FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 28, 2023
Shera Eichler, 512.496.6295

AUSTIN – Former Texas House Speaker Dennis Bonnen and Shera Eichler today announced that they have co-founded a strategic consulting firm, Second Floor Strategies (2FS), so named for the location of the House, Senate, and leadership offices in the Capitol building.

“The end game of the legislative process happens on the second floor,” said Speaker Bonnen.  “I understand the critical importance of an astute second-floor strategy and look forward to using my 24 years of experience to help our clients be successful where it matters most.” 

Before concluding his tenure in the House in January 2021, Bonnen led the House as Speaker and Speaker Pro Tempore, and chaired the prestigious Ways and Means and Environmental Regulation Committees and the Sunset Advisory Commission. He was frequently appointed to lead the House through the most tenuous of issues faced by Texas.  Known for having the one of the most strategic minds under the Pink Dome, Bonnen is a shrewd negotiator and consensus builder, whose efforts resulted in transformative legislation including school finance reform, property tax reform, border security and a constitutional amendment to ban a state income tax. Observers of his career have noted his unmatched political savvy, with Capitol Inside’s Mike Hailey describing Bonnen as “second to none in the Legislature as an effective tactician who could play hardball with the best.” Texas Monthly described Bonnen as one of the House’s most effective leaders and attributed his achievements to a combination of “wits and skill, augmented by a street-fighting background.”  

Shera Eichler is a familiar face to many in the hallways of the Texas Capitol where she is recognized for her long-time dedication as a trusted advisor and lead staffer for Speaker Bonnen.  Her passion for Capitol mentorship was sparked by Bonnen and she was aptly honored with the Lifetime Endowment of the Shera Eichler Capitol Internship Program. Upon departing the Capitol in 2020, Eichler went on to build an impeccable reputation in government relations advocacy with expertise in communication strategy development, project management, and coalition building. She has also led several successful PACs, political campaigns, and fundraising efforts. 

“For nearly 20 years, Shera’s honest, hard work for the people of Texas resulted in countless friendships and well-earned respect and admiration of decision makers at the Capitol. She brings the same commitment, skill, and connections to our clients,” said Bonnen. 

Kolton McDougald rounds out the 2FS team as a government relations associate who has proven to be a talented legislative technician with strong relationships within the executive and legislative branches of Texas government.  As a former aide to Texas Governor Greg Abbott and Speaker Bonnen, McDougald developed a reputation for integrity, trustworthiness, and hard work. Having served as a legislative director to the chair of the House Calendars Committee, McDougald understands the intricacies of the process and what it takes to impact the success of a bill.

Second Floor Strategies’ services include strategy development, political landscape and stakeholder analysis, legislative process navigation, lobbying, and communications services. Learn more online at www.2fstx.com.  

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