TJ Costello
Board Member
TJ Costello is a senior economist in the Data Analysis section at the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts. TJ’s focus is on economic analysis and data analytics as well as being the subject matter expert on transportation and economic development issues. Previously, he oversaw special projects for the Comptroller including the Major Events Trust Fund (METF) and the Endangered Species Research Project. Prior to his state service, TJ worked as director of economic development at the Greater Austin San Antonio Corridor Council; a consultant on economic growth initiatives and small business development in Austin; Assistant City Manager for Hillsboro, TX and as national coordinator for the American Arbitration Association in New York City (overseeing outreach efforts for the Association's 37 regions).
Costello is a native New Yorker and graduated with honors from Ithaca College with a degree in applied economics. TJ received his master’s degree from the LBJ School of Public Affairs at The University of Texas at Austin with a graduate portfolio in dispute resolution. He is a 2015 graduate of the Leadership Austin – Essentials program as well as the Comptroller's Leadership Academy. He has been a frequent speaker on leadership, market research, and the City of Austin's Charter revision creating a 10-1 city council. He served as vice chair of Austin's inaugural Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission (ICRC) where he led the commission in creating Austin's 10-1 city council districts.
He has also served as president of the LBJ School's Austin Alumni Association and currently is an active member in the Texas Rugby Union and USA Touch Rugby and volunteers with local nonprofits and civic groups. He is also an award-winning basketball coach at the high school and collegiate levels.
Board Member
TJ Costello is a senior economist in the Data Analysis section at the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts. TJ’s focus is on economic analysis and data analytics as well as being the subject matter expert on transportation and economic development issues. Previously, he oversaw special projects for the Comptroller including the Major Events Trust Fund (METF) and the Endangered Species Research Project. Prior to his state service, TJ worked as director of economic development at the Greater Austin San Antonio Corridor Council; a consultant on economic growth initiatives and small business development in Austin; Assistant City Manager for Hillsboro, TX and as national coordinator for the American Arbitration Association in New York City (overseeing outreach efforts for the Association's 37 regions).
Costello is a native New Yorker and graduated with honors from Ithaca College with a degree in applied economics. TJ received his master’s degree from the LBJ School of Public Affairs at The University of Texas at Austin with a graduate portfolio in dispute resolution. He is a 2015 graduate of the Leadership Austin – Essentials program as well as the Comptroller's Leadership Academy. He has been a frequent speaker on leadership, market research, and the City of Austin's Charter revision creating a 10-1 city council. He served as vice chair of Austin's inaugural Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission (ICRC) where he led the commission in creating Austin's 10-1 city council districts.
He has also served as president of the LBJ School's Austin Alumni Association and currently is an active member in the Texas Rugby Union and USA Touch Rugby and volunteers with local nonprofits and civic groups. He is also an award-winning basketball coach at the high school and collegiate levels.
