Mike Laster was born in San Pablo, California but his family relocated to Texas soon after his birth, settling in the rural community of Bangs in Brown County. Educated in the public schools of Brown County, Mike demonstrated his leadership skills at an early age by serving as President of the High School Student Body, of his High School Class, of the National Honor Society and the Future Farmers of America.

A graduate of the University of Texas at Austin’s Plan II Honors Program, Mike earned his Juris Doctorate from the University of Houston Law Center. While at the Law Center, Mike distinguished himself as the National Vice Chair of the American Bar Association Law Student Division.

Mike is an attorney specializing in real estate with the firm of Williams, Birnberg & Andersen, L.L.P. in Houston, where he has practiced for the past thirteen years. From 1989 to 1995, Mike served as a Senior Assistant City Attorney in the Real Estate Division of the City Attorney’s Office, where he handled many aspects of a general real estate and development practice for the city.

Throughout his life Mike has developed an extensive record of civic involvement and achievement. He currently serves as Chairman of the Sharpstown Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone and Redevelopment Authority (TIRZ). As Chairman, he has worked to complete an amended TIRZ project plan that provides over $90 million in infrastructure development and financing dollars to the TIRZ area.

As Secretary and founding Board Member of the Greater Sharpstown Management District (GSMD), Mike helped implement a Constables on Patrol Program which has added an additional eight constables to patrol the business corridors of the district.

Mike is also a Board Member and former President of the Sharpstown Civic Association, a group serving over 6,800 homes in the area with neighborhood protection programs, crime prevention and security patrols.

An active member of Trinity Episcopal Church, Mike has served as Senior Warden; as a member of the Vestry; and is a current parish Delegate to the Episcopal Diocese of Texas.