Gov. Greg Abbott has nominated four individuals to join the Texas Diabetes Council, an advisory body that is instrumental in guiding support and educational initiatives for individuals with diabetes in the state. According to the Governor's office, K. Renee’ Yarbrough-Yale, D.N.P., Dirrell Jones, Michael Kelly, Ph.D., and Jason Ryan have been appointed, subject to Senate confirmation, for terms set to expire on February 1, 2031.
Abbott's appointees to the council bring diverse expertise. Yarbrough-Yale, the Inpatient Diabetes Program Coordinator at Fort Worth's JPS Health Network, has a clinical background, holding a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and a Doctor of Nursing Practice from Texas Christian University. Jones, a senior trial attorney, brings legal expertise with a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and a Master of Science in Educational Psychology from Baylor University, as well as a Juris Doctor from DePaul College of Law.
Completing the group of appointees, Michael Kelly and Jason Ryan bring expertise in health education and the energy sector, respectively. Kelly, who holds a Ph.D. in Health Education from Texas A&M University and has significant experience with health organizations in El Paso, is expected to contribute to health program development. Ryan’s background includes board positions in energy-related associations and a legal education from The University of Texas School of Law, providing insight into corporate governance and regulatory matters.
The Texas Diabetes Council functions as both an advisory body and a key contributor to the development of the state's framework for diabetes education and legislative recommendations. "The Council addresses issues affecting people with diabetes in Texas and advises the Texas Legislature on legislation that is needed to develop and maintain a statewide system of quality education services to all people with diabetes and health professionals who offer diabetes treatment and education," the official announcement stated. The new appointees are poised to guide the Council's efforts in enhancing the state's response to diabetes, a condition affecting millions of Texans.
