TPA Welcomes New Public Affairs Staff

Stephanie Chiarello and Karen Reagan have joined the TPA public affairs team.

The Texas Pharmacy Association is proud to announce two new members of our public affairs team as we prepare for the 2019 Texas legislative session, which begins in January.

Stephanie Chiarello joined the Association November 19 as division director, public affairs. Chiarello brings extensive Texas legislative experience to the Association, having worked for 11 years during six biennial legislative sessions at the state capitol—three in the House and three in the Senate. She most recently served as senior policy analyst and district office director for Senator Kirk Watson (D-Austin), where she advised the senator on several issues including health care and managed constituent communications. She was also executive director of the Kirk Watson Campaign Academy, directing college students in political engagement. Her previous experience includes serving as the executive director of the Texas Senate Democratic Caucus, political director for State Representative Mike Villarreal (D-San Antonio), and deputy campaign manager for State Representative Diana Maldonado's 2008 campaign.

Chiarello specializes in policy advocacy, constituent relations, campaign strategy, fundraising, and data management and analysis. She earned her bachelor’s degree in biology and theatre and dance from the University of Texas at Austin in 1998 and a decade later earned her master’s degree from the UT LBJ School of Public Affairs. Before entering the political arena, she performed scientific analysis and was an environmental consultant. Originally from Arlington, Chiarello enjoys playing soccer, ballet dancing, and performing improvisational comedy.

In addition, TPA is happy to welcome Karen Reagan back into the fold at TPA as our contract lobbyist for the upcoming session. Karen is a principal at the Texas Star Alliance, a top-ranked lobby firm in Austin. She has played a pivotal role in shaping public policy for numerous Fortune 500 companies, Texas-based businesses, and influential trade associations. Her roots run deep in pharmacy, where she has served as Vice President of TPA and as Executive Director of the Texas Federation of Drug Stores. Karen has worked as a contract lobbyist for Walgreens, the National Association of Chain Drug Stores, and Cardinal Health.