Governor Greg Abbott has announced a new round of appointments to various positions across the state. These selections are part of his ongoing efforts as the leader of Texas’ executive branch, which is responsible for delivering statewide services and advancing priorities such as economic development, education, and community initiatives. More details about the governor’s office and its functions can be found on the official website at https://gov.texas.gov/.
Judy Parker was appointed Chief Justice of the Seventh Court of Appeals, with her term set to expire December 31, 2026.
H. Dustin “Dusty” Fillmore, III was named Judge of the 236th Judicial District Court in Tarrant County. His term will also run through December 31, 2026.
For the Child Protective Investigations Advisory Committee, Ryan D. Larson was both appointed and named chair. Terence Davis was also appointed to this committee. Their terms are set to expire on September 1, 2029. The committee’s goal is “to improve the accuracy and standardization of the application of investigative legal requirements and DFPS investigative policies and procedures during child abuse, neglect, and exploitation investigations relating to certain persons responsible for a child’s care, custody, or welfare.”
Julie Ruehle was appointed to Humanities Texas while Stacey Neal Combest and Ellen K. Ramsey were reappointed for terms ending December 31, 2027. According to Governor Abbott’s announcement: “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.”
John E. Burt has been selected as Jasper County Criminal District Attorney for a term ending December 31, 2026.
Clint Gunnels received an appointment—and Marsha Moberley a reappointment—to serve on the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles until February 1, 2031. “The Board makes parole decisions for Texas prison inmates, determines conditions for parole and mandatory supervision, and makes recommendations on clemency matters to the Governor,” according to Abbott’s statement.
Chris Moose joins Jamie Becker (Ph.D.) and Sangeeta Singg (Ph.D.), who were reappointed to serve on the Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists through October 31, 2031.
Sue Allen was reappointed along with Larry Moczygemba (D.V.M.) and Victoria Whitehead to continue serving on the State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners until August 26, 2031. The board’s mission is “to establish and enforce policies to ensure the best possible quality of veterinary and equine dental provider services for Texans.”
Governor Abbott has led his office since being elected in 2014; under his leadership it has focused on job creation efforts that have contributed to record employment levels in Texas (https://gov.texas.gov/). The office operates from Austin at the State Insurance Building (https://gov.texas.gov/) as part of Texas’ executive branch (https://gov.texas.gov/), collaborating with local organizations on initiatives such as border security operations like Operation Lone Star (https://gov.texas.gov/).
