March 5, 2018

Comptroller Announces New Director of Communications

(AUSTIN) — Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar announced today Chris Bryan will assume the role of director of Communications and Information Services (CIS) starting Monday, March 19. Bryan had previously served as assistant director of communications and as the Comptroller’s chief spokesperson. He fills a role vacated by outgoing director Lauren Willis, who is launching a soon-to-be-announced public affairs firm.

“I’m excited Chris has accepted this position,” Hegar said. “I am extremely proud of the award-winning work the CIS Division does, and Chris has been instrumental in making that possible.”

Willis leaves the agency having spent six years with the Comptroller’s office, first as communications director under Comptroller Susan Combs and then as director of the newly created CIS division under Hegar. Bryan was hired as the agency’s spokesperson in 2014 and has served as Willis’ deputy in CIS since Hegar became Comptroller.

“It is a sad day seeing Lauren leave,” Hegar said. “But we are so excited to see what she is going to do next. And Lauren has put such a great team in place, starting at the top with Chris and throughout the whole division, that I’m completely confident the agency, its customers and the public will see the same great level of communication and information services they have come to expect.”

“I want to thank Comptroller Hegar for his confidence in me and trusting me with this important position,” Bryan said. “And I’m grateful to Lauren for her mentorship and guidance over the years.”

As part of the transition, Kevin Lyons, who currently serves as the agency’s press secretary, will take over the role of spokesperson, while agency veteran Karen Hudgins will take over Bryan’s duties as assistant director.

“This is what good leadership at a state agency is all about,” Hegar said. “Part of my focus on customer service involves ensuring taxpayers and the general public get consistently high levels of service regardless of internal administrative changes. Smooth transitions are key to maintaining those levels of service, and I know Chris will continue that leadership and maintain the focus on Texas taxpayers.”