FROM THE GOVERNOR

Governor Abbott appoints Cohoon as Presiding Judge of the Sixth Administrative Judicial Region AUSTIN — Governor Greg Abbott has appointed Kirsten Cohoon as Presiding Judge of the Sixth Administrative Judicial Region for a term set to expire four years from the date of qualification.

Kirsten Cohoon of Boerne is judge of the 451st Judicial District Court in Kendall County. Cohoon is the place seven director of the State Bar of Texas Judicial Section and secretary of the Texas Association of District Judges. She is a board member on the Boerne Education Foundation and a volunteer at Currey Creek Baptist Church. Cohoon received a Bachelor of Science from Texas Christian University and a Juris Doctor from South Texas College of Law.

This appointment is subject to Senate confirmation.

Governor Abbott appoints six to the Nueces River Authority AUSTIN — Governor Greg Abbott appointed Olen “Feller” Hughs, Daniel “Danny” Kelley, and Daniel Suckley and reappointed Jane Bell and Lisa Greenberg to the Nueces River Authority for terms set to expire on Feb. 1, 2031.

Additionally, the Governor has appointed Shannon Freund for a term set to expire on Feb. 1, 2027. The Authority shall administer the control, employment, and conservation of the waters of the Nueces River Basin, forestation and reforestation, groundwater, storm water floodwater, water quality control, solid waste, and parks and recreational facilities.

Olen “Feller” Hughs of Barksdale is retired. He is a former president of Consolidated Beef Producers and former board member of Texas Cattle Feeders Association. He is the lay leader and treasurer at Barksdale Methodist Church and former volunteer firefighter with the Liberal Fire Department. Hughs received a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science from Texas Tech University (TTU).

Daniel “Danny” Kelley of Karnes City is retired after thirty years as an engineer. He is the financial secretary of the Karnes City Knights of Columbus, extraordinary minister at Immaculate Conception Church, and volunteer with Meals on Wheels. Kelley received a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Texas A&M University (TAMU).

Daniel Suckley of Corpus Christi is a senior lender and team leader at American Bank, N.A. He is a board member for the Robert and Janis Birchall Foundation and former board member for Visit Corpus Christi, the Padre Island Business Association, and the American Cancer Society. Suckley received a Bachelor of Business Administration from TAMU-Corpus Christi.

Jane Bell of Corpus Christi formerly served as the area director for the American Diabetes Association in Corpus Christi. She is a board member for the Corpus Christi Education Foundation and the Corpus Christi Symphony Orchestra, an associate member of the Charity League of Corpus Christi, and a former trustee for the Corpus Christi Independent School District School Board. Bell received a Bachelor of Journalism from The University of Texas at Austin.

Lisa Greenberg of Corpus Christi is an attorney with the Law Office of Lisa Greenberg. She is a board member of the Texas Criminal Defense Attorneys Association, president of the Coastal Bend Criminal Defense Lawyers Association, and board chair for the Nueces County Public Defender’s Office. Greenberg received a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Public Administration from TTU and a Juris Doctor from TTU School of Law.

Shannon Freund of Beeville is the customer development manager at Advantage Solutions – Mars Wrigley. She is a board member of the Beeville Education Foundation, a graduate of Leadership Bee County, and former board member of the Beeville Chamber of Commerce. Freund received a Bachelor of Arts from TAMU-Corpus Christi.

These appointments are subject to Senate confirmation.

Governor Abbott statement on attack of Denton County Commissioner Mitchell AUSTIN — Governor Greg Abbott released a statement following the attack on Denton County Commissioner Bobbie Mitchell and her husband, Fred Mitchell.

“Cecilia and I are heartbroken to hear of the passing of Commissioner Bobbie Mitchell’s husband, Fred Mitchell, after they were brutally attacked in their home this morning. I thank the Lewisville Police Department and other first responders for their quick response and for rushing Commissioner Mitchell to the hospital. Cecilia and I pray for Commissioner Mitchell as she recovers from her injuries and for Fred Mitchell’s family and loved ones as they mourn his death.”

In 2023, Governor Abbott appointed Bobbie Mitchell to the Commission on State Emergency Communications for a term set to expire on September 1, 2029. The Commission is charged with administering the state 9-1-1 service program and the statewide poison control program.