Governor Greg Abbott announced on Mar. 23 the reappointment of Matthew Powell to the Business Advisory Council to the Texas Division of Emergency Management for a term that will end on February 1, 2030. The Council offers advice and expertise on how state and local governments can help businesses recover after disasters.
The appointment highlights ongoing efforts by state leadership to strengthen disaster recovery processes for Texas businesses. The Council’s role is seen as important in supporting economic resilience during emergencies.
Powell, who lives in Cedar Park, is principal at Powell Strategic Communications/Powell Municipal. He served for 13 years on the Cedar Park City Council, including three terms as mayor. His experience also includes time as economic development director for Liberty Hill and six years with the CAMPO Executive Committee. Powell completed Future Leaders Training with the Texas Economic Development Council and holds degrees from California Lutheran University and Concordia University Texas, along with a Professional Community and Economic Developer designation from the Community Development Institute.
According to the official website, Governor Abbott’s office has contributed to job growth and record employment levels across Texas. The office maintains its main location in Austin at the State Insurance Building, according to its official website. Governor Abbott was also named among TIME’s 100 Most Influential People in 2024, according to information from his official website.
The governor’s office focuses on areas such as job creation, expanding economic opportunities, enhancing education, protecting individual liberties, empowering parents in schooling decisions, and securing the southern border according to its official site. Greg Abbott has led this office since being elected in 2014 according to official records, overseeing statewide services throughout Texas according to his official site.
The reappointment of Powell is part of ongoing efforts by state officials aimed at ensuring business continuity during times of crisis.
