PAUL M. SALDAÑA, PRESIDENT & PRINCIPAL
As a native Austinite, six generations strong, Paul has spent nearly 30 years in local government affairs, public policy, public relations, communications and political consulting. Saldaña served as a Political Consultant, Campaign Director and the Chief of Staff for the first elected Hispanic Mayor of Austin, Gus Garcia. As Chief of Staff, he served as the lead policy advisor to the Mayor developing comprehensive public policies and strategies in the areas of public safety, transportation, affordable housing, telecommunications, public finance, water/wastewater issues, economic development, public education, MBE/WBE issues and health care. In addition, he was directly responsible for managing media, community and intergovernmental relations.
MARCO MANCILLAS, VICE PRESIDENT OPERATIONS
Marco Mancillas is a government affairs and communications professional with over 15 years of government and campaign experience. Marco started as a staffer in the Texas Senate, Texas House of Representatives, Austin City Council and as Texas House Assistant Committee Clerk for County Affairs. His political work eventually lead him into working in advocacy using his lasting relationships in the legislature to lead the efforts on reform for countless business and non-profit organizations.
AL DUARTE, SENIOR CONSULTANT, MULTI-MEDIA DIRECTOR
Al Duarte is a native Austinite and grew up with big dreams. As a young entrepreneur, in 1999 he opened his own jewelry store and his work has been seen at the Grammy Awards through Los Lonely Boys. Following his passion for music, Al manages & promotes bands in Central Texas and currently works with Grammy Award winning artists. Working with many accomplished clients and businesses, his brand (Al Duarte Management) has earned him a reputation as being a highly capable and an experienced administrative professional. Al quickly was seasoned to the industry standards and roles needed to elevate his career and publishing knowledge.
ELIZA MAY, SENIOR STRATEGIC CONSULTANT & COLLABORATOR
Eliza May, M.S.S.W, LMSW, is a mission centered professional who has dedicated herself to the Austin Hispanic community, state government and nonprofit organizations. A recent retiree from the Susan G. Komen organization, she was honored to served on the Komen Leadership Council advocating for health equity in underinsured and uninsured communities.
Eliza brings state government expertise having served in various executive capacities, from legislative aide in the Texas House of Representatives to executive director roles to two state regulatory state agencies. Her expertise has assisted the Retired State Employees Association (RSEA) Board of Directors during the past four years where she has served as a trustee and has developed membership strategies.
ALYSON VARGAS, PROJECT COORDINATOR, URBAN PLANNER
Introducing Alyson, a distinguished professional with an impressive educational background and a deep passion for community development. Holding a Bachelor of Science in Communication and Leadership, a Bachelor of Arts in Sustainability, and a Master's of Community and Regional Planning from the esteemed University of Texas at Austin.
Alyson's expertise in community outreach shines through her previous roles and experiences. As a graduate assistant at the Urban Information Lab, she honed her skills in facilitating effective communication to conduct surveys and plans to inform the public about renewable energy initiatives.
STEPHANIE GATICA, PROJECT COORDINATOR, COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT & SPECIAL EVENTS
Stephanie is a fourth generation native Austinite highly regarded for her expertise as an event planner and community engagement coordinator. With strong organizational, planning and presentation skills and over twenty-two years of experience, she continues to demonstrate her ability with proven results and positive impacts.
Stephanie has immense enthusiasm for building bridges with residents providing access to events, resources, information, programs and opportunities to improve the quality of life for all Austinites.
Stephanie is a recent Magna Cum Laude Graduate from Huston-Tillotson University earning a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice.
ADAM DE LEON, SENIOR CONSULTANT, PROJECT MANAGER
Adam is a native Austinite with a professional background rooted in over two decades of architecture. His career began under the mentorship of a local Austin architect, where he developed a strong foundation in construction documentation and technical drafting. After high school, he moved to southern California and continued to expand his architectural skills and develop his design and construction acumen by working with influential designers, engineers, established contractors, and construction managers.
From a foundation in K-12/Higher Education projects, Adam's expertise has expanded to encompass a wide range of market sectors, including commercial, hospitality, medical, mixed-use, and high-rise residential. This diverse experience has sharpened his ability to navigate complex projects and effectively communicate with various stakeholders. Adam's commitment to open communication, proactive problem-solving, and targeted communication strategies is a cornerstone of his approach. His ability to bridge the gap between technical information and compelling storytelling ensures that complex projects are presented in a clear, engaging, and informative manner.
DIETER K. MOUCHKATINE, PROFESSIONAL INTERN
Dieter is a junior at the University of Texas at Austin, pursuing degrees in Plan II Honors Liberal Arts, Government, and Communication Studies, with concentrations in Latin American Foreign Affairs and Global and Intercultural Communication.
Born in the Valley and raised in Houston, Dieter is a proud Texan with a deep commitment to serving and empowering others in his community to find their voice in legal, political, and business arenas. His dedication to community impact is reflected in over a decade of volunteer service with the Special Needs Ministry at The Methodist Church and more than 900 volunteer hours recognized by AmeriCorps’ President’s Volunteer Service Program, where he earned five consecutive Gold-Level Awards.
Based in Fort Worth, Texas, Margot Garza is a seasoned government affairs professional with nearly a decade of experience shaping public policy and advancing municipal priorities at the Texas Capitol. As a Senior Advisor with The Saldana Group, she leverages her extensive background in legislative strategy, coalition building, and public service to help clients navigate complex policy issues, engage effectively with government, and drive meaningful outcomes.
Before joining The Saldana Group, Margot served in senior leadership roles within the Texas House of Representatives — including Chief of Staff, District Director, and Legislative Director — where she managed offices in Dallas, Houston, and Austin. She successfully advanced initiatives in public safety, infrastructure, education, environmental policy, and economic development, always with a focus on strengthening communities and protecting local interests.
