Governor Greg Abbott has announced a series of appointments and reappointments to various state boards and committees this week. These selections are part of the governor’s ongoing efforts to place qualified individuals in roles that impact economic development, education, housing, agriculture, and healthcare across Texas.
Col. Omar A. Perea was appointed to the Aerospace and Aviation Advisory Committee for a term ending September 1, 2027. The committee supports the state’s economic development by helping recruit and retain aerospace and aviation jobs in Texas.
Amanda Crawford has been named Commissioner of Insurance for a term expiring February 1, 2027.
For the Small Business Assistance Advisory Task Force, Eduardo Contreras, Lisa Fullerton, and Omar Veliz were reappointed for terms ending June 14, 2027. This task force advises the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and Speaker of the House on small business issues and provides information to the public.
In the Texas Agriculture Finance Authority, Nelda Barrera, Colby McClendon, and Scott Frazier have been appointed for terms expiring January 1, 2027. Zachary Davis, Justin Tucker, and Tommy Henderson will serve until January 1, 2028. The authority offers financial support for expanding production and marketing of Texas agricultural products.
Kenny Marchant and Ajay Thomas were reappointed to the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs through January 1, 2031.
On the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, Darryl Heath and Colt McCoy were appointed while Ashlie Thomas was reappointed; all terms end August 31, 2031. The board coordinates higher education initiatives in Texas.
Jason LaFond joins the Texas Pharmaceutical Initiative Governing Board for a term through February 1, 2027. This board is responsible for developing plans to provide cost-effective drugs for public employees.
The Texas State Affordable Housing Corporation Board of Directors will see Lemuel Williams Jr. as chair; David Lewis was appointed while Valerie Vargas Cardenas was reappointed—each serving until February 1, 2031. This board manages affordable housing options for low-income Texans.
The Office of Texas Governor Greg Abbott leads executive functions within state government from its main office in Austin at the State Insurance Building (official website). Since his election in 2014 (official website), Governor Abbott’s administration has focused on job creation (official website), economic growth (official website), educational improvement (official website), border security initiatives like Operation Lone Star (official website), community engagement programs (official website), collaboration with private sector partners such as Southwest Airlines (official website), protection of individual liberties (official website), parental empowerment in schools (official website), as well as being recognized nationally—including Abbott’s inclusion among TIME’s most influential people in 2024 (official website).
These appointments reflect ongoing priorities within Governor Abbott’s administration to support workforce development and access to essential services throughout Texas.
