Governor Greg Abbott has appointed Joe Esparza as Chair of the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) and named Brent Connett as Commissioner Representing the Public. Connett’s term will run until February 1, 2031. The TWC is responsible for providing workforce development services to employers and job seekers across Texas.
Joe Esparza, from Oatmeal, has served as the Commissioner Representing Employers at TWC since 2023. His previous roles include serving as Texas Deputy Secretary of State, senior appointments manager in the Office of the Governor, clerk for the City of Lubbock, and field technician at the Texas General Land Office. He volunteers with the Native Prairies Association of Texas and is a member of the Knights of Columbus at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Marble Falls. Esparza also completed eight years of active and reserve service in the United States Marine Corps and holds a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Communications from Texas Tech University.
Brent Connett, based in Austin, currently serves as deputy director of Appointments in the Office of the Governor. His background includes senior staff positions in the Texas Senate and over ten years working with a legislative caucus and public policy research foundation. In 2021, he was appointed to serve on—and now chairs—the State Employee Charitable Campaign Policy Committee. Connett also volunteers at St. Theresa’s Catholic Church in Austin and with Meals on Wheels. He previously served more than 15 years in the Texas State Guard where he achieved the rank of Sergeant First Class. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Government from The University of Texas at Austin.
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