On December 19th, Governor Greg Abbott of Texas reshaped his Budget and Policy team, naming Tabatha Vasquez as Senior Advisor. According to a press release from the Governor's Office, Abbott is confident in his new lineup, asserting, "These talented individuals have demonstrated their ability to deliver wins for the State of Texas." He believes the leadership will "enhance their daily lives and safeguard the foundational truths that unite us as one."
Vasquez, who previously acted as both the Governor’s Policy Director and Deputy Budget and Policy Director, has an array of experience within the Texas Legislature. Her background spans from Chief of Staff in the House to Sunset Committee Director in the Senate. Beyond her state service, she has an extensive campaign management record, her roles aligning with political positions at multiple levels. Additionally, she continues to engage with the community, serving on boards like the Pink Granite Foundation and having leadership stints such as the former President of Capitol Republican Women.
The Governor’s Office also announced Cory Fish as the new Policy Director. Fish stepped into this role after previously advising the governor on budget and policy concerns, and later received a promotion to Deputy Policy Director. His diverse experience extends to legal and educational fields, with a law degree from the University of Wisconsin and advanced legal study at the University of Texas, Austin.
In the realm of financial oversight, Fisher Reynolds is the appointed Budget Director. Before his ascent to this position, Reynolds was the Chief of Staff for the Lower Colorado River Authority. At LCRA, he led various projects and initiatives, broadening the scope of the agency's impact. In his prior role as a Budget and Policy Advisor to Governor Abbott, and with a background as an Analyst with the Legislative Budget Board, Reynolds has prepared for the multitasking this new role entails.
Governor Abbott's team will be further supported by Danny Mittnacht and Jimmy Anderson, serving as Deputy Policy Director and Deputy Budget Director, respectively. Mittnacht, with experience in technology, cybersecurity, among other sectors, brings a pragmatic outlook from his policy roles in the Texas House and campaign consultations. Anderson, traversing the varied terrains of tax and economic development, enriches the office with his legal and administrative insights, coupled with his community service on multiple boards.
The new appointments reflect Governor Abbott's initiative to enhance Texas' governance with a diverse mix of experience and expertise. Each member of the team brings a unique background to the table, and together they aim to pursue the state's vision for freedom and prosperity. As stated by Governor Abbott, he holds "full faith that together, with this highly-skilled and qualified leadership team, Texas will remain the premier state for freedom and prosperity."
