Texas Government Insider

Published: Fri, 01/16/26

Updated: Fri, 01/16/26

U.S. convention center projects surge as cities chase event-driven revenue growth

by Mary Scott Nabers, CEO of Strategic Partnerships, Inc.

Cities across the U.S. are increasing investment in convention and event facilities, reflecting broader shifts in public infrastructure strategy and economic development priorities.

Harris Health pursues $410M expansion for Ben Taub Hospital

Harris Health plans an expansion at Ben Taub Hospital to add beds, relieve emergency overcrowding and improve resiliency ahead of rising patient demand.

Texas A&M system elevates nuclear security, business leadership

The Texas A&M University System appointed two new leadership to senior executive roles, overseeing nuclear security initiatives and business affairs.

State grant propels Fort Worth's $90M Lebow Channel flood project

Fort Worth will use $90 million in state funding to build a detention basin and upgrade channels, bridges and culverts to reduce flood risk for nearby neighborhoods.

New leader to helm Texas Workforce Commission

The Texas Workforce Commission named Steve Pier as executive director, tapping a longtime state policy and technology leader to guide workforce programs statewide.

Austin finalizes plans for $69M highway connectivity deck

Austin has unveiled a $69 million plan to build two stitch structures over Interstate 35, advancing efforts to reconnect neighborhoods divided by the highway.

UTSW receives $25M to advance 3D liver printing technology research

UT Southwestern secured federal funding to develop advanced 3D bioprinting technology aimed at creating personalized artificial livers using patients’ own cells.

Port of Galveston receives state grant for mobility, pedestrian and traffic initiatives

The Galveston Wharves will use state grant funds to improve pedestrian access, traffic safety and mobility at key intersections and terminals.

Pflugerville selects public utilities and engineering director

Matt Rector has been selected as the public utility and engineering director for the city of Pflugerville.

Rector brings more than seventeen years of engineering experience. Most recently, Rector served as city engineer for the city of Hutto, where he managed the Capital Improvement Program. In an earlier role, Rector oversaw a water well rehabilitation, the city’s first in-house street rehabilitation program and the design and construction of an industrial park.

San Angelo appoints an assistant city manager

Tina Dierschke has been appointed assistant city manager for the city of San Angelo.

Dierschke has served as the city’s finance director since 2013, overseeing the organization’s $200 million budget and the four divisions of the finance department. In her new leadership role, Dierschke seeks to find opportunities to improve San Angelo’s infrastructure, reduce risk and ensure systems work to support staff success.

TEA names conservator to oversee Lake Worth ISD

Andrew Kim has been appointed as a conservator to oversee Lake Worth Independent School District (ISD).

Kim is expected to hold the position for approximately two years, during which time the district will be under the control of the Texas Education Agency (TEA). As conservator, Kim will provide support and coaching to staff, recommend improvement actions and provide progress updates to TEA.

Hays County gains new leader for Public Health Advisory Board

Valerie L. Holmes said she has been appointed as a member of the Hays County Health Department’s Public Health Advisory Board.

Holmes serves as associate vice president for student success and dean of students at Texas State University. As a member of the Hays County Public Health Advisory Board, Holmes will have the ability to gather input from the community on budget and programming to share with policymakers and health agencies annually.

State names new interim CIO, executive director for DIR

Tony Sauerhoff has been named interim executive director of the Texas Department of Information Resources (DIR) and interim chief information officer for the State of Texas.

Sauerhoff most recently served as DIR’s chief AI and innovation officer where he lead statewide efforts tied to responsible adoption of AI and emerging technologies. He previously served as the state’s chief information security officer and has held senior IT and cybersecurity roles across the public sector, including federal service.

Governor's Appointments (Jan. 10 - 16)

Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists

Chris Moose - Austin

Jamie Becker, Ph.D - Lewisville

Sangeeta Singg, Ph.D - San Angelo

Texas State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners

Sue Allen - Waco (Reappointed)

Lawrence "Larry" Moczygemba, D.V.M. - Berclair (Reappointed)

Wictoria Whitehead - Lubbock (Reappointed)

Humanities Texas

Julie Ruehle - Austin

Stacey Neal Combest - Huntsville

Ellen K. Ramsey - Midland

Jasper County Criminal District Attorney

John E. Burt - Buna

Child Protective Investigations Advisory Committee

Ryan D. Larson - Hutto

Terence Davis - Leander

Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles

Clint Gunnels - Jonesboro

Marsha Moberley - Lakeway

The Seventh Court of Appeals

Judy Parker - Lubbock (Chief Justice)

236th Judicial District Court in Tarrant County

H. Dustin "Dusty" Fillmore, III - Fort Worth

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