Robert B. “Ben” Stratmann

Ben Stratmann brings to his role as an equity partner more than two decades of experience navigating public policy in and around the Texas Capitol. Adept at advising clients on complex policy and political matters, he has a proven track record of bringing together diverse stakeholders and advancing major initiatives through the legislative process. His successes for clients span topics including emerging technologies and economic development, energy and natural resources, higher education, healthcare and state appropriations, and the alcoholic beverage industry.

Experience

Before joining Longbow Partners in 2018, Ben spent more than a decade working in the legislature, the majority of that time serving as Chief of Staff to Senator Brian Birdwell, where he managed more than 30 staff across Capitol, district and committee offices. He previously served as Birdwell’s communications director and policy advisor, and later as campaign manager for two successful re-election efforts. From 2006 to 2010, Ben held roles in the offices of Governor Rick Perry, U.S. Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison, Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples, and as Special Assistant to Lt. Governor David Dewhurst.

Background & Affiliations

A fifth-generation Texan and Austin native, Ben is deeply involved in his community. He has served as the elected or appointed chairman of the Blood Cancer United Board of Trustees, the Austin City Council Ethics Review Commission, the Young Men’s Business League (c. 1913), and the Austin Sunshine Camps. Ben is also an alumnus of the American Council of Young Political Leaders, where he was given the opportunity to represent the United States as a member and leader, respectively, of U.S. State Department delegations to Morocco and Tunisia (2016) and later Cambodia and Malaysia (2019).

Ben holds a Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations and Communications from Texas State University. He and his wife, Amy, have one daughter and live in central Austin.