20+ years

Jim Grace advises and advocates for a wide variety of clients on federal, state, and local public policy matters. His deep knowledge of and experience with governments and political campaigns at virtually all levels allow him to assist with complex government relations matters. Jim enhances and protects his clients' business opportunities by monitoring political developments and formulating and implementing strategies to help clients achieve their government relations objectives.

In addition to operating Grace & McEwan, in 2019, Jim and Jennifer McEwan were co-founders of Datum Tech, Inc., a mobile data advertising company. Datum ingested the location data from mobile devices at scale from around the United States and organized that data at the household level using parcel data. Once sorted, the location data could be matched to voter files and other address lists and utilized for highly targeted multiplatform advertising. Jim and Jennifer grew Datum to sixteen employees and yearly revenues of $9 million. They successfully exited in 2024 when Datum was acquired by a publicly traded gaming company.

Prior to forming Grace & McEwan Consulting, Jim chaired the Texas government relations practice at Baker Botts L.L.P. and served as director of Texas state relations and senior counsel at CenterPoint Energy, Inc. Before serving in an in-house counsel capacity, he was a member of a Houston-based international law firm where his practice concentrated on merger and acquisition transactions, securities offerings and general corporate matters for companies involved in oil and gas exploration and production; oil field and energy services; natural gas liquid processing; propane and heating oil and chemical production and distribution.

Jim holds a J.D., cum laude, from the University of Houston Law Center and a B.A. in History from the University of Notre Dame. In 2020, Jim received the University of Houston Law Alumni Association's Pro Bono/Community Service and Leadership Award for his pro bono efforts to secure $45 million in funding for a new building for the Law Center.

From 2016-2019, Jim was the Chair of the Board of Directors for Undies for Everyone, a charity that provides new underwear to underprivileged children, and he continues to serve on that organization's Board. He also currently is on the Board of Directors of the Houston Area Women's Center.

In 2007, the day before he turned 40, Jim took a commission in the United States Navy Reserve, and in 2011-12, he deployed to Afghanistan for nine months, where he served as an intelligence officer with a unit that conducted counterinsurgency operations.

Jay Williamson advocates on behalf of clients at the state and local levels. He is experienced in developing effective legislative strategies, navigating complex policy needs, analyzing policy, and supporting appropriations initiatives.

Jay has represented clients across a diverse range of issues, including telecommunications, county government, voting rights, business liability, tort reform, appropriations, public safety, and workforce development. He has helped clients navigate Texas state government and Austin City Hall while serving as a policy analyst for a Central Texas-based public safety 501(c)(3) organization.

Before joining Grace & McEwan Consulting, Jay spent five years as an associate at a boutique government relations firm in Austin and served as a legislative aide for Rep. Travis Clardy.

Jay is a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin with a McCombs Business Honors Degree and a minor in business and public policy.

Manager, Local Government Relations - Houston & Harris County

Ben Melson is a seasoned strategist and civic leader who has spent his career connecting business, government, and policy to drive meaningful impact across the state of Texas and Houston region. As Manager of Local Government Relations for Grace & McEwan Consulting, Ben leads the firm's greater Houston region operations, guiding clients through the complex landscape of local government, infrastructure, economic development, and workforce strategy.

Before joining Grace & McEwan, Ben was part of the senior leadership team at the Greater Houston Partnership, where he worked directly with Houston's top CEOs, civic leaders, and elected officials to advance regional priorities in economic development, innovation, education, healthcare, disaster and flood resiliency, and workforce readiness. His portfolio connected him to a critical network of regional leadership and gave him a front-row seat to the intersection of policy, business, and community growth.
During this time, Ben also served as Chief of Staff to former Shell Oil President Marvin Odum, where he directed citywide operations for Houston's COVID-19 relief and recovery, overseeing more than 180 programs and $405 million in aid. His leadership helped unite public, private, and nonprofit partners during one of the most challenging chapters in Houston's history.

A former legislative staffer and political advisor, Ben has built coalitions that bridge local and state government, shaped policy initiatives that strengthen Texas communities, and advised leaders across sectors on how to turn strategic goals into actionable results.

At Grace & McEwan, Ben brings this unique blend of policy insight, operational precision, and business fluency to help clients achieve impact where it matters most - on the ground, in the community, and with decision-makers who can move the needle.

Outside the firm, Ben and his wife, Malorie, have two boys, Rhett and Hank. He enjoys the outdoors, building civic tech applications, and being active as a community leader in Jersey Village, Texas. His work is driven by a belief that collaboration, transparency, and trust remain the foundation of a stronger, more resilient Houston.

Andrea Chavez advises clients on state and local public policy matters. She is experienced in devising effective policy strategies, drafting, analyzing, and monitoring legislation, and navigating clients through the legislative process and government agencies. Andrea has lived in Brazil, London, and Mexico and is deeply invested in furthering Texas-Mexico commercial ties by locating and helping develop beneficial projects for Grace & McEwan Consulting's clients.

Prior to joining Grace & McEwan Consulting, Andrea was a member of the government relations sections at both Greenberg Traurig, LLP, and Baker Botts L.L.P. and began her career as a legislative aide to Rep. David M. Leibowitz (D-San Antonio). During the 87th legislative session, she served as policy advisor to the Speaker of the Texas House of Representatives, Dade Phelan (R-Beaumont), her areas of expertise included county affairs, local government, transportation, and urban affairs. Andrea also has deep political campaign experience, having served as a Bexar County field representative for the Republican Party of Texas during the 2014 election cycle.

Andrea holds a B.A. in Economics and Political Science from St. Mary's University, and she is fluent in Spanish and French.

Adnelis Perez supports Grace & McEwan Consulting and its clients with matters related to government relations, public policy, research, and administration.

Before joining Grace & McEwan Consulting, Adnelis served as a Legislative Aide for State Representative Kronda Thimesch (R-Carrolton), where she managed constituent services and communications, as well as conducted research and policy analysis. She began her career as a Legislative Intern for the Association of Electric Companies of Texas (AECT), where she contributed to advocacy efforts on behalf of the state's electric industry in the legislature.

Ahead of the 89th legislative session, Adnelis was a panelist at UT Austin's 2025 Legislative Internship Seminar to speak on her experience navigating a legislative session to interns and new staff members working in and around the Texas Legislature.

In 2017, she represented the Escuela del Deporte de San Juan at the Federación de Atletismo de Puerto Rico's National Competition and the AAJI Juvenile Championship, in the event of 100-meter hurdles, where she earned an individual third-place national title and won multiple national titles as part of the 100-meter relay team.

Adnelis is a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin with a degree in Government and a minor in Law, Justice, and Society. She holds an Associate of Arts Degree with a focus in Political Science and Philosophy from Tarrant County College and is fluent in Spanish.