Governor Greg Abbott announced on Mar. 27 a series of appointments and reappointments to several state boards, councils, and authorities across Texas.
The appointments are intended to fill key roles in agencies that oversee emergency management, transportation infrastructure, water resources, rehabilitation services, law enforcement standards, and support for people with disabilities. These positions play an important part in ensuring that state agencies can deliver services effectively to Texans.
Abbott reappointed Matthew Powell to the Business Advisory Council to the Texas Division of Emergency Management until February 2030. The council provides advice on how governments can help businesses recover from disasters. Frank Parker Jr. was reappointed as presiding officer of the Cameron County Regional Mobility Authority through February 2028, continuing his leadership in local transportation planning for Cameron County.
Other notable appointments include Manoranjan “Mano” Mahadeva’s return to the Executive Council of Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy Examiners until February 2027; William Carbonara’s reappointment to the Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority Board through February 2031; Pamela Pacher as Interstate Compact Administrator for Adult Offender Supervision; Jed Alton Brown as presiding officer of the Webb County – City of Laredo Regional Mobility Authority until February 2028; Tonya Detten’s reappointment along with Ron Mullins and Troy Weber’s new terms at Red River Authority Board (until August 2031), plus Ruben Arias (until August 2027); Leslie Cantu, Marla Williams, Elizabeth “Elle” Holtzman, Jeanie Beaman appointed—and Peggy Schmidt reappointed—to Rehabilitation Council of Texas (through October 2028); Clinton Sawyer’s return to State Commission on Emergency Communications (through September 2031); Dana L. McGrath, Patrick Sturdivant, Tiffany Walker’s continued service on State Independent Living Council (until October 2028); and David Criner, Jason Griffin, Rita Watkins named to Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (through August 2031).
According to the official website, Governor Abbott has led efforts resulting in jobs growth and record employment levels across Texas since his election in 2014. The office maintains its main location at Austin’s State Insurance Building and is recognized for its focus on job creation, economic opportunities, education enhancement, individual liberties protection—including parental empowerment in schooling—and southern border security. The office delivers services statewide under Abbott’s leadership. In recognition of these efforts, TIME included Greg Abbott among its list of the “100 Most Influential People” in 2024.
These appointments reflect ongoing efforts by Governor Abbott’s administration to maintain experienced leadership within critical state organizations while supporting policy goals focused on economic growth and public welfare.
