This week, Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced a series of appointments to key state positions. Judy Parker has been appointed as Chief Justice of the Seventh Court of Appeals, with her term set to end on December 31, 2026.
In Tarrant County, H. Dustin “Dusty” Fillmore, III will serve as Judge of the 236th Judicial District Court until December 31, 2026. Ryan D. Larson was named chair and Terence Davis was appointed to the Child Protective Investigations Advisory Committee, both for terms ending September 1, 2029. The committee aims to improve how investigative legal requirements and Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) policies are applied in cases involving child abuse or neglect.
Governor Abbott also made appointments related to Humanities Texas. Julie Ruehle joins the board while Stacey Neal Combest and Ellen K. Ramsey have been reappointed; their terms expire December 31, 2027. Humanities Texas is the state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities and supports public programs in various humanities disciplines across Texas.
John E. Burt has been appointed Jasper County Criminal District Attorney through December 31, 2026.
For the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles, Clint Gunnels was appointed and Marsha Moberley reappointed; their terms extend until February 1, 2031. This board is responsible for making parole decisions for inmates in Texas prisons and providing clemency recommendations to the governor.
Appointments were also made to professional regulatory boards: Chris Moose was named to the Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists alongside returning members Jamie Becker, Ph.D., and Sangeeta Singg, Ph.D., with terms ending October 31, 2031; Sue Allen, Larry Moczygemba, D.V.M., and Victoria Whitehead were reappointed to the State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners through August 26, 2031.
The Office of Texas Governor Greg Abbott forms part of the executive branch overseeing statewide governance initiatives including economic development and education enhancement according to its official website. Since his election in 2014 Greg Abbott has led this office, which is headquartered at the State Insurance Building in Austin and delivers services throughout Texas. The office also focuses on job creation efforts that have contributed to record employment levels across the state and supports border security measures along with community-focused programs.
