Gov. Greg Abbott has made three appointments to the Texas Credit Union Commission, bringing on new and returning expertise to oversee the state's credit union system. The governor's office announced these appointments, with Sara Oates stepping in fresh while reappointing David Shurtz and Kay Rankin-Swan, all setting their sights on terms concluding in February 2031, according to an announcement made by the Office of the Texas Governor
Sara Oates, an Austin local, steps into the role bringing years of experience as a real estate appraiser, with her education being a Bachelor of Arts in Government that she obtained from The University of Texas at Austin, but also, she comes backed with a history of serving on the Texas Appraiser Licensing and Certification Board and the Appraisal Management Companies Advisory Committee. David Shurtz of Hudson Oaks holds the fort at EECU Credit Union in Fort Worth as the chief risk officer and lends his legal counsel; he holds a Juris Doctor from Texas A&M University Law School and is a member of the State Bar of Texas, his commitment to community seen in his work with Junior Achievement and Cook Children’s Radiothon.
Kay Rankin-Swan brings to the commission her leadership experience from the 143rd District Attorney’s Office as chief of staff and her active involvement with the Monahans Chamber of Commerce and the Monahans Lions Club among others; she's also a graduate of the Southwest Credit Union National Association Management School which speaks to her depth in credit union management. Each appointment made by Gov. Abbott requires a Senate confirmation to take effect, a standard procedural step to ensure checks and balances within the state's political framework.
The Credit Union Commission, created to supervise the Credit Union Department that regulates state-chartered credit unions within Texas, considers these appointments crucial for maintaining the financial health and regulatory compliance of these institutions; the combined expertise of Oates, Shurtz, and Rankin-Swan will be expected to contribute significantly to the Commission's mission of ensuring safe, sound, and competitive financial services are available to all Texans. With their backgrounds, they bring a wealth of knowledge from different corners of the finance and legal realms that could be instrumental in navigating the complexities of today's financial landscapes.
