Governor Greg Abbott has named Joe Esparza as Chair of the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) and appointed Brent Connett as Commissioner Representing the Public. Connett’s term will run until February 1, 2031. The TWC is responsible for providing workforce development services to employers and job seekers across Texas.
Joe Esparza, from Oatmeal, has served as Commissioner Representing Employers at the TWC since 2023. His previous roles include Texas Deputy Secretary of State, senior appointments manager in the Office of the Governor, clerk for the City of Lubbock, and field technician at the Texas General Land Office. Esparza volunteers with the Native Prairies Association of Texas and is a member of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Marble Falls. He served eight years in active and reserve duty with the United States Marine Corps and holds a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Communications from Texas Tech University.
Brent Connett, based in Austin, is currently deputy director of Appointments in the Office of the Governor. He has held senior staff positions in the Texas Senate and spent over ten years in leadership roles within a legislative caucus and public policy research foundation. In 2021, he was appointed to the State Employee Charitable Campaign Policy Committee where he now serves as chairman. Connett also volunteers at St. Theresa’s Catholic Church in Austin and with Meals on Wheels. He previously served more than 15 years with the Texas State Guard, reaching Sergeant First Class rank. Connett earned his Bachelor of Arts in Government from The University of Texas at Austin.
