Steven Rivas
Political Strategist | Public Policy Consultant | Crisis Communications Expert
Strategic Leadership in Public Affairs & Political Consulting
Steven Rivas is a trusted political strategist and public affairs consultant with a proven track record in campaign strategy, fundraising, crisis communications, and policy development. He has worked at the highest levels of partisan and nonpartisan politics, advising elected officials, candidates, policy influencers, and industry leaders. His expertise spans campaign rapid response, digital outreach, stakeholder engagement, and coalition-building.
At J.L. Powers & Associates, Rivas plays a critical role in business development, strategic marketing, and stakeholder relations across Texas and nationally. He is known for his ability to build winning strategies, cultivate influential relationships, and execute high-impact messaging campaigns.
In addition to his work at JLPA, Rivas leads The Rivas Group, where he counsels elected officials, manages political campaigns, and crafts strategic messaging for advocacy efforts. His deep network within the political, media, and public affairs landscapes makes him an invaluable asset in navigating complex policy environments and high-stakes campaigns.
Fundraising, Political Strategy & Campaign Success
Rivas has played a key role in securing multi-million dollar campaign victories, including the $454.4 million bond election for Leander ISD in 2017. His work has helped elect leaders at the local, state, and federal levels, shaping policies that impact communities across Texas and beyond.
His expertise includes:
- High-level fundraising and donor engagement—securing critical funding for candidates and issue-based campaigns.
- Campaign messaging and rapid response—developing contrast ads and communications strategies that define elections.
- Stakeholder and coalition-building—creating alliances that drive legislative and electoral success.
- Digital strategy and grassroots mobilization—leveraging data-driven outreach to engage voters and shape public opinion.
His winning track record in Texas statewide campaigns includes key leadership roles in gubernatorial, congressional, and down-ballot races. He has advised campaigns for Governor, Agriculture Commissioner, and U.S. Congress, delivering targeted strategies that resonate with voters and policymakers.
Trusted Media Trainer & Public Affairs Expert
Rivas is widely recognized as a go-to media strategist and subject matter expert for journalists covering politics, policy, and public safety. His ability to shape narratives, anticipate media trends, and provide rapid response in crisis situations makes him a trusted voice in public affairs.
He has provided media guidance for:
- Elected officials and political candidates—preparing them for debates, interviews, and public appearances.
- Government agencies and nonprofit organizations—crafting strategic messaging to navigate public scrutiny.
- Business leaders and advocacy groups—positioning them for policy influence and crisis preparedness.
His expertise extends to press secretary duties, public relations crisis management, and editorial writing, with a sharp ability to cut through media noise and elevate critical messages.
Background in Public Safety & Homeland Security
Rivas passed his first FEMA certification exam as a teenager, an early step in a career that has unfolded at the center of some of the nation's most significant disasters. When Hurricane Katrina struck in 2005, leaving more than a thousand dead and entire communities underwater, he was recruited into the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Emergency Preparedness and Response Directorate. Soon after, Hurricane Rita slammed into Texas and Louisiana, compounding the devastation and forcing mass evacuations.
At FEMA, Rivas served as Deputy Branch Chief in Texas, where he directed $103.6 million in federal disaster aid and managed mitigation grants across 22 counties devastated by Rita.
In Louisiana, he supported federal recovery operations in parishes still reeling from Katrina's devastation and the compounded destruction of Rita, working with local officials to stabilize recovery efforts and rebuild. His leadership in both states ensured that federal resources were not just allocated on paper but reached local governments and families struggling to recover.
Today in 2025, Rivas is outspoken in calling for FEMA to be restored to its pre-Trump capacity, with workforce levels, training programs, and mitigation funding rebuilt to meet the growing scale of U.S. disasters. He has been a visible advocate for FEMA employees who have warned that staffing cuts, reduced preparedness, and political interference risk setting the nation on a path toward another Katrina-level failure. His voice reflects both the lived experience of leading recovery in Texas and Louisiana and a continued commitment to ensuring the agency remains strong enough to meet the challenges of an era marked by more frequent and more destructive natural disasters.
Rivas has built a strong foundation in public safety, emergency management, and law enforcement relations. He served in his hometown's police and fire departments, gaining firsthand experience in community policing, crisis response, and 9-1-1 communications.
Recognized as the "Father of Fire Dispatch", Rivas was instrumental in the development and implementation of the Fire Priority Dispatch System (FPDS®), a groundbreaking framework that modernized fire-rescue call processing and response coordination across emergency communication centers.
His expertise extended to scaling and deploying the Police Priority Dispatch System (PPDS®), enabling law enforcement agencies nationwide to integrate structured, evidence-based dispatch protocols that improved officer safety and emergency response.
Beyond his contributions to fire and law enforcement dispatching, Rivas played a key role in advancing Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) training, working closely with agencies to implement best practices in 9-1-1 call triage and pre-arrival medical assistance.
Rivas also served as a public safety consultant, advising agencies on emergency management technology, interoperable radio systems, and 9-1-1 protocol integration. His work included:
- Modernizing Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) systems to enhance emergency response capabilities.
- Leading large-scale training programs for dispatch personnel, law enforcement, and first responders.
- Advocating for regional air ambulance services through the Texas "J" Regional Advisory Council (J-RAC).
National Recognition & Industry Leadership
Rivas has contributed to national public safety policies and accreditation standards, serving on multiple advisory boards and committees:
Why Leaders & Organizations Trust Steven Rivas
Steven Rivas is a highly sought-after consultant in political strategy, public policy, and crisis communications. With a career spanning political campaigns, policy development, and media strategy, he brings a rare combination of expertise, experience, and influential connections.
For expert guidance in campaign strategy, fundraising, media relations, or crisis management, Steven Rivas delivers the insights and solutions that drive meaningful results.
Connect with Steven Rivas on LinkedIn. News producers, assignment desks, and reporters on deadline may call (512) 858-1317 and are encouraged to complete the form below for media inquiries.
Disclaimer: The views, opinions, and statements expressed by Steven Rivas, including but not limited to editorials, public commentary, and political or nonpolitical positions, are solely his own and do not necessarily reflect the views, policies, or official stance of JL Powers & Associates, its clients, or affiliated organizations. Any references to third-party entities, agencies, or trademarks are for informational purposes only and do not imply endorsement or affiliation.
Trademark Acknowledgments:
"Fire Priority Dispatch System", "FPDS®", "Police Priority Dispatch System", and "PPDS®"are registered trademarks of Medical Priority Consultants, DBA Priority Dispatch Corporation.
"National Fire Protection Association" and "NFPA®" are registered trademarks of the National Fire Protection Association.
"International Academies of Emergency Dispatch" and "IAED®" are registered trademarks of the International Academies of Emergency Dispatch.
All trademarks, service marks, and logos referenced remain the property of their respective owners. No endorsement or partnership is expressed or implied.
