Emily Amps – Finance Director

A Dallas native, Emily Amps has worked in politics for 12 years working on numerous local, countywide, congressional and statewide campaigns.  She has served as the finance director at the HDCC since February 2008. Prior to working for the HDCC, Emily worked in the Capitol as State Representative Paula Pierson’s Chief of Staff. Before moving to Austin in January 2007, Emily spent four years in Waco, working for Congressman Chet Edwards as his campaign finance director and deputy campaign manager during the 2004 and 2006 election cycles.

Emily earned two degrees from the University of Texas at Arlington. She completed her B.A. in Political Science in 1998 and her M.A. in Political Science in 2003.

Zachariah T. Evans joined the HDCC in January, 2008, and has been involved in Texas politics since being honorably discharged from the United States Marine Corps in 2003.

Originally from Fort Worth, Zachariah moved to Austin to complete his bachelor’s degree at the University of Texas.  He worked throughout college, serving as a constituent outreach intern for a state senator, interning with a private interest group during the 79^th Legislature and working in administration at the Texas General Land Office.  Upon graduation, Zachariah returned to the Texas Senate, working as a policy analyst. Following the 80^th Legislature, Zachariah moved to Indianola, Iowa to work as a field organizer for a Democratic presidential candidate.  Following the Iowa caucuses, he returned to Austin and began working as the HDCC Political & Finance Assistant.

Zachariah lives in East Austin with his wife, who teaches bilingual 5th grade.

Roger joined the HDCC in 2008.  Prior to that, he managed State Representative Joe Farias’ 2006 campaign and served as Farias’ Chief of Staff.  Roger works on the HDCC political staff, serving as a key point of contact for races across the state.  He has previously worked on the campaigns of Congressman Chet Edwards, State Senator Carlos Uresti, and State Representative Paul Moreno.

The son of a public school teacher and an engineer, Roger looks forward to the day when the Texas Legislature is not controlled by fringe special interest groups. He is a native of San Antonio.

An 11-year veteran of Texas House, Jerry Philips began working as a volunteer intern during the 1997 Legislative Session while studying Government and Sociology at the University of Texas.  Prior to becoming the Executive Director of the HDCC in 2005, Jerry served as a Chief of Staff for House Democratic Leader Jim Dunnam.  He has also worked in the Legislature and on top targeted campaigns for multiple legislators, including State Representatives John Mabry and Ken Yarbrough.

As Communications Director for Texas House Speaker Pete Laney’s Texas Partnership PAC, Jerry served as political staff for every member of the House and worked on races across the state.

Jerry’s family immigrated to College Station from South India, and he was the first person in his family born in the United States.  Having grown up in Houston, Jerry is an avid fan of sports, barbeque and enjoys spending time playing with his niece and nephews.

Jeff Rotkoff, Deputy Director

Jeff Rotkoff joined the HDCC in the fall of 2005, and as a member of the HDCC team has helped Democrats gain eight seats in the Texas House in the past two years.  Prior to joining the HDCC, Jeff served as Chief of Staff to State Representative Marc Veasey of Fort Worth.  Jeff also worked for Congressman Chet Edwards in Waco, where he served as the Field Director for Edwards’ 2004 re-election campaign, worked on Congressman Edwards’ 2002 campaign, and was as a member of Congressman Edwards’ district congressional staff.

When not in the office, Jeff enjoys playing rhythm guitar for The Bad Precedents – the capitol band featuring House Democratic Leader Jim Dunnam.  Jeff is a graduate of the University of Texas and resides in Austin with his wife, Neesha Davé.