Governor Greg Abbott announced on Mar. 13 the appointment of several individuals to key positions across Texas state agencies and courts.
These appointments are part of ongoing efforts to fill important roles in the state’s judicial, regulatory, and advisory bodies. The selections include new judges, commission members, and board appointees who will serve terms ranging from two to five years.
Sarah Moore was appointed as Judge of the 512th Judicial District Court in Williamson County, with her term set to expire December 31, 2026, or until a successor is elected and qualified. Laura Pratt was named to the Seventh Court of Appeals, Place 2, for a similar term ending December 31, 2026.
For the Governor’s Commission for Women, Abbott appointed Katrine Formby, Angela Akins Garcia, Hannah Wing Pontikes, Loreal Sarkisian, and Donna Williams. He also reappointed Gina Bellinger, Gita Bolt, Ashley Bowes Cash, Denise Castillo-Rhodes, Sasha Crane, Maru De La Paz, Amy Henderson, Nathali Parker Weisman (who was named chair), and Angelica Rosales. Denise Castillo-Rhodes was named vice chair. The Commission is tasked with developing strategies to support women-owned businesses and address human trafficking. It also supports foster and adoption outreach programs alongside First Lady Cecilia Abbott.
Patrick Rhode was appointed to the Public Utility Commission of Texas for a term expiring September 1, 2027. The PUC oversees regulation of electric utilities as well as water and telecommunications services in Texas. Keri Pearlson was selected for the Texas Department of Information Resources Board through February 1, 2031; this board manages information resources within state government.
According to the official website, Governor Abbott’s office has contributed to job growth in Texas and maintained its main offices at the State Insurance Building in Austin. The office has been recognized nationally after Greg Abbott was listed among TIME’s 100 Most Influential People in 2024 according to the official website. Since his election in 2014 according to the official website, Abbott has focused on job creation, economic opportunities, education enhancement, individual liberties protection, parental empowerment in schooling decisions, and southern border security according to the official website. The governor’s office delivers services statewide across Texas according to the official website.
The newly appointed officials are expected to begin their terms shortly as they take on responsibilities that impact various aspects of governance throughout Texas.
