In 1987, Bradford T. Shields formed Shields Legislative Associates, a non-partisan lobbying firm representing a variety of clients before the Texas Legislature and its agencies. His expertise spans a number of industries including education where in 2005 he was named one of the top five education lobbyists in Texas. Also referred to as the "Dean of the Health Care Lobby," he currently represents several health practitioner organizations. He was honored by the American Hospital Association for service to the industry.
As an independent lobbyist, Shields has also represented clients in the environmental, agricultural, natural resources, public utilities, public safety and finance arenas.
In 2008, Brad's son Brad Shields, an accomplished legislative lobbyist of his own, joined the firm.
Bradford Shields
Brad Shields has more than 30 years experience in the political arena. He first started working at the Texas capitol in 1973 and served on staff to several elected officials, before serving as the Executive Director of the Senate Health and Human Resources Committee.
He then served as Director of Government Relations for the Texas Hospital Association from 1978-1983. He left to become the Vice President of Public Affairs for American Medical International, Inc.
Accomplished Speaker
Shields is a frequent speaker, often called upon to address public forums, candidate-training sessions and as a guest lecturer for university classes. He is certified for continuing education presentations where professional organizations utilize his knowledge and expertise pertaining to legislative updates affecting new laws in their profession.
Nationally Recognized
A nationally televised PBS Special, "Vote for Me, Politics in America" featured Shields as a prominent lobbyist from Texas.
Active Citizen
He was elected to the Eanes Independent School District in Austin, Texas, and served two terms as its president. He served as a Trustee of the Texas Association of School Boards; President of the Federation of Texas Hospitals; as a board member of the Texas Society of Association Executives; Chairman of the Texas Health Care Council and Chairman of the PAC Information Council.
He has been active in the Boy Scouts of America, serving as district chairman for the Capitol Area Council and helped create a new scout district in the Austin Metropolitan Area. He served as a Deacon Moderator at the Westlake Hills Presbyterian Church and also is the Voice of the Chaparrals during Westlake High School football games in Austin.
Texas Lobby Power Rankings
The web-based publication Mike Hailey's Capitol Inside ranked Mr. Shields among the Top Hired Gun Contract Lobbyists in Texas and as one of the Top Five Education Lobbyists in Texas.
Brad T. Shields II
Brad T. Shields II has spent over 10 years in and around the Texas Capitol in multiple capacities. He began his legislative career in the House of Representatives and the Texas Senate while attending the University of Texas at Austin. He served on staff of multiple State Representatives during legislative sessions handling legislation and policy issues. In addition, he worked on political campaigns helping incumbents and challengers towards victory to their respective offices.
In 2004, he joined the Texas Retailers Association lobby team as their legislative associate. There he worked with multiple fortune 500 companies as it related to legislation and political functions. During session, he assisted in creating the association's legislative agendas and analyzing hundreds of bills affecting that industry. On behalf of the association, he also worked closely with state agencies during their regulatory process.
In 2008, Brad joined Shields Legislative Associates and will continue to represent groups in front of the Texas Legislature.