Governor Greg Abbott appointed Leslie Cantu, Marla Williams, Elizabeth “Elle” Holtzman, and Jeanie Beaman and reappointed Peggy Schmidt to the Rehabilitation Council of Texas for terms ending October 29, 2028, according to a Mar. 25 announcement. The council works with the Texas Workforce Commission to support people with disabilities in vocational rehabilitation.
The appointments are intended to strengthen advocacy for individuals with disabilities seeking employment assistance. The council’s partnership with the commission aims to improve access and outcomes in vocational rehabilitation services across the state.
Cantu is vice president at Toyotetsu Texas Inc., chairs Workforce Solutions Alamo, and holds several advisory roles related to education and workforce development. Williams is founder of Strategic Employment Solutions LLC and has worked as an employment specialist under contract with the state through the commission. She previously spent over a decade supporting students as a teacher and transition specialist.
Holtzman serves on the leadership team for Southeast Texas Self-Advocates within The Arc of Greater Beaumont while working at Stormie’s SnoCones and T-Shirts. Beaman is a senior staff advocate for Disability Rights Texas, bringing more than three decades of experience as a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor along with national board membership in rehabilitation organizations. Schmidt is associate director at University of North Texas’ Workplace Inclusion and Sustainable Employment program, volunteers locally, and participates in professional associations supporting employment first initiatives.
The Office of Texas Governor Greg Abbott has contributed to job growth statewide according to its official website. The office maintains primary operations in Austin at the State Insurance Building according to its official website.
Greg Abbott was named among TIME’s 100 Most Influential People in 2024 according to its official website. Since his election in 2014 according to its official website, Abbott’s administration has focused on job creation, economic opportunity expansion, education improvement, individual liberties protection, parental empowerment in schools, and southern border security according to its official website. The governor’s office provides services throughout all regions of Texas according to its official website.
