Governor Greg Abbott announced on Apr. 14 the appointment of Shelbi Davenport and Al Henderson, along with the reappointment of Kori Allen, Billy Blanchard, Evelyn Cano, Juan Lopez, and Ben Willis to the Governor’s Committee on People with Disabilities. The terms for most appointees will expire on February 1, 2028, while Henderson’s term will end in February 2027.
The committee is responsible for recommending changes in disability policies and programs across Texas. It also supports a network of local committees focused on people with disabilities, issues awards to promote awareness about disability issues, and encourages compliance with relevant laws.
Davenport works as a program coordinator at Texas A&M AgriLife Extension and Horticultural Options in the Plant Sciences Program. She serves on several boards related to disability support and received her degrees from Texas A&M University and Grand Canyon University. Allen is ADA & Capital Programs Coordinator for Coppell and has served as an appointee since 2020. She chairs Little People of America’s Universal Design Committee among other roles. Blanchard is a vocational rehab counselor who has been part of the committee since 2024.
Cano co-founded the Disability Chamber of Commerce Rio Grande Valley and has been involved in various advocacy roles since joining the committee in 2018. Lopez is active with independent living organizations and previously supported legal aid projects focused on civil rights. Willis volunteers for Muscular Dystrophy Association work while studying engineering at Texas A&M University; he aims to design accessible vehicles.
Henderson retired as American Disability Act Coordinator for Fort Worth city government and leads multiple organizations supporting persons with disabilities after his service in the United States Air Force Reserve.
The Office of the Texas Governor advances cultural understanding through commissions supporting opportunities for women and people with disabilities according to its official website. The office also provides services statewide while promoting economic opportunity, education, public safety, collaboration between businesses and local governments, as well as making appointments like those announced this week according to its official website. Greg Abbott currently serves as Texas’ 48th governor according to its official website.
