FROM THE GOVERNOR

Abbott appoints four to Texas Diabetes Council AUSTIN – Governor Greg Abbott appointed K. Renee’ Yarbrough-Yale, D.N.P. and reappointed Dirrell Jones, Michael Kelly, Ph.D., and Jason Ryan to the Texas Diabetes Council for terms set to expire on February 1, 2031.

The Council addresses issues affecting people with diabetes in Texas and advises the Texas Legislature on legislation that is needed to develop and maintain a statewide system of quality education services to all people with diabetes and health professionals who offer diabetes treatment and education.

K. Renee’ Yarbrough-Yale, D.N.P. of North Richland Hills is the Inpatient Diabetes Program Coordinator for JPS Health Network in Fort Worth.

She is a member of the Association of Diabetes Care and Education Specialists, American Nurses Association, Texas Nurses Association, National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists, and Sigma Theta Tau International. Yarbrough-Yale received a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, a Doctor of Nursing Practice, and a post-graduate certificate as a Clinical Nurse Specialist from Texas Christian University.

Dirrell Jones of Farmers Branch is a senior trial attorney for Redeem Trial Attorneys. He is a member of the Texas Trial Lawyers Association, State Bar of Texas, and the Dallas Bar Association. He is a marriage group leader at Faith4Life Church.

Jones received a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and a Master of Science in Educational Psychology from Baylor University and a Juris Doctor from DePaul College of Law.

Michael Kelly, Ph.D. of El Paso is vice president of programs for Paso del Norte Health Foundation.

He is a member of Council on Foundations, Philanthropy Southwest, American Diabetes Association, Woody L. Hunt School of Dental Medicine Dean’s Advisory Council at Texas Tech University Health Science Center, Community Mobilization for the Philanthropic Coal ition at the National Academy of Medicine, El Paso Downtown Management District Marketing Committee, and Eta Sigma Gamma.

Kelly received a Bachelor of Arts in Biology from Sam Houston State University and Master of Health Education and Doctor of Philosophy in Health Education from Texas A&M University.

Jason Ryan of Houston serves as executive vice president for CenterPoint Energy. Ryan is a member of the American Gas Association Legal Committee, board member for the Association of Electric Companies of Texas, and member of the State Bar of Texas. Additionally, he is a board member for the Lone Star Flight Museum.

Ryan received a Bachelor of Business Administration from The University of Texas (UT) at Austin and a Juris Doctor from UT School of Law.

Gov. Abbott appoints three to Risk Management Board AUSTIN — Governor Greg Abbott appointed Jason Boatright and reappointed Jeffrey Houston to the Risk Management Board for terms set to expire on February 1, 2031.

Additionally, he appointed Jason Hartgraves for a term set to expire on February 1, 2027. The State Office of Risk Management administers insurance services obtained by state agencies, including the self-insured government employee’s workers’ compensation insurance program and the state risk management programs.

Jason Boatright of Dallas is a special counsel for Duane Morris LLP. He previously served as a Justice on the Fifth Court of Appeals. He is a member of the Texas Board of Disciplinary Appeals and is the immediate past chairman of the Dallas Bar Association Appellate Section.

Boatright received a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Middlebury College, a Postgraduate Diploma in Latin and Ancient History from the University of St. Andrews, and a Juris Doctor from The University of Texas (UT) School of Law.

Jeffrey Houston of Dripping Springs served as senior vice president at Mondee Holdings, Inc. in Austin. He is a member of the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Society Austin and a former member of the CFA Society Chicago.

He is president of the Terrascena Property Owners Association, former coach for several Upward Youth Basketball teams, and previous volunteer at Austin Ridge Bible Church.

Houston received a Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science and Philosophy from Indiana University and a Master of Business Administration with a finance concentration from DePaul University. Additionally, he is a CFA charter holder.

Jason Hartgraves of Frisco is a law enforcement executive. He is a member of the North Texas Police Chiefs Association, the FBI National Executive Institute Associates, and FBI National Academy Associates.

He previously served on the Texas Real Estate Commission and the One-Call Board of Texas.

Hartgraves received a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Dallas Baptist University and a Master of Science in Management from Texas A&M University-Commerce and is a graduate of the Governor’s Executive Development Program at the UT LBJ School of Public Affairs.

Governor appoints three to sex offender treatment council AUSTIN — Governor Greg Abbott appointed Jeffery K. Fletcher and reappointed Elizabeth Cox to the Sex Offender Treatment Council for terms set to expire on February 1, 2031.

Additionally, the Governor has appointed Grover C. Rollins, Psy.D. to the council for a term set to expire on February 1, 2027. The council sets forth the standards for treatment and oversees the licensing of providers.

Jeffery K. Fletcher of Plano is the director, a clinician, and the supervisor at Fletcher Counseling, Inc. Fletcher received a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from The University of Texas (UT) at Austin and a Master of Arts in Counseling from Texas State University.

Elizabeth Cox of San Antonio is director of Business Development for Lexus of San Antonio. She is a former appointee to the Supreme Court of Texas Chi ldren’s Commission, former executive board member for Family Violence Prevention Services for Bexar County and the Texas Biomedical Forum, and a founding board member and former president of the National Charity League, Mariposa Chapter in San Antonio.

Cox received a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice from UT San Antonio and a graduate certificate in executive and leadership coaching and a Master of Arts in Dispute Resolution from Southern Methodist University.

Grover C. Rollins, Psy.D. of McAllen is a forensic psychologist for Rollins, York and Associates. He is a member of the Association for the Treatment and Prevention of Sex Abuse. Rollins received a Bachelor of Science in Sociology and a Master of Science in Psychology from Texas A&M University-Kingsville and a Doctor of Clinical Psychology from Capella University.

Abbott sets special election for 18th Congressional District AUSTIN — Governor Greg Abbott issued a proclamation announcing Tuesday, November 4, as the special election date to fill the 18th Congressional District seat vacated by the late Congressman Sylvester Turner.

“No county in Texas does a worse job of conducting elections than Harris County,” said Governor Abbott. “They repeatedly fail to conduct elections consistent with state law. Safe and secure elections are critical to the foundation of our state. Forcing Harris County to rush this special election on weeks’ notice would harm the interests of voters. The appropriate time to hold this election is November, which will give Harris County sufficient time to prepare for such an important election.”

Candidates who wish to have their names placed on the special election ballot must file their applications with the Secretary of State no later than 5:00 p.m. on September 3. Early voting will begin Monday, October 20.

Gov. Abbott announces 2025 Star of Texas nominations AUSTIN — Governor Greg Abbott announced that nominations for the 2025 Star of Texas Awards, which honor peace officers, firefighters, emergency medical first responders, and federal law enforcement who were seriously injured or killed in the line of duty, are now open. Nominations are due to the Office of the Governor by June 13.

“The Star of Texas Awards recognizes the bravery and incredible sacrifices the men and women who work in the line duty make in service to our great state,” said Governor Abbott. “Peace officers, firefighters, law enforcement officers, and emergency medical first responders dedicate their lives to protect their fellow Texans. They represent the very best of Texas. We are forever indebted to these selfless individuals for their heroic actions.”

To be eligible for the 2025 award, the critical incident must have occurred between September 1, 2003, and June 13, 2025. Nominations can also be made for private citizens who were seriously injured or killed while aiding or attempting to aid a peace officer, firefighter, or emergency medical first responder in the performance of their duties.