Julie Sams
Chief Development & Advancement Officer
Joel advises special districts and public entities in public finance, governance, and development across Texas communities.
Public finance is the backbone of development. I’m passionate about structuring innovative solutions that move projects forward efficiently—without ever losing sight of our clients’ goals.
BIOGRAPHY
Julie began her career with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (formerly the U.S. Customs Service) where she advised agency management on a wide variety of legal issues, represented the agency in administrative proceedings, and worked closely with the Department of Justice on cases in federal court. She later worked as a career counselor at South Texas College of Law, and as the manager of the Diversity Scholar Program and a career coach in PracticePro. Additionally, Julie has served on three municipal utility district boards over the past 10 years. In 2023, Julie accepted a position as our Chief Development and Advancement Officer.
EDUCATION
University of Colorado Boulder
Bachelor of Arts, Political Science, Minor in Philosophy – 1998
University of Pittsburgh School of Law
Juris Doctor, Cum Laude – 2002
University of North Texas
Master of Information Science – 2012
PRACTICE EXPERTISE
- Public finance
- Public infrastructure & economic development
- Local & state government regulation
- Texas Infrastructure Program
MEMBERSHIPS & AFFILIATIONS
- State Bar of Texas
- Houston Bar Association
Truths
- Lover of dad jokes
- Spontaneous singer
- Procurer of things on the top shelf