Political People and their Moves

Jennifer “Jenny” Downing Yoakum of Longview, Rebecca “Suzette” Tijerina of Castle Hills and Isaac “Chip” Thornsburg of San Antonio were named by Gov. Greg Abbott to the Texas State Board of Pharmacy for terms to expire Aug. 31, 2021.

President Barack Obama announced on Monday that he’s nominated a Texan to be the nation’s next ambassador to Ecuador. The nomination of Todd C. Chapman, who is a career member of the Foreign Service, is subject to approval by the Senate.

UT-Austin President Gregory Fenves announced Tuesday that UT Astronomy Department Chair Daniel Jaffe will serve as UT’s vice president for research starting in January.

In a surprise announcement, TxDOT leader Joe Weber, who has logged 18 months on the job, said he is stepping down at the end of the year.

Jodey Arrington, a former vice chancellor at Texas Tech University, and Slaton businessman and oilfield worker Jason Corley both plan to enter the race for the open Congressional District 19 seat in West Texas.

James K. "Red" Brown, who has acting deputy commanding general at Fort Bragg on his resume alongside a stint as a Lindale ISD school board member, has decided to run for the Republican nomination in the contest for the open Senate District 1 seat in East Texas.

Sen. Konni Burton, R-Colleyville, announced Tuesday she has hired Elliott Griffin, who previously served as external affairs director for Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, to serve as her chief of staff. He succeeds Art Martinez de Vara, the former mayor of Von Ormy, who was hired as Burton's chief of staff in late 2014.

Hudson ISD’s chief executive, Mary Ann Whiteker, was named the 2015 Superintendent of the Year by the Texas Association of School Boards.

John Scott has been selected to serve as the next chair of the political arm of the Texas Society of Anesthesiologists. Scott has served on the TSAPAC board since 2010 and has held the title of vice chair since 2014.

The Texas Civil Justice League's political arm announced Thursday their endorsement of Debra Lehrmann in her run for re-election to the Supreme Court. She is running for against Michael Massengale, who has sat on the First Court of Appeals since 2009.

Jim Wheeler, the majority whip in the Nevada Assembly, has endorsed Ted Cruz for president. Wheeler had co-chaired Scott Walker's campaign in the early voting state before the Wisconsin governor dropped out of the presidential race last month.

The Faith and Freedom Coalition’s Texas affiliate announced Wednesday its endorsement of Dawn Buckingham, who is one of several candidates running for the open Senate District 24 seat.

Andrew Piel, who is challenging incumbent Tony Tinderholt for the GOP nomination in the Tarrant County-based House District 94, announced an endorsement from Arlington ISD School Board President Jamie Sullins.

Former HD-115 representative Bennett Ratliff announced that the majority of board members in Coppell ISD and Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD are endorsing him in his run to regain the seat, including the districts’ presidents — David Apple of Coppell ISD and James Goode of Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD.

Kevin Roberts, a Republican candidate in the Harris County-based House District 126 race, announced Tuesday that he has received the support of more than 90 business and community leaders.

Dan Wolterman, president & CEO of the Memorial Hermann Health System, has decided to retire as CEO in the second half of 2016. He's held that title since 2002.

Vincent Harding was selected on Sept. 30 to be the next chairman of the Travis County Democratic Party. He is the party’s youngest chair and second African-American to hold the position.

Bunni Pounds, Republican fundraiser and campaign manager for U.S. Rep. Jeb Hensarling, R-Dallas, announced Monday she is launching a fundraising company that will cater to conservative candidates for national and state office. Her initial client list includes Hensarling as well as state Sens. Van Taylor, R-Plano, and Sen. Bob Hall, R-Edgewood.

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