Steven Rivas (he/him/his)
Steven Rivas began his career answering calls for help.
The work started in public safety, in police, fire-rescue, emergency medical services and 9-1-1 communications. His career would later take him into federal disaster recovery after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, presidential campaign advance and press operations, Texas campaign boiler rooms and a consulting career spanning government, business, politics and communications.
His work in emergency communications grew beyond operations to include instruction, technology, public warning and professional standards. Rivas served on National Fire Protection Association technical committees for NFPA 1061 and NFPA 1221. He also held roles with the International Academies of Emergency Dispatch involving curriculum, standards and accreditation, including work associated with the Medical, Fire and Police Priority Dispatch Systems.
Then came Katrina and Rita.
The hurricanes devastated communities across the Gulf Coast in 2005 and tested government at nearly every level. Rivas went on to serve with the Federal Emergency Management Agency as a Deputy Branch Chief based in Texas. His responsibilities included $103.6 million in federal disaster aid and mitigation grants across 22 Texas counties affected by Hurricane Rita. He also supported federal recovery operations in Louisiana.
Cities and counties were under enormous pressure. Residents and businesses needed government to work, and complicated federal processes had to produce results in communities trying to rebuild. Rivas worked with local officials and communities through decisions about recovery, mitigation and what came next.
Rivas later moved deeper into Texas politics, holding senior campaign roles in press and media affairs, political communications and strategy. His campaign experience has included presidential advance and press operations as well as gubernatorial, congressional, legislative and local contests. In those roles, he worked directly with Texas, national and international news organizations.
His relationship with the press continued beyond campaigns. Journalists have regularly sought Rivas for analysis and perspective on Texas politics, government and public affairs. He has also worked behind the scenes with organizations and public figures preparing for interviews, responding to scrutiny and communicating through fast-moving political and public circumstances.
In 2007, Rivas founded The Rivas Group, an Austin-based strategic consulting practice. Through it, he has advised elected officials, candidates, businesses, advocacy organizations and community interests on public policy, political strategy, communications, coalition building and stakeholder engagement.
In 2017, Rivas played a key role in the successful $454.4 million Leander Independent School District bond election.
Today, at J.L. Powers & Associates, Rivas works with companies, nonprofits and governmental entities on matters involving government, public policy, politics, strategic communications and public opinion.
He remains active in government and civic life through appointed commission, task force and advisory roles in Austin.
A sixth-generation Texan, Rivas lives in Austin with his husband, Sean. They have been together for 20 years.
His guiding principle:
"Lift as you climb."
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.
