Team

Texas Retailers Association is proud to represent the retail community. Our staff is here to help you answer any questions you may have about becoming involved in the advocacy process.


John McCord, Texas Retailers Association Executive Director

McCord joins TRA after leading legislative efforts for the National Federation of Independent Business in Texas for the past three years.

McCord brings more than 15 years of experience in public policy and political work to the Retailers Association. During his tenure at NFIB, McCord advocated for many of the same priority issues facing the retail sector today. Prior to his time with NFIB, he served in numerous campaign roles around the state before serving as a Chief of Staff in the Texas House. 

McCord graduated from West Texas A&M University with a degree in communication. He currently sits on the Board of Directors for March of Dimes in Central Texas and was recently appointed as a member of the Texas All Payor Claims Database Stakeholder Advisory Group. He and his wife, Mia, met as young staff members in the Capitol. They recently celebrated their ten year anniversary and live outside Austin with their two children.


Gary Huddleston, TRA Grocery Industry Consultant

Gary’s career spanned 45 years at Kroger Food stores including store management, human resources, labor relations, public affairs, media relations and charitable giving.

Gary attended Texas State University and completed continuing education completed in Human Resource Management at the University of Texas Austin, Penn State University, and Duke University.


Jim Sheer, Government Affairs

Jim serves as TRA’s primary lobbyist. Jim joined the Austin office of McGuireWoods Consulting in May 2018 as a vice president in the State Government Relations group. He assists clients with legislative and regulatory matters before the Texas Legislature and various regulatory agencies and boards.

Prior to joining McGuireWoods Consulting, Jim most recently served as Vice President of Government and Regulatory Affairs for the Texas Retailers Association. In that capacity, he was the association’s lead lobbyist and government relations representative overseeing all legislative, regulatory, political and PAC activities.