On a recent appointment streak, Governor Greg Abbott has solidified the leadership of Texas’ military community by placing three veterans in key positions within the Texas Military Preparedness Commission. The recent move, announced on June 25th, charges John “Mark” McLean and Paul Norwood with steering elements of military strategy for the state, with terms expiring in 2027, and bestows upon Michael “Mike” Boyd the chairmanship of the entire operation. As reported by the official Governor's website, these appointments are part of a broader objective to maintain and expand Texas' military efficacy and appeal.
With a distinguished military career behind him of over 26 years, John Mark McLean, an American Airlines pilot and former naval station commander, arrives at the commission with a comprehensive slate of experiences. Dually armed with a Bachelor's and Master's from diverse educational institutions—The University of Texas at Tyler and the US Naval War College respectively—his expertise is as varied as it is deep. In a flight toward military readiness, McLean's experience will likely serve as his compass.
Paul Norwood, aligning a different set of skills to the commission's table, joins the ranks as a director with Lazard Geopolitical Advisory. With ties to organizations like the American Legion and Association of the United States Army, his commitment to service is as clear as his academic rigor. Norwood boasts an advanced education that spans both business and military strategy, holding degrees from Sam Houston State University, Webster University, and the United States Army War College.
The chairmanship role is now filled by Michael "Mike" Boyd, who, aside from leading Housley Communications, includes in his resume a litany of community service roles—like a trustee of the San Angelo Health Foundation—exemplifying a brand of leadership honed both in and out of military uniforms. A graduate of Texas A&M and the Southwestern Graduate School of Banking, and with a military degree tucked under his belt from the Command and General Staff College, Boyd mirrors a devotion to the growth and defense of Texas, armed with beyond three decades of National Guard service. Bringing a perspective to the table forged from the confluence of community service and military savoir-faire, Boyd seems a fitting architect to shape Texas' defense posture.
