Yesterday, Governor Greg Abbott announced new and returning appointments to the Rehabilitation Council of Texas. Shannon Rosson, Erica Kress, Christopher Baird, Glenda Born, and Michele Norris were selected to serve until October 2027. They will work alongside the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) to support individuals with disabilities in accessing vocational rehabilitation services, according to a statement from the Texas Governor's office.
Rosson's background includes directing the PACT Project for Partners Resource Network, and her community involvement stretches across several Resource Coordination Groups in Texas. With her education in Kinesiology from The University of Texas at Austin, she brings a wealth of knowledge and hands-on experience to the Council. Kress, on the other hand, serves as the second vice president for the National Federation of the Blind of Texas Dallas Chapter and is an active member within organizations such as Living Beyond Limits, and, a volunteer for Texas Blind Soccer. She holds a Bachelor of Science from UT Arlington.
Christopher Baird's expertise as a vocational rehabilitation supervisor for the TWC will continue to benefit the Council. His experience ranges from counseling to community supervision, supported by his academic achievements in Sociology and Rehabilitation Counseling from Texas Tech University and its Health Sciences Center. Glenda Born, with her extensive 40-year career and experience as an assistive technology specialist, provides a seasoned perspective to the team. She is also a licensed professional counselor, having been educated at Stephen F. Austin State University.
Michele Norris, a regional blind services specialist and former vocational rehabilitation counselor, rounds out the team. With degrees in Political Science and Clinical Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling from Saint Vincent College and Texas Tech University, she adds valuable expertise to the Council. The collective knowledge and experience of these appointees will play a key role in advancing the Rehabilitation Council's mission to advocate for individuals with disabilities in Texas.
