Governor Greg Abbott has reappointed Theresa Chang and Karen Partee to the Texas Commission on the Arts, extending their terms until August 31, 2031. The commission works to support a positive environment for the arts in Texas, aiming to enrich residents’ lives and attract talented artists to the state.
Theresa Chang, based in Houston, is an attorney in Harris County. She previously served as Judge of Harris County Civil Court #2. Her professional affiliations include membership in the State Bar of Texas, service on the Law Focused Education, Inc. Board of Directors, and participation on both the Board of Directors and Executive Committee at South Texas College of Law. Chang has also been involved with organizations such as the University of Houston Board of Regents, Asian American Bar Association of Houston Board of Directors, and Commission for Lawyer Discipline. In addition to her legal work, she contributes to several cultural organizations including the Houston Grand Opera Underwriters, Theater Under the Stars Board of Directors, Asia Society of Texas Board of Directors, and Chinese Community Center Board of Directors and Executive Committee. Chang holds degrees from National Taiwan University (Bachelor’s in Chemical Engineering), Texas A&M University Kingsville (Master’s in Chemical Engineering), and South Texas College of Law (Juris Doctor).
Karen Partee from McKinney serves as executive vice president and chief marketing officer at Texas Bank and Trust Company. She has chaired the Texas Commission on the Arts since January 2024. Partee is a certified financial marketing professional through the Institute of Certified Bankers and sits on boards including those for the American Bankers Association’s School of Bank Marketing and ABA Certified Financial Marketing Professionals. She also serves as a national board member for the Texas Tech Alumni Association, is a past president and sustaining member of Junior League of Longview, and formerly participated with The University of Texas at Tyler College of Arts and Sciences Advisory Board as well as Longview Museum of Fine Arts Advisory Board. Partee earned a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism from Texas Tech University along with honors diplomas from relevant banking institutions.
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