February 2023 Gubernatorial Appointments

In the month of February, Governor Abbott made the following appointments:

• Elodia Brito and Brian Long to the Board of Pardons and Paroles for terms set to expire on February 1, 2029. The Board makes parole decisions for Texas prison inmates, determines conditions for parole and mandatory supervision, and makes recommendations on clemency matters to the Governor.

• Larry Long to the Public Safety Commission for a term set to expire on January 1, 2028. The Commission oversees the Texas Department of Public Safety, which enforces laws protecting public safety and provides for the prevention and detection of crime.

• Cliff Harbin to the State Commission on Judicial Conduct for a term set to expire on November 19, 2023. The Commission regulates the conduct of the state judiciary, including the power to recommend for retirement, censure, suspension, or removal of a judge from office.

• Jeffery Beck and Kenneth “Kenny” Goldberg to the Texas Holocaust, Genocide, and Antisemitism Advisory Commission for terms set to expire on February 1, 2029. Goldberg will continue to serve as chair. The Advisory Commission conducts studies on antisemitism in the state, provides assistance to schools, and meets with appropriate representatives of public and private organizations to provide information in addition to various education duties around the state.

• Raheela Ahsan to the Appraisal Management Companies Advisory Committee for a term set to expire on January 31, 2025. The Committee advises the Texas Appraiser Licensing and Certification Board and makes recommendations on matters relating to the regulation of appraisal management companies.

• Tom Duncavage, Benjamin Miranda, Jr., Annette L. Sobel, M.D., Michael Bob Starr, and Timothy “Bounce” Strawther to the Texas Military Preparedness Commission for terms set to expire on February 1, 2029. The Commission's goal is to preserve, protect, expand, and attract new military missions, assets, and installations. Additionally, the Commission encourages defense-related businesses to expand or relocate in Texas.

• Tara Turk-Zaafran to the Texas Historical Records Advisory Board for a term set to expire on February 1, 2026. The board works to improve archival and records storage conditions throughout the state and ensures that permanent records documenting Texas’ history as a colony, province, republic, and state are preserved for future generations.

• Donna McKethan to the Industry-Based Certification Advisory Council for a term set to expire on February 1, 2027. The Council advises the commission regarding the alignment of public high school career and technology education programs with current and future workforce needs in communities, regions, and the state.

• Robin Phillips to the Red River Compact Commission for a term set to expire on February 1, 2029. The Commission is responsible for administering the provisions of the Red River Compact entered by Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and the United States.

• Frederic “Rick” Tate to the Pecos River Compact Commission for a term set to expire on January 23, 2029. The Commission represents Texas at meetings of the Pecos River Commission and in the administration of the terms of the Pecos River Compact entered by Texas, New Mexico, and the United States.

• Kristen Luckey to the Podiatric Medical Examiners Advisory Board for a term set to expire on February 1, 2027. The Advisory Board provides advice and recommendations to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation on technical matters relevant to the regulation of the practice of podiatry.

• Elizabeth Cox and Andrea Ortiz to the Council on Sex Offender Treatment for terms set to expire on February 1, 2029, and February 1, 2025, respectively. The Council sets forth the standards for treatment and oversees the licensing of providers.

• Richard A. Johnson, III, Ed.D. and Brandon Simmons and reappointed James Benham to the Texas Southern University Board of Regents for terms set to expire on February 1, 2029.

• Ashley Cash to the Governor's Commission for Women for a term set to expire on December 31, 2023. Governor Abbott has charged the Commission with developing a strategy and implementation plan to help make Texas the number one state for women-owned businesses and to address human trafficking. Housed within the Office of the Governor, the Governor’s Commission for Women specializes in outreach, education, research, and referral services.

• Brigadier General Andrew J. Camacho to serve as the Deputy Adjutant General for Air for a term to expire at the pleasure of the Governor. The Deputy Adjutant General for Air assists the Adjutant General in exercising and executing command responsibilities and is the principal adviser on all Air National Guard matters. Additionally, the deputy adjutant general for air works with the chief of the joint staff to prepare the state for federal or state emergencies, including man-made or natural disasters and federal military mobilizations.

• Ronald M. “Ronnie” Richards and Keith C. Thompson to the Manufactured Housing Board for terms set to expire January 31, 2029. The Board regulates the manufactured housing industry in Texas.

• Miguel “Mike” Rodriguez and Patrick “Dean” Smith to the Motor Vehicle Crime Prevention Authority for terms set to expire on February 1, 2029. The Authority assesses the scope of motor vehicle crime in Texas and supports a statewide law enforcement network through grants, auto theft reduction initiatives, education, and public awareness.

• Dirk Johnson to the Injured Employee Public Counsel for a term set to expire on February 1, 2025. The Public Counsel helps injured employees in the Workers' Compensation system, oversees the ombudsman program, and advocates on behalf of injured employees.