Daniel Smeraldo

Daniel Smeraldo is the Chief of Staff and Director of Communications for McWilliams Governmental Affairs Consultants. Daniel’s primary focus is responsive, strategic client service.

Daniel graduated high school from Plano East Senior High and began his college career at the University of San Diego in southern California. It was there during an introductory International Relations class that his love for politics began. As a freshman, he was elected to the Student Senate, where he spent time drafting university legislation and meeting with students and professors to increase student resources.

After his freshman year, Daniel returned home to Plano where he attended Collin College, graduating Magna Cum Laude with his Associate’s Degree in May 2016. Upon completion of his Associate’s, he transferred to the University of Texas at Austin where he completed his Bachelor of Arts in International Relations and Global Studies in May 2018.

Daniel is the first member of his family to receive a Bachelor’s Degree and attend a four-year university.

Upon graduating, Daniel began his career at McWilliams Governmental Affairs Consultants as a Policy Analyst where he sharpened his legislative research skills. He then began working as a Legislative Aide in 2018 where he was pivotal in the firm’s passing of a record number of bills during the 86th Legislative session. In 2020, Daniel became the firm’s Chief of Staff and Director of Communication.

Daniel is passionate about experiencing a variety of cultures and has been able to do so through his time studying languages and traveling. He has studied both Spanish and Russian at the collegiate level and has spent time studying in Cuba and Poland.

In his free time, Daniel enjoys taking his dog Leo to the dog park, spending time with friends, and supporting UT sports.