Texas Governor Greg Abbott has officially named new members and a chair to the Aerospace and Aviation Advisory Committee on Monday. According to the Governor's office announcement, the appointments include industry heavyweights Sonja Clark and Summer Webb, both set to serve until September 1, 2025. Shelly deZevallos, Ed.D., was announced as the committee's new chair, her term being contingent on the governor's satisfaction.
Sonja Clark brings a background in healthcare and aeronautics to the table, having moved from nursing to the aerospace industry in 2006, where she has since taken up numerous leadership positions. Appointed amid steps to bolster the state's aerospace sector, Clark's experience could prove vital. Officials emphasize that the committee's primary focus is to attract and retain aerospace and aviation jobs and investments in Texas. Governor Abbott also appointed Kevin Cox, and Robin Donnelly, reappointing John D. Guevara, Arturo Machuca, George S. Moussa, and John Mulholland, their terms slated to end on September 1, 2027.
Among the new appointees, Summer Webb of Valentine serves as the rural communities' representative and is involved with numerous community organizations, including Valentine 4-H and the West of the Pecos Texas Cattlewomen. Kevin Cox of Southlake comes into the committee with prior experience from the Federal Aviation Administration's Advanced Aviation Advisory Commission. Robin Donnelly, hailing from Midland, offers his expertise as the president of The Eastland Oil Company and an active figure in various petroleum and aviation-related organizations.
Existing committee members are not without distinction. George S. Moussa of Dallas juggles his roles as president and CEO of Ambella Home Collection and Ambassador Jet Center, bringing a blend of entrepreneurial savvy and industry-specific insight. Appointed as the chair, Shelly de Zevallos stands out as president of West Houston Airport and an avowed advocate for aviation safety and education. By renewing their terms, Governor Abbott signals his commitment to maintaining a stable and knowledgeable advisory group.
The committee's purpose is crucially tied to Texas's economic strategy, poised to address challenges within the aerospace and aviation arenas. The appointed individuals collectively shoulder the responsibility of guiding Texas towards a future rich with innovation, growth, and opportunities in these high-tech fields, critical for the state's ambitions to remain a front-runner in domestic and global markets.
