In a move shaping the future of Texas' food security, Governor Greg Abbott has strategically positioned four seasoned professionals to the Texas Food System Security and Resiliency Planning Council, an announcement from the Governor's office revealed. The appointed members tasked with fortifying the Lone Star State's food supply against the unpredictable elements of Mother Nature include Kevin Koch, David Volleman, John Votava, and Coleman Locke. Abbott's decisiveness marks a commitment to ensuring Texans have stable access to affordable food, even when faced with droughts or disaster's wrath.
Kevin Koch, who boasts an impressive résumé with over three decades at McLane Company, Inc., sits at the helm of the Council as its newly minted chair, according to the Texas Governor's official announcement. Far from being a stranger to fiscal responsibilities and charting strategic courses, Koch carries the experience of his tenure as a task force member for the National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors, ready to confront the food challenges that Texans may face head-on.
His Council compatriot, David Volleman, hailing from the heart of Texas dairy country, is no novice when it comes to agriculture. Imbued with a history of leadership positions, including the Texas Association of Dairymen, Volleman's boots on the ground give him a keen insight into the state's agricultural landscape that he will tap into, bringing a grounded perspective to the Council's mission.
With the precision of a corporate tactician, John Votava of Kroger Company fame brings his public affairs expertise to the table. As a seasoned member of various food-related boards and committees, Votava's practical experience with both retail perspectives and community engagement ensures he's well-suited to address the intricacies of food distribution in times of crisis. His extensive network within the food industry meshes with the Council's mandate to streamline food availability in challenging times, no better demonstrated than his work with food banks and nonprofit organizations.
Rounding out Abbott's handpicked team, Coleman Locke, with a legacy steeped in Texas cattle ranching, adds a meaty portion of experience to the Council. Having tackled roles from the Texas Beef Council to the American Brahman Breeders Association, Locke's appointment is a testament to his standing in the agricultural community. His insights into livestock management and animal health are expected to bolster the Council's framework for bolstering food security within the state's borders, even as the natural world throws curveballs.
