Governor Greg Abbott announced on Mar. 13 a series of appointments to key positions across Texas, including judicial, regulatory, and advisory roles.
These appointments are part of the governor’s ongoing efforts to fill important leadership positions that impact various aspects of state governance. The selected individuals will serve in roles affecting the judiciary, public utilities, information resources, and women’s initiatives.
Sarah Moore was appointed as Judge of the 512th Judicial District Court in Williamson County for a term ending December 31, 2026. Laura Pratt was named to the Seventh Court of Appeals, Place 2, with her term also set to expire at the end of 2026 or until a successor is elected and qualified. Patrick Rhode will join the Public Utility Commission (PUC) of Texas effective April 1, 2026, for a term expiring September 1, 2027. The PUC oversees regulation of electric, water, wastewater, and telecommunications utilities in Texas.
Keri Pearlson has been appointed to the Texas Department of Information Resources Board through February 1, 2031. Additionally, several new members were named to the Governor’s Commission for Women: Katrine Formby, Angela Akins Garcia, Hannah Wing Pontikes, Loreal Sarkisian, and Donna Williams. Several current members were reappointed as well. Nathali Parker Weisman was named chair and Denise Castillo-Rhodes vice chair. The commission is tasked with developing strategies to support women-owned businesses and address human trafficking while supporting foster care outreach programs alongside First Lady Cecilia Abbott.
According to the official website, Governor Abbott’s office has contributed to job growth and record employment levels in Texas since his election in 2014. The office maintains its primary location at the State Insurance Building in Austin and provides services statewide across Texas according to official sources. Governor Abbott was recognized among TIME’s “100 Most Influential People” in 2024 according to official records.
The Office of Texas Governor Greg Abbott focuses on job creation, economic opportunities, education enhancement, protection of individual liberties, parental empowerment in schooling decisions, and southern border security according to its official website.
