Getting to know Thierry
Thierry Tchenko is a first-generation Texan, organizer, former local government official, and most recently a nonprofit executive at one of Texas’s largest non-profit organizations providing home repairs to seniors, veterans, and low-income families in need. He has devoted his life to serving working families and everyday people.
Thierry was born in the southwest Houston neighborhood of Sharpstown. He is the product of two immigrants who left their home country of Cameroon and moved to Texas with the hope of living the American Dream. At times, his parents worked multiple jobs in harsh conditions but it was all to give Thierry the best chance at success. The sacrifices of his parents allowed Thierry to tap into that American Dream.
Thierry’s passion for public service began when he was a precinct captain for then-Senator Obama’s presidential campaign during the Texas primary in February 2008. During the general election, he was invited to Charlottesville, Virginia during the summer of 2008 to help register voters, canvass, and make calls. He was tasked with canvassing in some rural parts of the state and during one of those days, he had a voter let out their dogs to attack him. Not deterred, he kept showing up and helping voters. This is who Thierry is. Never backing down from a challenge.
Thierry received his Bachelors Degree from McMurry University in Abilene, Texas. While attending McMurry University, he took a year off school to work on Wendy Davis’s Gubernatorial campaign. He was a field organizer in Houston where he oversaw 37 precincts including the historic Acres Home neighborhood. Thierry’s focus was to build relationships with those in the community and ensure that they understood the urgency to get out to vote.
After his 4 years in Abilene at McMurry University, Thierry moved to Washington, DC and received his Masters Degree from Georgetown University. During his time in DC, Thierry was a fellow in the White House Office of Management and Budget, held several roles in DC Government and worked on President Biden's 2020 campaign. Thierry remained connected to his home state through his membership with the Texas State Society.