Austin, TX—Prominently featured in The Inner Circle, John R. Pitts is acknowledged as a Pinnacle Platinum Business Professional for his contributions to the field of Leadership Management.
Mr. Pitts pursued higher education at Southern Methodist University where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree, an MBA, and a Jurisprudence Degree. He capped his scholarship at Virginia Theological Seminary where he received a Master of Divinity degree.
As a recognized expert in Leadership Management, Mr. Pitts was tapped to serve as the general counsel to former Lt. Governor Bob Bullock and as chaplain to the Texas Senate. While working with Lt. Governor Bullock, Mr. Pitts directed the effort to draft and pass the historic water legislation, SB 1, which has been a highlight of his career. After much success in this venue, the attorney formed Texas Star Alliance where he develops and stewards’ legislation on both the state and national levels.
Mr. Pitts has represented clients from a broad range of industries including numerous Fortune 500 companies; major trade associations; and national nonprofits. The renowned attorney has clients representing a plethora of legislative issues including transportation; water; health; education (public and higher); technology; elections; cannabis; broadband; logistics; finance; tax; banking; agriculture; affordable housing; appropriations; pensions; criminal justice; juvenile justice; ethics; insurance; gaming; and alternative energy.
The attorney has served in many prestigious positions, including partner at Vinson & Elkins LLP; senior counsel at Akin Gump Hauer & Feld LLP; counsel to a Texas Supreme Court Chief Justice; and several clergy positions with The Episcopal Diocese of Texas. A leader in his field, Mr. Pitts has been recognized as the 5th most influential lobbyist in Austin by the online publication, Capitol Inside; named one of Texas’ Top-Rated Lawyers from 2014 thru 2020 by Martindale-Hubbell; selected by his peers as one of the Best Lawyers in the United States from 2011 thru 2020; and awarded Board Member of the Year in 2010 by Big Brothers Big Sisters.
Dedicated to civic duty, Mr. Pitts serves on many organization boards, including the Texas Association of Business; chair of Big Brothers Big Sisters Greater Houston; vice-chair of Big Brothers Big Sisters Lone Star; March of Dimes Houston; Park Plaza Hospital and Medical Center; founding board member of Houston City Hall Fellows; The Hope Center Houston; St. John’s School in Houston; board and co-Founder of Trinity Episcopal School of Austin; board and co-Founder of LIFE Houston; Virginia Theological Seminary in Alexandria, Virginia; Episcopal Seminary of the Southwest in Austin, Texas; board member of UTHealth Development Board, chair of its Government Relations Committee, and chair of its PAC Committee; and board members of several charitable foundations.
Aside from his professional pursuits, Mr. Pitts and his wife live in both Houston and Austin and they have two sons. The attorney would like to dedicate this honor to his parents, Roy & Agnes Pitts.