Lisa Clontz

Chair

Lisa Clontz is the Chair of the Bastrop County Young Republicans, a proud mother of two boys, an experienced entrepreneur and a seasoned paralegal across many verticals of law.

With over a decade of experience in growth & digital marketing and three successful exits as a business founder, Lisa brings a results-driven, strategic mindset to her leadership role. She plans to use those skills to grow the Bastrop County Young Republicans chapter by increasing membership, amplifying engagement, and empowering the next generation of conservative leaders.

Passionate about preserving freedom, promoting traditional values, and serving the local community, Lisa is committed to ensuring that young Republicans in Bastrop have a strong, active, and united voice. 

Samantha Gerdes, J.D. 

Vice Chair

Sam Gerdes has served as General Counsel for LaRue Tactical since 2012 where her main areas of practice are intellectual property, international and domestic firearm regulation, contracts, and labor law. Sam has extensive experience in the firearms industry and is intimately familiar with the manufacture, acquisition, possession, ownership and sale of firearms and items that are regulated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF) and the National Firearms Act (NFA).  

Sam is a member of the Junior League of Austin, a founding board member and Vice Chair of the Bastrop County Young Republicans, serves on the executive board of the Capitol Republican Women, and is a past-President and founder of the New Orleans Chapter of the Texas Exes. She was named a member of the 2024 Texas Federation of Republican Women's "40 Under 40" Class.  

Sam and her husband, Representative Stan Gerdes, are both proud graduates of the University of Texas and reside in Smithville, Texas with their son, Stanley. 

Kenneth Best, J.D.

Treasurer

Kenneth Best is a Texas attorney, licensed in 2013, and a committed conservative serving as Treasurer of the Bastrop County Young Republicans. Over the course of his legal career, he has run his own law firm, served as a government attorney, and built a strong foundation in civil and property law. This broad experience informs the practical, disciplined approach he brings to his role in the organization—ensuring transparency, accountability, and responsible financial oversight.

A husband and father, Kenneth believes families are the foundation of a free society and that strong communities—not distant bureaucracies—are best positioned to solve real problems. He is especially committed to protecting children and preserving the rights of parents to raise them according to their own values. His work reflects a belief in personal responsibility, local decision-making, and the importance of civic engagement at the community level.

Kylie Cunningham-Straznicky

 Secretary

Kylie Cunningham Straznicky is a sixth-generation Texan with deep roots in the Lone Star State.

A registered nurse by profession, she has specialized in emergency care, leadership, and program management. Kylie is passionate about advancing liberty, free-market principles, and personal responsibility—values that guide both her personal and political life. Her mission is to help ensure that Texas remains true to its heritage and values.

A founding board member of the Bastrop County Young Republicans, Kylie has also served in leadership roles with other liberty-focused organizations. Outside of her civic and professional commitments, she enjoys traveling, reading, and exploring the Texas outdoors.