Q&A with Heath City Councilman Justin Holland

Q&A with Heath City Councilman Justin Holland

At 28 years old, City Councilman Justin Holland is the youngest person ever elected to public office in Heath. He and his wife Neely live in The Enclave at Buffalo Creek with their daughter, Wiley Beth. Justin has a passion for Texas government and politics, faith, family, and community – which is evident in the responses he graciously shared with Blue Ribbon News as part of our Good People profile series.

Where were you born/raised?

Rockwall County. My family moved to Heath in 1896 and were cotton farmers. My mom still lives on (part of) the old farm that’s mainly just a pasture now.

Occupation?

Director of Marketing & Employee Relations for Med-Tech Construction, Inc.

Professional experience?

Marketing, corporate branding, new media, community banking, commercial real estate lending, and ad valorem consulting in the oil and gas industry. I hold a real estate license with Regal Realtors.

Organizations you’re involved in?

On the Board of Directors for Heath Economic Development Corporation, Rockwall ISD Education Foundation, and Meals on Wheels Senior Services of Rockwall County. East Trinity Masonic Lodge (chair the RHS Scholarship Committee, served two years as Treasurer); Rockwall Rotary Club; Relay For Life (top 3 fundraiser since 2010); Rockwall Republican Party; Rockwall County Republican Men’s Club; 32° degree Scottish Rite Mason; Noble of the Hella Shrine.

Your most interesting/unusual job?

Car wash vacuum attendant. Waiter. I was a horrible waiter. 

Name the top three things you’d like to accomplish as a member of City Council?

(1) See the successful development and completion of a grocery store-anchored retail development near the city center; (2) Attract good and sustainable local businesses to Heath; and (3) Increase community involvement in activities such as the 4th of July Parade, Heart of Heath 5k, Holiday in the Park, as well as add fun events and activities to existing programs.

Hobbies?

Golf, hunting, saltwater fishing, country music, watching rodeo events and being involved in political campaigns.

Tell us about your family.

I married my college sweetheart from Texas Tech in 2008. On top of being a full-time mom and wife, she’s the executive director of a non-profit organization that advocates for people with Down syndrome and their families. She’s a real-life Superwoman. She gave birth to a precious and incredibly perfect little girl last February. Wiley Beth (“WB”) is a blessing to our lives. We lost my dad to pancreatic cancer when Neely was six months pregnant and Neely’s grandfather two months later; God surely blessed us with new life.

Any pets?

Two dogs – Hank and Frank. Hank is a 10-year-old black Labrador retriever who I retired from hunting last year and now lives on the family farm with my mother. “Frankfurter” the dachshund is five and we’re just trying to keep WB from pulling his tail off at this point.

What’s something others may be surprised to learn about you?

I started playing the guitar when I was 14. In high school, I discovered that I could sing a little bit and in college, a fraternity brother of mine and I played the music scene around Lubbock. At the time, I wanted to try and pursue a music career. I chose to go to Washington, D.C. after graduation instead and discovered my passion for government.

To be considered for our Good People profile series, or to nominate someone you know, email