Andy Hung Xuan Nguyen
Born in the Republic of Vietnam, Andy Hung Xuan Nguyen fled his homeland at the age of 13 with his father and four siblings. In 1981, they embarked on a perilous journey aboard a fishing boat in search of freedom. After spending nearly a week at sea, they arrived at the Pulau Bidong refugee camp in Malaysia, where they remained for four months. On August 26, 1981, Andy and his family arrived in the United States, settling in Covington, Kentucky.
Determined to build a new life, Andy learned English, completed his education at Covington Holmes High School, and earned a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from the University of Kentucky. He was also commissioned as an officer in the United States Army Reserves - Field Artillery, serving honorably until resigning his commission at the rank of First Lieutenant.
In the early 1990s, Andy relocated with his family to Fort Worth, Texas. His first job after college was selling door-to-door, a six-month experience that taught him resilience and how to handle rejection. He then joined Thom McAn’s management training program and was awarded a store in Fort Worth. After several successful years, Andy transitioned to Eagle Telecom as its first salesman, eventually rising to the role of General Manager. When the company was sold, Andy and his wife founded AIT Technologies, which they operated until its sale in 2012.
A servant leader at heart, Andy is deeply committed to public and community service. He has served on the boards of several nonprofit organizations, including the Vietnamese American Community of Tarrant County, Catholic Charities of Fort Worth, the Salvation Army, and the YMCA of Mansfield-Arlington. In 2010, Andy made history by becoming the first Vietnamese American elected as a County Commissioner in Texas—and only the second in the United States. Continuing his dedication to public service, Andy served as Deputy Chief of Staff to the late Congressman Ron Wright of Texas’s 6th Congressional District in 2018. In 2023, he became Chief of Staff in the Office of Tarrant County Judge, the highest county elected office of the third largest county in the State of Texas. Today, Andy serves as Chief of Staff to Tarrant County Tax Assessor- Collector Rick Barnes, where he leads a team of over 200 employees and oversees the annual collection of billions of dollars in taxes.
Drawing from his life journey, Andy is passionate about mentoring, coaching, and speaking on personal growth, leadership development, and discovering one’s life purpose.
He resides in Arlington, Texas with his wife, Julie, and their three adult children. Andy is an active member of both St. Joseph Vietnamese Catholic Parish in Grand Prairie and Most Blessed Sacrament Catholic Parish in Arlington.
Notable Contributions and Achievements
• Historic First in Texas
Became the first Vietnamese American elected to the Office of County Commissioner in Texas.
• Infrastructure Leadership
Spearheaded the successful planning, funding, and construction of three major highway projects in Southeast
Tarrant County:
o State Highway 360 South
o I-30/SH 360 Interchange
o Southeast Connector (I-20/US 287/I-820)
• Healthcare Expansion
Championed major investments in JPS Health Network, resulting in renovations and new construction including:
o Psychiatric Emergency Center
o Medical Home Southwest Tarrant
o Medical Outpatient Building
o Central Utility Plant
o New parking garage
o Patient Care Pavilion North Expansion
o A brand-new hospital facility
• Economic Revitalization
Established the International Corridor Tax Increment Financing Zone in East Arlington, transforming the area into a vibrant hub for culture, cuisine, and commerce.
• Transparency Advocacy
Conceptualized and helped implement the Tarrant County OpenBooks platform, increasing financial transparency and earning the Transparency Star Award from the Texas Comptroller’s Office.
• Cultural Stewardship
Advocated for the preservation of the Vietnamese American Heritage and Freedom Flag and its associated values.
• Leadership Development
Organized the Vietnamese American Leadership Summit in Washington, D.C., to empower emerging leaders in public service and civic engagement.
• Human Rights Engagement
Participated in Vietnam Advocacy Day to support human rights and civil liberties in Vietnam.
• Senior & Disability Support
Secured critical funding for senior transportation and home-based meal programs for elderly and disabled residents.
• Awards & Recognition
o 2015 Legacy Award for Outstanding Achievement – U.S. Pan Asian American
Chamber of Commerce (USPAACC – Southwest)
o 2018 Public Elected Official of the Year – National Association of Social Workers,
North Central Texas–Fort Worth Area Branch
