prior to joining the West Houston Association, D’Armond was vice president of government relations for the Greater Fort Bend Economic Development Council for over 15 years. D’Armond serves on the board of the Texas Good Roads and Transportation Association and on the Houston-Galveston Area Council’s technical advisory committees for citizen and business interests and transportation air quality.
Chuck Ellison
Founder and Principal, The Ellison Firm, Attorneys at Law
College Station, Texas
Chuck Ellison serves clients in areas of business, real estate, banking, municipal law, estate planning and probate. He is being recognized in 2014 as a Distinguished Alumnus of Texas A&M University.
Ellison is active in the community on a number of boards, including the A&M Political Action Committee; Brazos Valley Community Foundation; United Way of the Brazos Valley; Texas A&M University Association of Former Students; Texas A&M University Corps Development Council; Texas A&M University System Chancellor’s Century Council; and the Bush School of Government and Public Service Development Council.
Kris Heckmann
Partner, Granite Public Affairs
Austin, Texas
Kris Heckmann is a public affairs expert who has served as former deputy chief of staff for Texas Gov. Rick Perry. He specializes in governmental and media relations; grassroots, alliance development and third-party outreach; crisis communications; and strategic research and communications.
Heckmann has held several other positions in the Office of the Governor, including advisor in the areas of legislative and communications strategy, and political and legal counsel. He also has served as deputy legislative director and transportation policy advisor, and was instrumental in helping pass and implement comprehensive transportation legislation.
