Governor Greg Abbott has shaken up his senior staff, appointing new faces to key positions as Texas gears up for the 89th Legislative Session. In an announcement yesterday, Julius Black steps in immediately as Chief of Staff, leading the charge for Abbott's team. Describing his new senior staff as "exceptional," Abbott said, "Texans deserve public servants whose commitment to the state is unwavering." He praised the reshuffle for equipping his office to "deliver major accomplishments for all Texans and enact policies that will help build a bigger, better Texas," according to the Office of the Texas Governor.
Tabatha Vasquez, previously the Governor’s Policy Director and Deputy Budget and Policy Director, has been elevated to Senior Advisor for Budget and Policy. She boasts an extensive background in Texas politics, with stops as Chief of Staff in the House, and Legislative Director, and has even directed campaigns for various candidates across the U.S. On educational credentials, Vasquez attended Mars Hill University, where her major was in sociology and criminal justice, and also, played Division II Women’s Soccer. She steps into shoes left by Sarah Hicks, who will leave the office later this month after seven years of service, as per the Office of the Texas Governor.
Robert Howden will take on the role of Senior Advisor and Director of Legislative Affairs starting September 9, as detailed by the Office of the Texas Governor. Howden has a varied portfolio, having previously guided former Governor Rick Perry as Communications Director and Senior Advisor. He also boasts involvement with the National Federation of Independent Business Texas. Howden is a University of Texas at Austin alum, holding a Bachelor of Science degree. Shayne Woodard, the outgoing office holder, will step down later this month, details a press release from the Governor's office.
Additionally, the State Budget Director role goes to Brady Franks, who comes aboard on August 1. Franks, a co-founder of MF Advisors, has a history with the Governor's office as a Budget and Policy Advisor before climbing the ranks to Deputy Budget and Policy Director. His academic path took him through the University of Texas (UT) at Austin, where he received a Bachelor of Arts in Government and master's degrees in Community and Regional Planning and Public Affairs.
