Austin News

Governor Abbott has reappointed Major General Juan G. Ayala and Adriana Cruz, while also appointing Joe Esparza and Michael Poku, M.D., to the Advisory Council on Cultural Affairs. These appointments are for terms set to expire on February 1, 2027. In addition, Stewart McGregor has been appointed by the Governor for a term set to expire on February 1, 2025. The Governor named Esparza as chair and Cruz will continue as vice chair. The Council's mandate is to advise the Office of the Governor on issues resulting from changes in demographics in the state.

Major General Juan G. Ayala, USMC (Ret.) of New Braunfels is currently serving as the director of the Military and Veteran Affairs Department for the City of San Antonio. His last assignment on active duty was as commander of Marine Corps Installations Command at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. He served in various roles including inspector general of the Marine Corps, chief of staff of the United States Southern Command, senior advisor to the 1st Iraqi Army Division, plans officer, JTF 6 (Counterdrug Operations), and completed four combat tours in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Adriana Cruz of Austin is currently serving as executive director of the Texas Economic Development and Tourism Office within the Office of the Governor. She also serves on several boards including those of Texas Broadband Development Office and Texas Economic Development Council.

Joe Esparza hails from Elgin and represents employers as a Texas workforce commissioner. His past roles include serving as Texas deputy secretary of state, senior appointments manager in the Office of the Governor among others.

Michael Poku, M.D., based out of Plano is currently serving as chief clinical officer at Equality Health. He holds memberships with multiple medical associations including Texas Medical Association and American Medical Informatics Association.

Stewart McGregor from Forney is presently executive director of the Kaufman Economic Development Corporation. He is also a board member and co-chair of the Texas Economic Development Council – Legislative Committee.