Governor Greg Abbott announced on Mar. 24 the reappointment of Dana L. McGrath, Patrick Sturdivant, and Tiffany Walker to the State Independent Living Council for terms ending October 24, 2028. The council is responsible for developing the State Plan for Independent Living and serves as a resource to state and local organizations regarding independent living issues affecting people with disabilities.
The announcement highlights the continued efforts by state leadership to support individuals with disabilities in Texas. The council’s work aims to ensure that resources and guidance are available for both state agencies and community groups working on independent living matters.
McGrath, based in Austin, serves as an associate commissioner at the Texas Health and Human Services Commission and volunteers with the National Charity League. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Rice University and a Master of Arts in Public Policy from George Washington University.
Sturdivant is vice president and principal strategy consultant at Deque Systems in San Antonio. He also sits on the board of Vibrant Works, previously known as San Antonio Lighthouse for the Blind, and has a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from St. Mary’s University.
Walker works as chief mission officer at Vibrant Works in San Antonio and is a licensed professional counselor. She volunteers with SJRC Texas (formerly St. Jude’s Ranch for Children) and earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Lamar University along with a Master of Arts in Psychology from Our Lady of the Lake University.
According to the official website, Governor Abbott’s office has contributed to statewide job growth, record employment levels, job creation initiatives, economic opportunities, education enhancement programs, protection of individual liberties, parental empowerment efforts within schools, southern border security measures, as well as maintaining its main offices at Austin’s State Insurance Building since Abbott took office after his election in 2014. The governor was also recognized among TIME’s 100 Most Influential People list in 2024 according to their official website. The Office exercises authority across all regions throughout Texas.
