About the Honorable Jacquie Baly
Jacquie Baly, President of BalyProjects, has been a notable presence in Texas’ business and policy circles for many years. Her career began in city and regional planning, and she later held the position of Vice President at the Greater Houston Partnership. Following this, she served as Governor Rick Perry’s appointee on the Brazos River Authority and was Mayor Pro Tem for the City of Sugar Land.
Twenty-three years ago, Jacquie founded BalyProjects, a company dedicated to providing clients with public affairs and media relations services. Additionally, she is pivotal in advising Governor Greg Abbott on Higher Education initiatives. Furthermore, Jacquie serves as the Vice Chair and appointee of the Harris County Commissioners Court on the Harris County Women’s Commission, focusing on advancing economic development and business opportunities for women. Her remarkable contributions were acknowledged when she was inducted into the Texas Women’s Hall of Fame in 2023.
Jacquie has received numerous prestigious awards and recognitions. She was named one of the Top Ten Business Owners in the Country by the National Association of Women Business Owners and recognized as one of the Most Influential Blacks by CORE media and USA Today. Additionally, she was honored as a Role Model of the Year by the Greater Houston Women’s Chamber of Commerce, awarded the title of Philanthropist of the Year by St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, distinguished as Woman of Distinction by Crohn’s and Colitis, and acknowledged as Woman of Excellence by the Federation of Business and Professional Women. Her other accolades include receiving the “Rising Star” and Black Alumnus of the Year awards from the University of Houston Alumni Association.
Jacquie, originally from St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, holds a bachelor’s degree in Political Science and a master’s degree in Public Administration. She is currently pursuing her Doctorate at the University of Southern California. In addition to her academic pursuits, Jacquie has a rich history of teaching public policy at the University of Houston for over 16 years. She has also served as a Faculty-In-Residence at the University of Texas in Austin. Beyond academia, Jacquie is deeply involved with several nonprofit organizations, notably the American Cancer Society. Her contributions to the organization include serving on the Board of Directors and chairing its largest gala and luncheon, through which she has raised millions of dollars to support its mission.
Jacquie takes immense pride in being the mother of two remarkable young men. Her eldest son, Raphael, graduated from Trinity University with a double major in business and marketing and is pursuing an MBA at Boston College. Her younger son, Alexandre, recently graduated from Harvard University with High Honors in Neuroscience and achieved a Spanish language certification. He is currently on the pre-med track. Jacquie is married to business executive James Craig, and they call Houston, Texas, their home.
