Former Board Chair Steps into Executive Leadership Role as Colleen Tran Rodriguez Elected Chair and Kelsey Bernstein Joins the Board

Austin, TX —The Pink Granite Foundation (Pink Granite), an organization dedicated to educating and empowering women in Texas politics and public policy, announced the election of former Board Chair Jo Cassandra Cuevas as Executive Director, the selection of its 2026 officers and the appointment of Kelsey Bernstein to the Board of Directors.

Cuevas, a co-founder of Pink Granite alongside Hope Osborn & Amy Whited, brings over 20 years in Texas politics as a seasoned policy advisor. A former AT&T Texas professional, her career includes serving as the first female Executive Director of the Texas House Democratic Caucus and holding key roles within the Texas Legislature. Now a consultant and respected community leader, Cuevas remains a fiercely dedicated advocate for empowering women and building a stronger Texas.

“My heart is full of gratitude and pride as I step into this role with Pink Granite,” Cuevas said. “What began as a vision built piece by piece alongside incredible women has grown into a powerful community, and I am honored to continue building a foundation created by women, for women as we expand our impact across Texas in 2026 and beyond.”

Pink Granite also announced its newly elected officers for 2026:

• Chair: Colleen Tran Rodriguez, Associate Deputy Attorney General for Government Relations at the Office of the Attorney General
• Vice Chair: Crystal Brown, Attorney and Public Policy Advisor at Troutman Strategies
• Treasurer: Mary Bell Love, Partner and Chief Operating Officer of The Mach 1 Group
• Secretary: Summer Luciano, Assistant Director of Government Relations for the Texas General Land Office

“Pink Granite was built on the belief that when women are equipped, connected and supported, they lead boldly and change the trajectory of our state,” Tran Rodriguez said. “I am honored to serve as Chair and to work alongside an exceptional board and Executive Director as we continue expanding opportunities for women in Texas politics and public policy. The future of this foundation is incredibly bright, and we’re excited for the year ahead.”

Bernstein, Pink Granite’s newest board member, currently serves as Chief of Government Relations for the Texas Council of Community Centers and brings more than a decade of experience in legislative and public policy roles, including leadership positions with the Texas Association of Counties, the Texas House of Representatives and the American Heart Association. A former Pink Granite Mentorship Committee member, she is a dedicated relationship-builder who is passionate about expanding mentorship, strengthening member engagement and creating meaningful opportunities for women in Texas politics.

“Pink Granite has had a profound impact on my professional journey, and I am honored to give back to an organization that invests so intentionally in women,” Bernstein said. “I believe deeply in the power of mentorship and community, and I look forward to helping expand opportunities for women across Texas to feel supported, connected and empowered to lead.”

The Foundation also recognizes the continued service of its board members: Paige Holzheauser, Director of the Office of the Speaker for Texas House Speaker Dustin Burrows; Kathy Hutto, former Governmental Affairs Consultant at Jackson Walker LLP; Hope Osborn, Executive Director of the LBJ Women’s Campaign School at The University of Texas at Austin; and Tabatha Vasquez, Senior Advisor for Budget and Policy for Texas Governor Greg Abbott.