Governor Greg Abbott has welcomed Glena Yates and three others into the fold of the Texas Medical Board District Four Review Committee, solidifying a team meant to oversee and evaluate medical practice in the region. Yates, who hails from Horseshoe Bay, holds a background in biology and is known for her leadership roles in the community, including her time as president of the Central Texas Land Titles, Inc.
A seasoned figure in children's advocacy and the world of Texas wines, Yates' new term on the Review Committee is set to conclude on January 15, 2028. Having earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology from The University of Texas at Austin, her expertise expands from the natural sciences into the realms of leadership and child protection. On the job, she is expected to lend her experience as a board member to the Hill Country Children’s Advocacy Center and carrying the legacy of her presidency with the Texas Wine & Grape Growers Association, as reported by the Governor's official website.
The Governor's office also shared the reinstatement of Shirlene Samuel, D.O., a reputable pediatrician and a steadfast presence in the Review Committee for the past two years. Based in Austin and board-certified, Samuel's career path has been a testament to her dedication to children's health, education, and spiritual life—balancing her work at Austin Regional Clinic with service in Red Rocks Church Austin's children’s ministry. Her academic credentials include a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine from A.T. Still University and a prior Bachelor of Science in Microbiology from the University of Oklahoma.
Eye surgeon Mary "Kelly" Green, M.D., steps into the Committee spotlight as well, bringing a sharp focus to the health oversight body. Her Marble Falls practice has established her as a pillar in the medical community, aligning her with roles across the Texas Medical Association and an oral board examiner for the American Board of Ophthalmology. To add to her distinguished resume, her contributions as a former Peace Corps volunteer echo her commitment to public service, which she received from Trinity University, and a Doctor of Medicine from the UT Health Science Center at San Antonio.
Rounding out the appointments is Chris Putnam, Ph.D., whose depth in mental health and family therapy will now inform the Review Committee's approach. Putnam's extensive educational journey includes a Doctor of Philosophy in Business Administration from Northcentral University and a therapeutic practice at HiveZen Family Therapy. As a member of several associations, including the National Alliance for Children’s Grief, he will presumably apply his expertise to support the board's mission. Above all, Putnam's blend of academic acumen and real-world experience in counseling seems to frame his role within the distinctive context of health regulation and bereavement support.
