Governor Greg Abbott announced on Mar. 13 a series of appointments to key positions across Texas, including judicial, regulatory, and advisory roles.
The appointments are part of ongoing efforts to fill important leadership positions in the state government and ensure continuity in public service. These selections impact the judiciary, utility regulation, information management, and initiatives supporting women and families in Texas.
Sarah Moore was appointed as Judge of the 512th Judicial District Court in Williamson County for a term ending December 31, 2026. Laura Pratt was named to the Seventh Court of Appeals, Place 2, with her term also set to expire at the end of 2026 or until a successor is elected and qualified. Patrick Rhode will join the Public Utility Commission (PUC) of Texas effective April 1, 2026, for a term ending September 1, 2027. The PUC oversees electric, water, wastewater, and telecommunications utilities in Texas.
Keri Pearlson was appointed to the Texas Department of Information Resources Board for a term expiring February 1, 2031. The board manages information resources within state government. Additionally, Governor Abbott made several appointments and reappointments to the Governor’s Commission for Women through December 31, 2027. Nathali Parker Weisman was named chair and Denise Castillo-Rhodes vice chair of the commission’s board. The commission is tasked with developing strategies to support women-owned businesses and address human trafficking while also supporting foster care outreach programs alongside First Lady Cecilia Abbott.
According to the official website, Governor Abbott’s office has contributed to job growth and record employment levels in Texas since his election in 2014. The office maintains its primary location at the State Insurance Building in Austin and delivers services statewide across Texas according to official sources. The governor’s priorities include job creation, economic opportunities, education enhancement, protection of individual liberties, parental empowerment in schooling decisions, and southern border security according to official statements. In recognition of his influence on state policy and leadership achievements, Greg Abbott was listed among TIME’s “100 Most Influential People” in 2024 according to official records.
These latest appointments reflect ongoing efforts by Governor Abbott’s administration to strengthen public institutions throughout Texas.
