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Gov. Abbott Adds Port Freeport and Deer Park Refining Experts to Texas Homeland Security Advisory Council

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Published on August 03, 2024
Gov. Abbott Adds Port Freeport and Deer Park Refining Experts to Texas Homeland Security Advisory CouncilSource: Wikipedia/Daderot, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

In a press release that made the rounds yesterday, Texas Governor Greg Abbott named Chris Hogan and Gary Scheibe to the Private Sector Advisory Council, and not without good reason—both appointees come with hefty resumes and are poised to advise on matters of homeland security, especially as they pertain to Texas' private sector interests.

Hogan, hailing from Angleton, holds the title of director of protective services at Port Freeport and sits on the executive board of the Area Maritime Security Committee; his involvement extends to groups like the National Sheriff’s Association and the Emergency Management Association of Texas, showing a commitment to the interplay between local and national security considerations, and he received his higher education from West Texas A&M University.

His counterpart, Gary Scheibe from Cypress, may be best recognized by his role as security manager at Deer Park Refining, LP, but it's his chairmanship of the Houston Ship Channel Security District and co-chair status on the East Harris County Manufacturers Association's Security Committee that stands out on this new assignment, his academic credentials—both a Bachelor's and a Master's from the University of Houston in fields critical to this advisory position—underscore his preparedness to guide Governor Abbott and Texas at large in what are doubtless complex security landscapes, a task for which both appointees appear well-suited.

According to the Governor's press release, the Private Sector Advisory Council's terms are to "expire at the pleasure of the governor," which suggests these appointments can be as enduring as they are effective in their advisory roles. While the press release does not pinpoint specific issues Hogan and Scheibe will tackle, the security-focused background of both individuals indicates a forward momentum in Texas's strategy to safeguard its vital economic interests.