He had a decades long career working on budgets for the Texas Department of Criminal Justice and the Texas Legislative Budget Board. Now, Jerry McGinty spends time crunching numbers mapping out mileage for traveling the country in retirement with his wife. He shares his journey of serving and finding life fulfillment.
Jerry was named the Director of the Legislative Budget Board in March 2020 by the Lieutenant Governor and Speaker. He served in this role until his retirement from the State of Texas in December 2025. The staff of the Legislative Budget Board develops budget and policy recommendations for legislative appropriations with a biennial state budget of approximately $338 billion for 2026-27, analyzes and monitors state agency spending and operations, completes fiscal analyses for all proposed legislation, and conducts evaluations and reviews to improve the efficiency of state agencies, local operations, and school districts.
Previously, Jerry worked for the Texas Department of Criminal Justice for 28 years where he held several positions, including the TDCJ Chief Financial Officer from 2008 to 2020. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Sam Houston State University and has been active with the SHSU alumni, with prior service on the SHSU Alumni Board of Directors and the Friends of the Sam Houston Memorial Museum Board. Jerry has been married to his wife Tammy for over 33 years, and they have three sons (Joshua, Jacob, and Jonah) and three daughters-in-law (Hannah, Baylee, and Savannah).
What is Built for This with Brian Briscoe?
Let’s pull back the curtain to give you a front row seat of stories about purpose, social good, self-identify, failures, and successes. You will be inspired, challenged, and encouraged in your own life after hearing stories of overcoming challenges, making life pivots, and conquering unexpected obstacles. Join me on my podcast journey….Built For This.