Governor Greg Abbott has announced several new appointments to state boards and committees this week.
Col. Omar A. Perea has been appointed to the Aerospace and Aviation Advisory Committee for a term ending September 1, 2027. The committee supports Texas’s economic development by helping attract and retain aerospace and aviation jobs in the state.
Amanda Crawford was selected as Commissioner of Insurance, with her term set to expire on February 1, 2027.
Eduardo Contreras, Lisa Fullerton, and Omar Veliz have been reappointed to the Small Business Assistance Advisory Task Force through June 14, 2027. This task force provides advice to state leaders on small business issues and shares information with the public.
Appointments were also made to the Texas Agriculture Finance Authority. Nelda Barrera, Colby McClendon, and Scott Frazier will serve terms expiring January 1, 2027. Zachary Davis, Justin Tucker, and Tommy Henderson were appointed for terms ending January 1, 2028. The authority helps expand and diversify agricultural production and marketing in Texas.
Kenny Marchant and Ajay Thomas were reappointed to the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs until January 1, 2031.
On the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, Darryl Heath and Colt McCoy were appointed while Ashlie Thomas was reappointed; their terms end August 31, 2031. The board oversees leadership for higher education in Texas.
Jason LaFond joins the Texas Pharmaceutical Initiative Governing Board until February 1, 2027. This board is responsible for developing plans to provide affordable drugs and medical supplies for public employees.
For the Texas State Affordable Housing Corporation Board of Directors, Lemuel Williams Jr. was named chair; David Lewis was appointed; Valerie Vargas Cardenas was reappointed—all with terms ending February 1, 2031. This board manages efforts related to affordable housing for low-income Texans.
These appointments are part of Governor Abbott’s executive responsibilities as he leads the state government, focusing on economic development initiatives such as job creation and supporting community programs throughout Texas. The governor’s office operates from Austin at the State Insurance Building as part of the executive branch (source).
Since his election in 2014 (source), Governor Abbott’s administration has emphasized economic opportunities and education enhancement across Texas (source). The office has also supported record job growth in recent years (source).
