Governor Greg Abbott announced the appointment of three individuals to the Coastal Water Authority Board of Directors. Antonio Santana and Hannah Kaplan were each appointed for terms slated to conclude on April 1, 2027, while Mark Sjolander was reappointed with his term ending a year earlier, on April 1, 2026. The Authority, positioned within Harris, Chambers, and Liberty Counties, holds the responsibility of managing water transportation and delivery, as well as overseeing the acquisition and construction of related properties and facilities, according to a press release from the Governor's office.
Antonio Santana, a Mont Belvieu resident, joins the board with a strong background in technology as the senior director of information technology at Xylem Inc. Santana holds a Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems from the University of Phoenix and an Executive Master of Business Administration in Strategic Leadership from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and is poised to offer a data-driven perspective to the board.
Hannah Kaplan, the founder of Texas Sustainable Oysters, brings a unique area of expertise to the board. Since 2020, her company has led efforts in oyster mariculture in Texas, and her experience as a former chairperson for the Oyster Section of the Texas Aquaculture Association, along with her involvement with the Gulf Shellfish Farmers Association and Oyster South, highlights her dedication to sustainable practices. Kaplan is a graduate of Rollins College, holding a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations.
Reappointee Jon "Mark" Sjolander brings a background in entrepreneurship and local knowledge to the board. As the owner and president of Sjolander Resources and Development LLC, his experience in resource management is relevant to the board's work. Sjolander has also served in various local governance roles, including Chairman of the Liberty County Central Appraisal District Board of Directors, director of the Liberty County Farm Bureau Board of Directors, and member of the Trinity Valley CCA Board of Directors. He holds a Bachelor of Arts from Stephen F. Austin State University.
The appointments are pending confirmation by the Senate, representing the next step in finalizing the board's composition. The members’ backgrounds are expected to provide relevant experience for decisions related to water management and environmental oversight in Texas coastal regions.
