January 2023 Gubernatorial Appointments

In January 2023, Governor Greg Abbott appointed:

• Trasa Cobern, Amanda Nobles and April Graham to Humanities Texas with terms set to expire on December 31, 2024. Additionally, the Governor appointed Elizabeth Johnson and Stacey Neal Combest and reappointed Ellen Ramsey with terms set to expire on December 31, 2023. As the state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities, Humanities Texas conducts and supports public programs in history, literature, philosophy, and the other humanities disciplines which strengthen Texas communities by cultivating the knowledge and judgment that representative democracy demands of its citizens. Humanities Texas is one of 56 nonprofit state and jurisdictional humanities councils in the United States.

• Dana McGrath, Patrick Sturdivant, and Tiffany Walker to the State Independent Living Council for terms set to expire on October 24, 2025. The Council develops the State Plan for Independent Living and serves as a resource to state and local organizations on independent living and related issues for persons with disabilities.

• Judson Scott to the Veterans’ Land Board for a term set to expire on December 29, 2026. The Veterans’ Land Board is an organization within the Texas General Land Office overseeing programs that provide benefits and services for Texas veterans, military members, and their families.

• Donald L. King to the Nursing Facility Administrators Advisory Committee for a term set to expire on February 1, 2027. The Committee assists the Texas Department of Health and Human Services with its administration of the Nursing Facility Administrator Licensing Program by making recommendations for rule changes and licensure sanctions.

• Ira Mitzner to the Texas Holocaust, Genocide, and Antisemitism Advisory Commission for a term set to expire on February 1, 2027. The Advisory Commission shall conduct a study on antisemitism in the state, provide assistance to schools, and meet with appropriate representatives of public and private organizations to provide information in addition to various education duties around the state.

• George Cannata as the Director of the Office of Community-Based Care Transition for a term at the pleasure of the Governor.

• Brittny Allred and Elvis Williams and reappointed John Elliott to the Teacher Retirement System of Texas Board of Trustees for terms set to expire on August 31, 2027. The Board manages retirement and other benefits for teachers and employees of the state's public schools and institutions of higher education.

• Jeffrey Tayon to the governing board of the Department of Information Resources (DIR) for a term set to expire on February 1, 2027. DIR coordinates, monitors, and directs information resources management within state government.

• Michael Bob Starr and Todd Fox to the Texas Military Preparedness Commission for terms set to expire on February 1, 2023, and February 1, 2025, respectively. 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.

• Albert Trevino to the Texas Workforce Commission for a term set to expire February 1, 2023. The commission is charged with overseeing and providing workforce development services to employers and job seekers in Texas.

• Robb J. Misso to the Texas State Technical College (TSTC) System Board of Regents for a term set to expire on August 31, 2023.

• Elizabeth Perez Aliseda, O.D. and Ross Cansino and reappointed Allan Bloxom, III to the Nueces River Authority for terms set to expire February 1, 2027. The Authority administers the control, employment, and conservation of the waters of the Nueces River Basin, forestation and reforestation, groundwater, storm water floodwater, water quality control, solid waste, and parks and recreational facilities.

• Edwina Lane to the Commission on State Emergency Communications for a term set to expire on September 1, 2023. Additionally, the Governor named James Beauchamp as Chair. The Commission is tasked with administering the state 9-1-1 service program and the statewide poison control program.

• Kevin Lilly to the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission for a term set to expire November 15, 2027. The Commission supervises and regulates all aspects of the alcoholic beverage industry in the state.

• Fred Tate to the Trinity River Authority Board of Directors for a term set to expire on March 15, 2027. The Authority oversees the development and conservation of surface water resources of the Trinity River Basin.

• Marlene S. McMichael to the OneStar Foundation for a term set to expire on March 15, 2023. The OneStar Foundation provides technical assistance, education, information, and other support to Texas’ extensive volunteer community and works to improve and strengthen the state’s volunteerism and community service infrastructure.