Chris Begala
Simply put, Chris Begala knows media, politics and public relations.
A seasoned veteran with over 30-years of professional media experience, Chris started as an on-air sports reporter for Houston’s top-rated radio station, KIKK, at the age of 15 — and went on to build an award-winning career as a broadcast and print journalist. Along the way, Begala covered numerous Super Bowls, NBA Finals, NCAA Final Fours, World Series, Wimbledon, U.S. Open, championship boxing, the Indy 500, the Kentucky Derby, The Masters golf tournament, and more.
In 1997, after years of part-time PR and political consulting, Begala founded his own communications firm, BEGALA Consulting. Since then, he has assisted former President George H.W. Bush, former President Bill Clinton, world-renowned artist Peter Max, international recording star Yanni, former Houston Astros owner Drayton McLane, University of Houston, Baylor University, Memorial Hermann Healthcare Systems, Houston Texans owner Bob McNair, CBS Sports Anchor Jim Nantz and many other leaders of industry, politics and entertainment.
In 2006 Chris joined forces with respected colleague, Jim McGrath, to create Begala-McGrath, LLC. Begala-McGrath is widely respected and known as a 'go-to' communications firm as they leverage their unique skill sets to assist their clients achieve their objectives.
Chris has served as a leading spokesman and strategist in multiple political campaigns, as well as major public issue initiatives. Begala helped lead Houston’s successful sports stadium referendum in 1996, helped pass the enabling state legislation in 1997, and helped plan and execute the design, construction and bond phases of both Minute Maid Park and Reliant Stadium. Additionally, Begala worked as part of the team, led by Bob McNair, to procure the National Football League’s 32nd franchise — the Houston Texans.
As a Licensed Real Estate Agent in Texas, Begala also has extensive public and private-sector experience in construction and development. He continues to be a frequently sought-after commentator on radio and television on a broad range of issues.
Chris Begala earned his Bachelor of Arts in Communications & Political Science from the University of Houston; is a Board member of Theatre Under the Stars, a Board member of the University of Houston Government Relations Advisory Board, a member of the Archdiocese Galveston-Houston PR Advisory Board, a lifetime member of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo; and resides in Houston with his wife Jeanie and their two children, Nicole and Christopher.
