Governor Greg Abbott has shuffled the deck on the School Land Board, which oversees a multibillion-dollar endowment benefiting public education in Texas. Abbott appointed David Eyler and renewed the terms of three existing members—Marcella Burke, Gilbert “Gil” Burciaga, and James “Brad” Curlee, with their tenure extending until August 29, 2025, according to a press release on the Governor's official website.
David Eyler of Midland, the new addition to the board, steps in with a portfolio that spans geological expertise and management of resources. His background includes being the owner and general partner of Milagro Resources, LP. Eyler is notably affiliated with a range of professional organizations in his field and has served on the board of entities such as the Sibley Nature Center and the Midland Chapter of the FBI National Citizens Academy Alumni Association. Eyler's education trails back to a Bachelor of Science in Geology from Miami University of Ohio, an appointment possibly reflecting Abbott's tilt toward professionals entrenched in the state's dominant oil and energy sector.
Continuing her service, Marcella Burke of Houston brings a confluence of environmental law expertise and leadership experience. Her résumé stretches from running a boutique law firm to playing instrumental roles at the national level with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Department of the Interior. Beyond the board, she holds impactful posts with the State Bar of Texas Environmental Division and the University of St. Thomas in Houston Board of Trustees. Burke holds a Juris Doctor from the University of Houston Law Center, layered by fellowships that sharpen her legal acumen in constitutional matters.
Gilbert “Gil” Burciaga of Austin also remains on the board, bringing continuity given his tenure on the School Land Board dating back to September 2015. Co-founder of ARM Energy, LLC, Burciaga's business acumen is coupled with his charitable endeavors which include board roles at the TruCare Pregnancy Center in Austin and the Adaptive Sports Center in Crested Butte, CO. His academic credentials hail from Texas A&M University, which providing a foothold for his ventures in energy and philanthropy.
James "Brad" Curlee of Round Rock retains his position at the table due to Abbott’s reappointment.. His local roots as the banking center president at Prosperity Bank in Georgetown signal an intimacy with the financial infrastructure essential for managing a fund the size of the Permanent School Fund. In addition, Curlee's participation in local community organizations like the Rotary Club of Georgetown and advisory roles with the Central Texas Philharmonic Seeds of Strength speaks to an engagement beyond the banking sphere. Curlee's educational background in finance from The University of Texas at Austin a notable asset to the Board's financial decision-making process.
