local, trusted, & Experienced

State Government Experience:

  • Jimmy Counihan currently serves as State Rep. Donna Howard’s Policy Communications Director & Scheduler, advising on local policies impacting AISD, the City of Austin, and Travis County.

  • In addition, Jimmy serves as Director of Communications & Community Engagement for Samantha Lopez-Resendez’s winning primary campaign to represent HD 50, replacing outgoing Rep. James Talarico.

  • Jimmy also served as Communications and Policy Manager for the Texas Energy & Climate Caucus during the 89th Legislative Session, where he mediated legislative negotiations, tracked bills, and worked with authors to promote legislation.

  • Previously, Jimmy worked as a Federal Funds Analyst at the Legislative Budget Board during the 88th Legislative Session, where he wrote “Fiscal Notes” projecting the cost of Omnibus Bills and provided guidance to the House Appropriations and Senate Finance Committees on federal grant rules.

Jimmy Counihan, Candidate for Austin ISD Board of Trustees - District 7 is seated next to Texas State Rep. Donna Howard, who represents House District 48, encompassing West Austin, West Lake Hills (Westlake), and South Austin.
Jimmy Counihan, Candidate for Austin ISD (AISD) School Board stands in front of the Texas Capitol building with Rep. Erin Zwiener during the 89th Legislative Session.

Studied Government & Social Work at UT Austin:

  • Served in the UT Student Government Assembly and on COVID-19 Response Advisory Committees

  • Interned at the Comptroller of Public Accounts, the Texas Legislature, the Texas Workforce Commission’s Child Care & Early Learning Policy Team, and the Legislative Budget Board’s Public Education Team.

Jimmy Counihan stands with former Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts, Glen Hegar, where he worked as a student at UT Austin.
Jimmy Counihan standing with State Rep. Donna Howard and former chair of the Travis County Democratic Party, Katie Naranjo, as they prepare to blockwalk and get out the vote.

Proud product of District 7 Schools:

  • Third-generation AISD graduate - attended Mills Elementary, Gorzycki Middle School, and Bowie High School.

  • Raised by a Special Education teacher who later served as the Principal of Baranoff Elementary.

  • Served on the District Advisory Council (DAC) for 6 years - recognized as the longest-serving Student Representative in AISD history and the first student ever elected to the DAC Executive Board.

  • Served on the Bowie Campus Advisory Council and as Student Body Co-President my senior year.

Group photo of Jimmy Counihan's Pre-K class at Mills Elementary for the 2003-2004 School Year. Mills Elementary is an Austin ISD elementary school located in Southwest Austin, serving the Circle C and Villages of Western Oaks neighborhoods.