ABOUT US
We build long-term, trusted financial advisory relationships with our clients by delivering custom tailored objective solutions for our clients. Our experience and tacit knowledge in the public finance sector allows us to provide unique solutions, no matter how big or small the job might be, our focus is to deliver optimal results.
TFC provides financial advisory services to local municipalities, supporting their growth and contributing to the advancement of their communities.
With over 85 years of combined experience, TFC guides its clients through the bond issuance process, providing market expertise, structuring capabilities, and creative solutions to support them through each step and achieve the lowest cost financing.
By serving only as a financial advisor, TFC is able to advocate for its clients’ best interests and earn their trust as a fiduciary.
OUR TEAM
Over 85 years of combined experience
Robert A. Tijerina
CEO & Managing Director
Robert A. Tijerina serves as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of TFC and is responsible for the firm’s overall management, as well as relationship development and bond transaction execution.
Mr. Tijerina has over 35 years of experience in investments, and public finance, having served as lead or co-lead banker with cities, counties, community colleges, school districts, and utility systems on more than 400 transactions totaling over $5.5 billion. Mr. Tijerina assists municipalities with their plan of finance, structuring tax-exempt and taxable financings, planning for bond elections and town hall meetings, and preparing rating agency and bond insurance presentations.
Prior to TFC, Mr. Tijerina spent nearly 18 years as Managing Director with Estrada Hinojosa & Co., Inc., providing both financial advisory and underwriting services. Before that, he spent nearly 12 years with Texas Treasury Department and the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts as an investment officer.
Mr. Tijerina holds a Bachelor of Arts from Texas Lutheran University and a Master of Business Administration from Texas State University. He is registered with the MSRB as a Municipal Advisor Representative (Series 50) and as a Municipal Advisor Principal (Series 54).
Tom Lawrence
Director
Tom Lawrence established Lawrence Financial Consulting (“LFC”) in 1998 following more than 20 years of experience as a financial advisor, investment banker, tax and securities lawyer, and accountant. The company name was changed to Tijerina Galvan Lawrence LLC in 2019 to reflect a new ownership team and is now known as Tijerina Financial Consulting LLC.
In 2020, Mr. Lawrence retired from TFC’s municipal advisory activities but continues to serve TFC in an administrative capacity, including compliance and accounting services.
Prior to establishing the company, Mr. Lawrence managed the public finance department for a regional broker-dealer firm, providing both underwriting and financial advisory services. He served as lead financial advisor for the Texas Public Finance Authority, assisted the Texas Association of School Boards with its pooled financing programs for Texas school districts, and was instrumental in establishing the Lone Star Investment Pool (LSIP), including the preparation of all LSIP creation and initial marketing documents.
Mr. Lawrence holds a BSBA from John Carroll University and a JD from Case Western Reserve University School of Law and is registered with the MSRB as a Municipal Advisor Representative (Series 50) and as a Municipal Advisor Principal (Series 54).
Esther Young
Chief Compliance Officer (CCO)/Managing Director
Esther Young serves as TFC’s Chief Compliance Officer and is responsible for business development and transaction structuring and execution.
Esther has over twelve years of experience in public finance and municipal investment having structured more than $4 billion of municipal debt for a range of issuers including cities, counties, utilities, school districts, higher education authorities, transit and transportation authorities, housing authorities, special districts, and public private partnerships. Esther assists issuers with structuring complex project financing, developing short- and long-term plans of finance, and managing all phases of financing from bond election to closing.
Prior to TFC, Esther spent over seven years as a public finance investment banker and analyst at a regional broker-dealer firm, providing both financial advisory and underwriting services. Most recently, she acted as an originator for direct investments to municipal development projects, evaluating the creditworthiness of projects in various sectors across the country and developing new business relationships.
Esther holds a Bachelor of Science in Business and Finance from the University of Alabama. She is registered with the MSRB as a Municipal Advisor Representative (Series 50) and as a Municipal Advisor Principal (Series 54).
Thomas Lastrapes
Director
Since 2018, Thomas has provided financial advisory services and support to school districts, cities, counties, public power utilities, water and wastewater utilities, community colleges, and other municipal entities. Thomas’ experience includes the creation and implementation of complex plans of finance for capital programs, bond transaction management and oversight, and bond election planning and strategy.
Thomas began his career in public finance at the Municipal Advisory Council of Texas in 2016, having previously graduated from Auburn University with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a focus in Finance. Mr. Lastrapes is qualified as a Municipal Advisor Representative, having passed the MSRB Series 50 examination.
In his free time, Mr. Lastrapes enjoys spending time outdoors, golfing, Auburn Football, and spending time with his family and friends.
Nancy Mendoza
Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
Nancy Mendoza serves as TFC’s Chief Financial Officer in addition to overseeing the firm’s daily administration.
Prior to joining the firm as Consultant, Nancy served as an Executive Coordinator at Deloitte. During her time there she played an integral role in supporting the success of the practice by providing a variety of administrative services to Principals and Managing Directors. Before that, she spent nine years at a regional broker dealer where she coordinated the maintenance of calendars and the preparation of legal and offering documents. She has exceptional experience in the preparation of offering documents and continuing disclosure reports.
Nancy graduated from the University of North Texas in 2014 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.
Olivia Tijerina
Associate
Olivia Tijerina serves as Associate to TFC and is responsible for firm support and document preparation.
She assists the firm in preparing requests for proposals, firm credential books, client continuing disclosures materials, and financing distribution lists and timetables.
She graduated in 2021 with Honors from the University of Texas at Austin with a Bachelor of Arts in Art History and Government.