Abbott Appoints Steen to Texas Historical Commission, Adding to Houston Business Leader’s Public Service
Governor Greg Abbott has tapped James H.C. “Jamey” Steen for a seat on the Texas Historical Commission, marking the Houston businessman’s second state-level appointment in recent years.
The appointment, which will run through February 1, 2027, announced this week, places Steen in a position to help steer preservation efforts across the Lone Star State. As a commission member, he’ll help coordinate services supporting historical preservation projects initiated by county historical commissions, societies, agencies, and other institutions focused on Texas’s archeological and historical heritage.
Who is Jamey Steen? The Houston resident brings a blend of business acumen and historical interests to the role. He currently serves as a partner in Buckhorn Resources, L.P., and maintains an impressive array of civic and cultural affiliations. Steen holds life memberships with several prominent Texas organizations, including the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, Texas Southwest Cattle Raisers Association, and the Texas Land & Mineral Owners Association.
His credentials also include membership in Mensa and the distinction of being an Eagle Scout. Steen’s connections to Texas history run deep – he’s a member of the Sons of the Republic of Texas, specifically the William Barret Travis Chapter No. 7, and serves as a trustee of the San Jacinto Museum and Battlefield Association. Educationally, he holds a Bachelor of Arts in Foreign Affairs from the University of Virginia.
Building a Record of Public Service
This isn’t Steen’s first appointment to a state commission under Governor Abbott’s administration. He currently serves on the Texas Lottery Commission, having been appointed to a term that will expire on February 1, 2025 – creating a two-year overlap with his new Historical Commission duties.
The Texas Historical Commission itself functions as more than just a preservation authority. Beyond coordinating preservation efforts, the commission serves as a clearinghouse and historical information center, helping to maintain the state’s rich cultural narrative for future generations.
What makes this appointment particularly noteworthy? Steen’s dual commission appointments reflect both his versatility and the governor’s apparent confidence in his abilities to serve across different domains of state governance.
The appointment continues Abbott’s pattern of selecting individuals with diverse professional backgrounds and demonstrated civic engagement for key commission roles across the state government apparatus.
For history buffs and preservation advocates across Texas, the addition of someone with Steen’s background – particularly his existing ties to historical organizations – may signal continued focus on protecting the state’s historical landmarks and artifacts during a period of rapid development and growth throughout Texas.
