Thomas Ratliff has spent 20+ years as an independent lobbyist for clients in Texas in a wide range of industries. Thomas opened Ratliff Company in 1998. Since that time, clients have included trade associations, high profile individuals and Fortune 500 companies in telecommunications, Internet and software technology, electric utility, insurance, nursing, and other industries. In 2013, he worked with Michael Morton to pass the “The Michael Morton Act” which was the first major criminal justice reform in Texas in many years. In 2010, Thomas was elected to the 15-member State Board of Education and represented 31 counties and 1.6 million Texans. He was re-elected in 2012 to a term that ended in 2016. He did not seek re-election to the board. He was elected by his colleagues to serve as Vice Chairman for two terms.