Governor Greg Abbott has appointed Robert Eckels as the new Chair of the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission, with a term ending on November 15, 2027. The Commission is responsible for overseeing and regulating the alcoholic beverage industry throughout Texas.
Eckels, who resides in Spring, is an attorney of counsel at Husch Blackwell LLP and serves as general counsel for Greffex, Inc. He previously held six terms in the Texas State Legislature before being elected County Judge of Harris County. His experience also includes advisory roles to President George W. Bush and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
Eckels holds memberships with several state bars including Texas, New York, Colorado, and D.C., and is a Certified Fraud Examiner. He is recognized as a board leadership fellow by the National Association of Corporate Directors. In addition to his legal career, he has served as chair of the Texas County and District Retirement System and was president of the Texas County Judges and Commissioners Association.
His involvement extends to serving on boards such as the Texas Association of Counties and participating in national organizations like the National Association of Counties, where he chaired the energy, environment, and land use committee. Eckels is also active in community organizations including the Rotary Club of Houston, K9s 4 Cops (where he serves as president), and the International Committee of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.
He earned a Bachelor of Science in Technology from the University of Houston and a Juris Doctor from South Texas College of Law.
