D.C. Staff
The Texas A&M University System maintains a presence in Washington, D.C. through the firm of Meyers and Associates. Meyers and Associates provides an avenue for the A&M System to maintain an on site focus of federally funded research and other federal activities.
The D.C. office also serves as a resource for faculty, researchers and administrators from System universities and agencies who come to Washington. We provide assistance for all parts of the System for interaction on Capitol Hill and federal agencies. All interaction with members of Congress and their staff must be coordinated through the D.C. office.
Larry Meyers
Larry has over 34 years of experience since coming to Washington with Senator Lloyd Bentsen (D-TX), former Secretary of the U.S. Treasury, and former chairman of the Senate Finance Committee. After four years with the senator, serving as legislative director, he received an appointment in the Carter Administration being named Director for Congressional Affairs - U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Irina Kolontay
Irina joined the firm in 2002. Irina’s responsibilities for the firm include working with congress and federal agencies on issues pertaining to defense energy, and homeland security research, emergency responder funding and training, surface transportation programs, higher education policy, and health care grants. Additionally, Irina serves as the firm’s in-house systems administrator. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science from West Texas A&M University. Irina was raised in the former Soviet republic of Belarus and is fluent in Russian and Belarussian.
Nichole Aldape
Nichole Aldape joined the firm in March of 2006. Prior to moving to Washington, DC, Nichole completed a Masters in Public Service & Administration with an emphasis in legislative affairs and nonprofit management at The George Bush School of Government & Public Service. Additionally, Nichole holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and a Graduate Certificate in Advanced International Affairs from Texas A&M University. Currently, Nichole’s responsibilities include working with federal agencies to increase research and development opportunities and interacting with congressional offices in regards to higher education policy.
Dustin Bryant
Dustin joined the firm in 2007. Dustin's responsibilities for the firm include working with Congress to represent the Texas A&M Research Foundation's agriculture interest as well as numerous campuses in the Texas A&M University System. Dustin received his Bachelor of Science in Agriculture Development in 2004 with an emphasis in Philosophy and a Certificate of International Agriculture Trade. After graduation, Dustin was selected as an Texas A&M Agriculture and Natural Resources Policy Intern with Congressman Rubén Hinojosa (TX-15) for the Spring of 2005. Upon completion of his internship, Dustin served Congressman Hinojosa as Field Representative. In that capacity, he worked elected officials, superintendents, city managers, nonprofit corporation executives, and private sector executives regarding projects.