State Rep. Carl Sherman names former Dallas DA’s chief prosecutor as new legislative director

LANCASTER – State Rep. Carl Oscar Sherman recently named former Dallas County District Attorney’s Chief Prosecutor Andrew Novak Esq. as his Legislative Director.

Novak said in a press release of his new role, “It is a privilege to serve in this new way for such a dynamic and esteemed member of the Texas House.”

Novak joined Sherman’s team on June 10.

In May, Novak graduated from Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government with a master’s in public administration, a Certificate in Management, Leadership, and Decision Sciences, and its Public Leadership Credential.

Novak also served on the Kennedy School Student Government Internal Affairs Committee, and as a representative to the Harvard Graduate Council. 

He wrote for the Kennedy School Student Policy Review as a Policy Analyst while also serving as a Teaching Fellow for the joint Harvard Kennedy School Harvard Law School course: “U.S. Congress and Lawmaking,” volunteered for HGC’s Legal Aid Program, and was Director of Development for the Law & Policy Caucus.

Sherman stated in a press release regarding the addition to his team, “I look forward to continuing to bring our mission statement to life, and with his experience and background, 

“Andrew’s prosecutorial experience makes him a great addition to the team to continue implementing our strategic plans and goals for the continued advancement of District 109 and all Texans.”

Regarding his prosecutorial experience as the chief prosecutor for the Dallas District Attorney’s Office, Novak tried more than 200 jury trials during his 17-plus years while also working on legislation at the state level for better protection of victims and witnesses. 

In addition, he served as a representative from the D.A.’s office on the Project Safe Neighborhood Task Force in the Northern District of Texas.

He was a member of the Successful Treatment of Addiction Through Collaboration Court.

Dallas District Attorney John Creuzot said in a press release that Novak is “intelligent and sharp with a servant’s heart.”

Creuzot also echoed Representative Sherman’s comments as to Novak’s being an excellent choice to assist the state representative with his mission for the district and the state.

Novak began his career after receiving his B.A. and J.D. from Southern Methodist University. He was also the recipient of SMU’s highest recognition, the “M” Award.

“Representative Sherman is an outstanding public servant for the citizens of District 109 and the State of Texas,” Novak concluded in a press release about his new appointment, “with a long record of excellence as a councilmember, mayor, city manager in Dallas and Ellis Counties and State Representative. I am ready to join the team.”