Governor Greg Abbott has announced a slate of new appointments to key Texas state boards and commissions, including a new Criminal Justice Division Director and additions to transportation and occupational therapy oversight bodies.
Andrew Friedrichs will take the helm as the Governor’s Criminal Justice Division Executive Director, with his appointment effective March 1, 2026, Abbott’s office announced this week. Friedrichs will serve at the governor’s pleasure, joining several other appointees in what appears to be a significant refresh of state leadership positions.
Transportation Commission Gets New Blood
In a move that could shape Texas infrastructure priorities for years to come, Abbott has tapped Pat Gordon for the Texas Transportation Commission. Gordon’s term will run until February 1, 2027, according to a statement from the governor’s office.
Why does this matter? The Transportation Commission isn’t just another bureaucratic body. It oversees the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), wielding considerable influence over highway system development, statewide transportation planning, and public transportation initiatives throughout the Lone Star State.
One-Call Board Appointments Address Underground Safety
The governor has also made multiple appointments to the One-Call Board of Texas, which manages the state’s “Call Before You Dig” system. Tina Polin joins as a new appointee, while Joe Canales, Roberto De Leon, and Derek Delgado have been reappointed with terms running through August 31, 2028. Andrew Keefer rounds out the appointments with a term set to expire August 31, 2027.
The board plays a crucial but often overlooked role in public safety, working to prevent accidental strikes on underground utilities during excavation projects. It’s the entity that ensures contractors and homeowners can identify buried infrastructure before breaking ground — potentially preventing dangerous and costly accidents.
Occupational Therapy Board Sees New Faces
Abbott’s appointment spree didn’t stop there. The Texas Board of Occupational Therapy Examiners will welcome Erin Smith, O.T.D., and Lynn Wilde as new appointees, while Eddie Jessie has been reappointed. All three will serve terms ending February 1, 2031.
This board handles the licensing and regulation of occupational therapy services throughout Texas, ensuring practitioners meet professional standards and that Texans receive quality care.
The governor’s office typically makes these kinds of appointments in batches, but the current wave represents significant turnover across multiple regulatory bodies. What remains to be seen is how these new appointees might shift priorities or regulatory approaches in their respective domains.
For Friedrichs in particular, the two-year lead time before taking office as Criminal Justice Division Director suggests a planned transition, possibly aligned with other administrative changes expected after the next gubernatorial term begins.
