Austin News

Governor Greg Abbott has announced the appointment of four individuals to the Business Advisory Council of the Texas Division of Emergency Management. Aaron Negherbon and Patricia Rigney have been appointed for terms ending on February 1, 2025. Matthew Powell and Michael Matthews will serve until February 1, 2026, and February 1, 2027, respectively. The council's role is to provide guidance on how state and local governments can support businesses in disaster recovery.

Aaron Negherbon from McKinney serves as CEO for Troops Direct and Cops Direct. He also participates as a board member of the Stonebridge Ranch Country Club Charity Classic. Negherbon holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance and Marketing from the University of Southern California's Marshall School of Business.

Patricia Rigney, based in Edinburg, is an attorney owning Rigney Law Firm and currently acts as city attorney for Mission. With nearly two decades in law practice, her experience includes positions such as staff attorney at the Thirteenth Court of Appeals and assistant United States attorney at the U.S. Department of Justice. She is involved with several organizations including serving as vice president for the Texas City Attorneys Association-Rio Grande Valley Chapter. Rigney earned her Bachelor of Arts from UT Pan American and a Juris Doctor from UT School of Law.

Matthew Powell from Cedar Park leads Powell Strategic Communications and Powell Municipal/Economic Development. His background includes over a decade on the Cedar Park City Council with three terms as Mayor. He engages actively with economic development councils and chambers of commerce across Texas. Powell completed his education with degrees from California Lutheran University, Concordia University, and further certifications through the Community Development Institute.

Colonel Michael Matthews (Ret.) from New Braunfels is CEO at Patriotic Holdings, LLC following thirty years in federal service including roles at Boeing where he contributed to expanding San Antonio's port operations. Matthews has academic ties teaching leadership courses at the University of Oklahoma and maintains involvement with various non-profit boards supporting veterans' causes. His educational achievements include multiple master's degrees from institutions like Webster University and Stanford’s Executive Leadership Program.