Gov. Abbott Announces Appointments to Boards

This week, Governor Greg Abbott selected multiple candidates to serve on behalf of Texans.

Advisory Council On Emergency Medical Services - Governor Abbott appointed Trevor Stokes to the Advisory Council on Emergency Medical Services for a term set to expire on January 1, 2032. The Council provides recommendations to the Texas Department of State Health Services on rules and policies, including those for trauma facilities and registry monitoring.

Camino Real Regional Mobility Authority - Governor Abbott reappointed Joyce Wilson to the Camino Real Regional Mobility Authority (RMA) for a term set to expire on February 1, 2027. The RMA is a political subdivision that allows local transportation planning and project delivery leaders to partner with the state to deliver transportation infrastructure projects that will serve the El Paso region.

Chronic Kidney Disease Task Force - Governor Abbott appointed Christine Burgess, M.D., Ajay Israni, M.D., Matthew T. Smith, M.D., and Donald Wesson, M.D. to the Chronic Kidney Disease Task Force for terms set to expire at the pleasure of the Governor. The Task Force coordinates implementation of the state’s plan for prevention, early screening, diagnosis, and management of chronic kidney disease, and educates health care professionals.

Pediatric Acute-Onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome Advisory Council - Governor Abbott appointed Amber Cardenas to the Pediatric Acute-Onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome Advisory Council for a term set to expire on August 31, 2027. The Council advises the commission and the legislature on research, diagnosis, treatment, and education related to pediatric acute-onset neuropsychiatric syndrome.

Texas Council On Alzheimer’s Disease And Related Disorders - Governor Abbott named Kathy Comer as Chair of the Texas Council on Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders for a term set at the pleasure of the Governor. The Council facilitates the coordination of state services for people with Alzheimer's disease and related disorders.

Texas Pharmaceutical Initiative Governing Board - Governor Abbott appointed Jay Bueche to the Texas Pharmaceutical Initiative Governing Board for a term set to expire on February 1, 2031. The Board is tasked with developing a business plan to provide cost effective drugs and other medical supplies for the public employee sector.

Texas State Board Of Plumbing Examiners - Governor Abbott reappointed T. “Justin” MacDonald to the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners for a term set to expire on September 5, 2031. The Governor also named him Chair. The Board licenses master plumbers, journeymen, plumbers, and plumbing inspectors.

TexNet Technical Advisory Committee – Governor Abbott appointed Baishali Roy, Ph.D. to the TexNet Technical Advisory Committee for a term to expire at the pleasure of the Governor. The Committee advises the Bureau of Economic Geology on the use of funding, including the TexNet Seismic Monitoring Program and collaborative research relationships with other universities in Texas, and on the preparation of a status report to the Governor and Legislature.

University Student Regents, Representative To Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board - Governor Abbott has appointed Lisa Cantu, Joseph Carter, Elizabeth Diaz Arreola, Rachel McLelland, Jenna Crocker, Ronald Makumbi, and Jeremiah Clarke as student regents to their respective universities, effective June 1, 2026, for terms set to expire on May 31, 2027. Additionally, the Governor appointed Eli Heath as student representative to serve on the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, effective June 1, 2026, for a term set to expire on May 31, 2027.

Upper Colorado River Authority Board Of Directors - Governor Abbott reappointed Nancy Blackwell, P.E., Fred Hernandez, Jr., and Mason Vaughan to the Upper Colorado River Authority Board of Directors for terms set to expire on February 1, 2031.