Julie Linn is stepping down as Gov. Rick Perry's education adviser to take over as executive director of Texans for Education Reform.

Dan Allen Hughes Jr. of San Antonio has been named the new chairman of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission by Gov. Rick Perry. His term expires at the pleasure of the governor. In addition, Thomas "Dan" Friedkin of Houston was designated chairman emeritus of the commission.

Former Texas Secretary of State John T. Steen Jr. of San Antonio was named by Perry to a spot on the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. His term expires on Aug. 31, 2019.

Chance Sampson has been hired as director of public affairs in the regulatory and public affairs division of Entergy Texas. He has served on the staffs of Comptroller Susan Combs and state Sen. Judith Zaffirini, D-Laredo, as well as the Senate Subcommittee on Higher Education under state Sen. Royce West, D-Dallas.

Bo Gilbert was chosen as the Insurance Council of Texas' chairman of the board of directors. His term began Jan. 1. Also, Robert Zeman was elected vice chairman, Lyndell Haigood was elected treasurer and Tom Fitzpatrick was elected secretary.

Martha Zeiher has been named the Hill Country Land Trust's first executive director. The trust works in a 19-county area with landowners to preserve their property through land easements.

GOP U.S. Sen. candidate Ken Cope has named Greg Jessen, a Tea Party activist and political organizer in West Virginia, as his campaign manager.

Deaths:

Bill Abington, a four-term legislator from Fort Worth who later headed what is now the Texas Oil and Gas Association. He was 92.

Larry York, a former first attorney general under John Hill and former Texas Youth Commission chairman. He was 72.