The Texas State government has announced a slate of new appointments this week, with Governor Greg Abbott selecting several individuals to fill various judicial and advisory roles, as well as committees and boards throughout the state. Highlighting the list is Judy Parker, who has been appointed as the Chief Justice of the Seventh Court of Appeals, her term concluding at the end of 2026, according to a press release from the governor’s office.
In the legal arena, H. Dustin "Dusty" Fillmore, III will serve as Judge of the 236th Judicial District Court in Tarrant County, his tenure also ending on December 31, 2026. Child protection measures adopted importance as Governor Abbott named Ryan D. Larson as chair of the Child Protective Investigations Advisory Committee, with Terence Davis also appointed to the committee through September 1, 2029.
Humanities Texas, the state's affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities, welcomes new and returning members. Julie Ruehle joins the board, while Stacey Neal Combest and Ellen K. Ramsey have been reappointed, their terms set to expire on the last day of 2027. The organization is charged with fostering public programs across a spectrum of disciplines such as history, literature, and philosophy.
In the realm of criminal justice, John E. Burt will assume the role of Jasper County Criminal District Attorney until December 31, 2026. The Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles, overseeing inmate parole decisions and clemency recommendations, is to include Clint Gunnels as a new member and sees Marsha Moberley return; their service extending to February 1, 2031.
The governor also filled positions on the Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists, appointing Chris Moose while reappointing Jamie Becker, Ph.D., and Sangeeta Singg, Ph.D., with expiry of their terms on October 31, 2031. Rounding out the appointments, Sue Allen, Larry Moczygemba, D.V.M., and Victoria Whitehead have been reappointed to the Texas State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners, serving till August 26, 2031.
