Continuing to shape the landscape of family welfare and safety in Texas, Governor Greg Abbott has made a notable appointment. Michael Barton of Sugar Land, who holds a range of impressive roles from being a detective with the Houston Police Department to academic steering the minds at the University of St. Thomas, has been chosen to join the Family and Protective Services Council. As disclosed in the Office of the Texas Governor's recent update, Barton's tenure is slated to last until the start of February 2027.

Tasked with the heavy responsibility to study and strategically suggest improvements to the commissioner, this Council acts as a vital cog in the well-being of Texas families. It is Barton's wide-spanning background, extending to the U.S. Senate, The White House, and even the Pentagon, that culminates into a fitting addition to this team. Not merely confined to a single vocation, he has been seen to successfully diversify, founding Hyatt Solutions, LLC, and arbitrating for the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority. With a pulse on the legal heartbeat of Texas, the Supreme Court of Texas appointed him just a year ago to the Texas Commission on Lawyer Discipline.

Barton's commitment to service and leadership shines through his extensive involvement in the community. From the board of The Texas Lyceum to dedicated volunteering for Big Brothers Big Sisters, he embeds himself firmly in the fabric that is societal upliftment. His past contribution as a board member for both the Houston Police Officers Union and Houston InfraGard marks his continued investment in the city's infrastructure and well-being.

The foundations of Barton's professional prowess are as sturdy as they are diverse. Bearing a Bachelor of Arts in Accounting from the University of Houston–Downtown, and a Master in National Security from the Naval War College, his educational arsenal is both deep and pertinent. His military service stands testament as well; Barton has served the nation as a U.S. Air Force Reserves veteran, further bringing a disciplined and systemic approach to his new duties on the Council.